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One year sober today!

32 replies

Lampros · 26/04/2026 13:49

After many years of having a problematic relationship with alcohol and admitting I am an alcoholic, I am one year sober today.

I've bought myself a birthday cake to celebrate ☺️

OP posts:
ButterYellowHair · 28/04/2026 10:36

LikelyLacking · 26/04/2026 13:54

What an achievement! You did it - you’ve done what a lot of us with a problematic relationship with alcohol would love to do too - a whole year!

How do you feel now? Has it taken a year to find your equilibrium? I’m a week in, after so many times of trying, so it’s great to see your post

Week 1 and month 1 is hard, then the next few months get easier but it’s still a weird mindset to be in where everyone else’s drinks around you and you miss it a lot.

Month 3 I started to feel physically good - good sleep, good skin, mind clarity. Still felt socially awkward though.

Month 6 I realised I didn’t think about alcohol anymore much, my brain wasn’t seeing it as an option and the only sad parts were when friends continued the party but then as I got into bed clean, safe, happy, tired and with no hangover ahead that soon faded. I do have an addiction to tea now though. And Vinted 😂

At month 7, my skin glows, I’m the thinnest I’ve been since I was 16, my sleep is amazing (8hrs every night, up at 7am even on weekends in a good way), my breathlessness is gone, my eczema has reduced, my brain fog is gone and my mood is stable. The shape of my face has even changed - sharp cheekbones and no puffiness. A friend who hadn’t seen me in a few months did a double take! Nothing is ever a crisis anymore and anxiety is gone. I’m in the middle of exams and have a very sick husband but I somehow know I can handle it all.

Im the happiest I’ve ever been and giving up booze was the cause.

LikelyLacking · 28/04/2026 10:55

ButterYellowHair · 28/04/2026 10:36

Week 1 and month 1 is hard, then the next few months get easier but it’s still a weird mindset to be in where everyone else’s drinks around you and you miss it a lot.

Month 3 I started to feel physically good - good sleep, good skin, mind clarity. Still felt socially awkward though.

Month 6 I realised I didn’t think about alcohol anymore much, my brain wasn’t seeing it as an option and the only sad parts were when friends continued the party but then as I got into bed clean, safe, happy, tired and with no hangover ahead that soon faded. I do have an addiction to tea now though. And Vinted 😂

At month 7, my skin glows, I’m the thinnest I’ve been since I was 16, my sleep is amazing (8hrs every night, up at 7am even on weekends in a good way), my breathlessness is gone, my eczema has reduced, my brain fog is gone and my mood is stable. The shape of my face has even changed - sharp cheekbones and no puffiness. A friend who hadn’t seen me in a few months did a double take! Nothing is ever a crisis anymore and anxiety is gone. I’m in the middle of exams and have a very sick husband but I somehow know I can handle it all.

Im the happiest I’ve ever been and giving up booze was the cause.

That’s so inspiring to read! I want all those benefits and I do feel differently this time.

I am so sick and tired of stopping and starting, day 1 over again. I only drink at the weekend and below the guidance amount, but that’s only because I keep control if it through sheer willpower, which is so exhausting , but it’s still a binge and takes me days to recover, mostly mentally (horrendous depression for 4 days after) but physically too.

I’m so tired of doing it to myself and my poor middle aged body is really complaining - so thank you for that timeline, it definitely motivates me and I’m so pleased that you’re doing so well, despite your DH being unwell and exam stress - I guess it just makes it a whole lot easier to deal with, without the alcohol!

Snowie99 · 28/04/2026 11:20

Well done. I’m 3 days sober 🤞

TwiceForLunch · 28/04/2026 15:12

Congratulations!!!

I am on day 1. It was reading your thread yesterday that helped me to decide today is day 1.

I am going to visit family in 9 weeks. They live abroad and are highly critical of my appearance- specifically weight. So I am hoping that I can lose weight and have fresh glowy skin. Also hoping to use some money saved for a new hairstyle etc.

I drink WAY too much, so this is not just a vanity thing. I have slipped into using alcohol as a crutch for a very stressful life- disabled child, husband who works away 3 weeks a month, child doing GCSes. recurrent depression, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia which leaves me in constant pain, job I loathe and detest with a bullying line manager. Alcohol is being misused to try and calm down every day, to try and get through the day etc.

I'd love to know how quickly you started seeing real weight loss? I have also started to develop roseacea which can be alcohol-related so am hoping that things settle down soon.

Thanks
Mumoftwoandcats · 28/04/2026 17:59

Well done, that’s a brilliant achievement and you should be very proud of yourself. Enjoy your cake 🎂🎂🎂

PurpleReindeer2 · 28/04/2026 18:00

Well done OP 🎉

88expertprocastinator · 30/04/2026 14:52

Huge well done to you! I hit a year in January and I cannot believe how much better my life is.

you have made such a huge and positive change in your life and I hope you’re proud of yourself every day x

do you plan on ever drinking again? I had it in my mind that I would (once I got a handle on it) but have just lost all desire to drink again - doubt I’ll ever drink except tbh.

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