Committed, or maybe should be? Haha.
Hello, fellow travellers! I am on my (hopefully) final night of drinking, sitting at my computer having some beers before taking the long overdue plunge into sobriety. I am a surprisingly fit 60 year old ( frequently mistaken for being in my mid to late 40's) in a small city in Canada. My desire for sobriety has been long and frustrating (realizing a real problem and reaching out in 2004). Since then, I have attended somewhere in the vicinity of a hundred AA meetings, hearing some heartfelt stories, but not wanting to buy in to the 12 step philosophy surrendering to a higher power and embracing personal lack of power, if you will. Quite frankly, I don't believe either have much to do with my drinking, but, as I've always contended, if it works for you then all the (higher) power to you. I have never been to rehab (no, no, no...shoutout to Ms. Winehouse), and, like all harmful habits, I think the real first step is having the desire to quit, the rest is simply details and execution. I have successfully quit a 15 year cocaine habit ( six years and counting), and can say with confidence, my last line was my last line. Initially, when I found my brain thinking about coke, I would simply remember the worst moment of my experiences with the drug, and the impulse would quickly pass. As time went on, I found I could think about the coke high with a degree of detachment, that was me, it no longer holds any sway over my life. I think it will be the same with quitting drinking. I no longer have the need, the cons far outweigh the pros, and I am ready and motivated to get on to a healthy, fulfilling life. More to follow, peace to you all.
