19 September 1985 long time no booze

[catmandu57]

Eighteen years ago I gave it up, surrendered to a local alkie treatment center, and have made it just fine so far. Though, I've got to say the past couple of years have been a bitch.
I was, am a drunk. Not your everyday garden variety of drunk, but, a nasty drunk. What was harmless fun way back when, turned into serious heavy everyday drinking sometime in 1980, about the time I found out the light of my life was a two timing whore to put it kindly.
Then came rayguns, unemployment, desparation, the only way to cope was to stay drunk, and drunks know how to drink free, let me tell you, there's always someone to help out there.

Sometime in September of 85 I began to wake up, living day to day, sleeping on a friends floor, everything I owned fit in a cardboard box, a medium sized box. Finally on the 19th. I gave up, got sobered, educated, and cast aside, to become a thorn in the repiggies side.

So, anyway, I don't drink anymore, I've learned to deal with life without the aid of jim beam or augustus busch, and if I can keep my eyes open and watch out I'll stay that way whatever the chimp* throws at me.

[Braden]

1. congratulations

do you still have daily cravings or are you mostly at peace with liquor?

[wtmusic]

2. Congrats

A success story--you had the guts to see it through. Good for you.

[BigMcLargehuge]

3. Happy anniversary freddie!

savor your successes, reflect on the battle, and enjoy the person you've become.

[Mountainman]

4. This Thanksgiving will be 20 years for me

Only a couple of times has it been hard. Once when my mom died and a few others.

Life is much better sober though you have to take it as it is dished out, sort of with the bark on.

[madmax]

5. Congratulations and Happy Anniversary

:donut:

[papau]

6. God Bless - and congratulations

All you needed to do was get extreme gout - and then the pain caused by the booze would have meant no will power needed for you to give it up! :-)

But solid will power is usefull for much more than giving up booze - and congratulations for having that will power.

[Coventina]

7. Congratulations

You are a really strong, brave person.

:pals:

[MissMillie]

8. You are one strong dude!

I hope you realize that.

[Mountainman]

9. Happy Birthday!

[cjbuchanan]

10. Good job

Congratulations on make it through everything you have made it through.

[scarlet_owl]

11. I'm very happy for you

Way to go! Here's a hug :hug:

[VelmaD]

12. That is amazing.

Congratulations. You're an inspiration to all of us to stick to it in facing our own issues. Thank you for sharing your success with us all.

Darth Velma

[FlashHarry]

13. Keep it up!

You're doing great!

[NewYorkerfromMass]

14. Good for you. More power to 'ya!

I have old friends who didn't fare as well. One of them continued drinking heavily despite getting diagnosed with MS. It only hastened his deterioration and he is now wheelchair bound.

You are living life freely and I hope fully. Enjoy your life- you've had to fight for it, and any Repub fighter is a friend of mine.

[catmandu57]

15. No the craving is long gone

I've learned how to deal with the present, thanks everyone for helping me keep my sanity and sobriety.

[Wickerman]

18. I love reading post like this

Thanks and Happy Birthday. 4 years, 4 months for me. Your story is inspiration!

:party:

[roughsatori]

16. Thanks for Sharing

Wonderful news. :)

[Iris]

17. stick with it

I'm sure every day's a challenge esp. in the world we now live in.

[Skittles]

19. Congrats Freddy!

19 September 75. My first day of active duty in the Air Force! :D

[bearfan454]

20. You're doing damn good !