[Faith711]

Today I am 50 days sober. It does not sound like a lot, but it feels like forever to me. I have always resorted to alcohol when I am stressed/depressed. It has always been a crutch for me when I no longer want to face or think about the issues within myself.

As the holidays approach I worry about falling back into drinking. I have chose not to go back to my hometown for the holidays. I feel the need to avoid family and friends to better figure out myself.

Has anyone else felt like this about drinking/holidays?

[madisgram]

oh faith good to hear from you here. those 50 days sober are nothing to be scoffed at. you've earned each day as it came. all of us sober for no matter the time are life's miracles. you don't mention if you go to AA. i needed more than i could do alone to get sober. so i went to AA. if you haven't gone to a mtgs. i'd suggest you give it a go.
as for my early days sober-lord yes it was especially difficult. so much booze around and the temptation was so strong. this is what i did...i spent many holidays alone. also when i joined AA i went to many mtgs. a day. there were others there struggling with the holiday too. we gave each other the support we needed to strengthen our resolve. many years later i can look forward to holidays cause i don't put value into a drink anymore. i love life today...sober. so i'd suggest you stay around sober people and avoid parties or whatever that may be temptation. you will enjoy those same holidays immensely with a clear head and no hangover to deal with the longer you stay sober. just take it a minute, an hour and a day at a time for now.
we're here for you and so glad you came forward so we can get to know you. lots of hope here and we spread it around!

[Faith711]

Thank you for the suggestions and words of encouragement. I really appreciate it. I have not gone to AA meetings yet. I know I need to push myself to give it a try. I guess I feel like a failure to admit I have an issue with alcohol.

[Leed]

Oh Faith, why would you feel like a failure because you have an issue with alcohol? Do you know how many FAMOUS people are alcoholic? Good grief, if I searched Google, and came up with names, I wouldn't have room here to list them all! And these are high profile, high-earning people! They're not failures just because they're alcoholics! And YOU aren't either!!!

Millions of people in the U.S. are alcoholics -- but it doesn't mean they're failures. Some do hit the skids. But not all.

If you want help, it's there for the asking. AA is open to ANYONE who wants to stop drinking. And like Madisgram suggested, you would be well served to take in some meetings and see what they're all about. Perhaps you won't like all the talk about a "higher power" but you can take what you want and leave the rest. You really DO need the support tho. AA saved my life and I didn't like all that higher power talk either, but later on I began to listen.

I wish you the very best. Congratulations on 50 days sober!!! That's a great accomplishment! I'm glad you're not going home for the holidays -- it's a good decision. Take care and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[Ladyzero]

Well done, hugs and looking forward to the next 50 days.

I agree! I always drink on the holidays, this year will be different. Hopefully.

[midcenturymodern]

I too am struggling with the thought of getting through the holidays without drinking. One step at a time.....