Question For Ex Alcoholics?

Question

I've recently stopped drinking at the young age of 22 - I had been drinking since 14 and literally from the day I started my life took a horrible path - drunkly I stumbled down it. I'm really happy to be sobre, but this is my question:

What did you take up when you quit drinking? I've started reading alot, I've gotten a puppy. I also started doing things like camping, sitting under the stars sobre is just as euphoric as doing it drunk if you ask me! What about you guys?

Answer 1

Congratulations on your recovery!  First of all, there is no such thing of a Ex-Alcoholic.  You are a "recovering" alcoholic.  All of what you mentions is absolutely fantastic! It is very important that you continue with your meetings, and of course, making the change of people, place & things will set you on the right track.  You can give back by helping others. This can be very rewarding for you.  Keep yourself very active physically and mentally...Read, spend time with positive people.   God Bless you and again, I don't know you but am Proud of you!

Answer 2

I just worked a lot more and hung out with my friends and family, I went to meetings to stay strong, and I started reading and watching more movies.

Good luck!!!

Answer 3

First, I worked on the depression that kept me drinking throughout the years.

Then I did some volunteer work that later led to a job in the mental health field.

As soon as I started getting my life together, I looked up an old flame that I had lost touch with when I was lost in depression and alcoholism and married her. I wrote a bit about it on my blog:

http://raysny.multiply.com/journal/item/...

There are pics too if you poke around.

And yes, I DO consider myself an ex-alcoholic.

"One recent study found that 80% of all alcoholics who recover for a year or more do so on their own, some after being unsuccessfully treated. When a group of these self-treated alcoholics was interviewed, 57% said they simply decided that alcohol was bad for them. Twenty-nine percent said health problems, frightening experiences, accidents, or blackouts persuaded them to quit. Others used such phrases as "Things were building up" or "I was sick and tired of it." Support from a husband or wife was important in sustaining the resolution."

Treatment of Drug Abuse and Addiction -- Part III, The Harvard Mental Health Letter, October 1995.

The only people who quit but still identify themselves as alcoholics are members of AA.