Being sober just feels so much better

[Tobin S.]

I'm 36 and I feel the best I ever have in my life. I don't go to AA, but I'm not going to knock it. I just wanted to stop in and share a little bit about my story. Maybe it will help somebody, and it will certainly help me. I talk about my issues with alcohol, tobacco, and food in the lounge sometimes, too. Maybe some of you will recognize me from there. We all need positive reinforcement. I think it helps everyone- the speaker and the listener.

I used to smoke 2 packs a day. I gave it up in April of '08. I was already obese at the time, weighing in at 240, but over the course of the next 8 months I put on another 50 pounds. I gave up the booze for a couple of months after I quit smoking, but then got back into it. On New Year's Day of this year I awoke with a terrible hangover and was angry at myself for being a drunken fool. So I laid down the beer, too. A couple of weeks later I signed up at a weight loss clinic.

I'm still a non-smoker and I've been sober for just over 7 months. I've got my weight under control. I've lost 90 pounds and I'm weighing in at 200 now days. I'm very healthy now. My blood pressure and cholesterol were creeping up there, but they are back within healthy range.

The smokes were probably hurting my body the most, and the alcohol was probably hurting my mind the most. I liked to have anywhere from 2-6 beers after work through the week. On the weekend it wasn't uncommon for me to have 15 beers on Saturday night and then spend all day Sunday recovering. I probably held that pattern for about 4 years, but I've exhibited the traits of a binge drinker ever since I got drunk for the first time when I was 15.

My life is so much better now that I've stopped drinking. Alcohol was probably keeping me from doing something about my weight as well. I am optimistic and happy now. My social life is also better as are my relationships with my family members. My feelings of dread and self-loathing are loosening their hold on me. I don't hate myself anymore.

Peace to you all. :grouphug:

[elleng]

1. PEACE AND LOVE TO YOU, TOBIN S.

:grouphug:

[Kajsa]

2. Thanks for sharing your story, Tobin!

I'm so glad you found a healthy way of living.
You must feel so much better, all around.

Keep up to good work.

Peace to you too, my friend.

:hug:

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

3. I am grateful you have found your value.

Humanity can be a cruel world, huh.

Humanity can be an awesome piece of life, from time-to-time,...and you have to embrace both yourself and that piece of humanity which inspires you,...every little piece.

I embrace you!!!

[david13]

4. You bet. I haven't had alcohol or a cigarette in more than 24

years. It's nice, sweet, in and of itself.
dc