IABU - I’ve just had a glass of wine

[Hiphopopotamus]

And I’m a recovering alcoholic. 5 months sober. All gone now like I’d never bothered. So here I am, back to square one

You're not back to square one if you stop drinking it now. Then you've done something you couldn't do before, and you can keep going.

Aw op, you've made me cry. Congratulations. You are awesome

Recovery isn't linear.

Forgive yourself, pour this one out, get rid of the bottle.

You can never be perfect but you can strive for better for yourself and you owe it to yourself.

It's not square one, it's just a step back.

I didn't RTFT but well done OP. You're amazing. Seriously well done.

@Hiphopopotamus

So I’m resurrecting my old zombie thread for a second time just to confuse everyone! (Apologies to all who will only read the first post and offer me advice based on that - that’s on me) But I find this thread a really helpful one to come back to and reread and reflect on where I was and where I am now.

Last time I posted I was six months sober and still a bit shaky about the whole thing. I’m now over three years sober. I haven’t touched a drop in all that time, and if I’m ever tempted I look at my new one year old daughter and it reminds me how much she deserves me to be at my best, and not my old drinking self. She has never seen me drink, and my hope is she never will. As a family we’ve been through some tough times in the last couple of years (haven’t we all!) and to stay sober through it all has been one of my biggest achievements.

So if you are currently reading this and struggling, or thinking about quitting, or beating yourself up for falling off the wagon, it really can be done. It might not always go smooth and you might have bumps along the way, but I have found that I can cope with anything as long as I don’t drink.

I did read the first post, then filtered your replies.

WELL DONE! I’m so very proud of you!

Huge congratulations on your sobriety and your dd op. What an inspirational thread.

Fantastic update OP,
Well done 👏

OP that is fantastic news, really so very well done 😊

Many congratulations - you are truly inspirational

@Hiphopopotamus

So I’m resurrecting my old zombie thread for a second time just to confuse everyone! (Apologies to all who will only read the first post and offer me advice based on that - that’s on me) But I find this thread a really helpful one to come back to and reread and reflect on where I was and where I am now.

Last time I posted I was six months sober and still a bit shaky about the whole thing. I’m now over three years sober. I haven’t touched a drop in all that time, and if I’m ever tempted I look at my new one year old daughter and it reminds me how much she deserves me to be at my best, and not my old drinking self. She has never seen me drink, and my hope is she never will. As a family we’ve been through some tough times in the last couple of years (haven’t we all!) and to stay sober through it all has been one of my biggest achievements.

So if you are currently reading this and struggling, or thinking about quitting, or beating yourself up for falling off the wagon, it really can be done. It might not always go smooth and you might have bumps along the way, but I have found that I can cope with anything as long as I don’t drink.

You stunner, well done! And a new baby as well, this is such a good update.

That’s wonderful 😃

Brilliant - well done!

I read your post then thought I wonder why this is popping up again. I got chills as I read your update. Chills of joy and amazement at it. Well done you !

That is amazing, well done @Hiphopopotamus👏😊
Your posts really brought a tear to my eye. You're amazingly strong, don't beat yourself up about past deeds but keep your eye on the future.
for you for congratulations

This is a fantastic update to read. Well done!

You. Are. Wonderful.

And courageous and brave and all the things that go into waking up each and every day and deciding not to drink. My brother is now 6 years sober and I am more proud of him than I can say. You go girl, and continue to live your best life.

And remember that your post will touch someone and encourage them to stop drinking, too.

Congratulations! Fantastic news

That's amazing news! What an achievement and congratulations on your beautiful new family.

Please stay strong, it was only a slip, call your sponsor or find a meeting.

So proud of you. I’m just over 4 years. We did it girl!!

You are amazing!
Congratulations on your daughter - what a fantastic role model you are to her!

What a lovely thread! Your daughter will be very proud of you.

Well done. It’s great when people come back threads like these an update.
You should be so proud of yourself.
Congratulations on your daughter xx

I didn't notice the date on your first post and my initial reaction to your first post was a little judgemental if I'm honest.

But Ibam so delighted to read your most recent update. Alcoholism runs in one side of my family and it's not easy task to turn it around. It's always nice to hear of cases where someone manages to turn it around. It gives hope to others. Fair play to you,it couldn't have been easy.

You don't know just how much this thread might reach the right person at the right time. I'm guessing that your advice from your previous experiences would be that one secret glass or one secret weekend just doesn't work. It's down to the wiring in the brain. It's wonderful to read that that a slip or two doesn't mean you can never be sober. Thank you so much for this thread.

I would also add to anyone who is struggling, when you have that horrible feeling after drinking and then stopping - the withdrawal and the anxiety, tell yourself "I never ever have to feel this way again".