Chapter 1: Embracing Sobriety

How do you find joy in your new life of sobriety? After choosing to abstain from alcohol, the question becomes: What comes next?

Photo by Tyler Nix on Unsplash

When I initially stopped drinking, I felt overjoyed. Having attempted twice before and relapsed within months, I was determined this time. I understood that if I didn't succeed now, I might never try again. It was my last chance.

The initial six weeks proved to be manageable—though not effortless, it was easier than I anticipated. I was thrilled to discover improvements in my well-being during the first week; I felt 100% better. Within days, the alcohol had exited my system, and I was sleeping soundly. I woke up energized and optimistic, ready to celebrate another milestone in my sober journey.

A valuable resource during this period was the book Your Six Week Plan by Lucy Rocca and Sarah Turner. For more insights, refer to my article "Try This: Your Six Week Plan Book to Help You Be Alcohol-Free," published in Alcohol Is Not Your Friend on Medium on February 28, 2022. This guide was instrumental in helping navigate the early days of sobriety, featuring a daily journal to document emotions, progress, and challenges.

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing; there were days filled with anger. I realized that quitting was a choice—no one forced me to give up drinking—but I also recognized its necessity for a better life. Despite my commitment, I felt resentment about my addiction and longed for a "normal" relationship with alcohol.

Throughout this journey, I experienced a range of emotions: anger, fear, sadness, joy, curiosity, surprise, disgust, and shame. You will likely encounter these feelings as well.

Annie Grace captures this transformative decision beautifully in her book, This Naked Mind. She explains that choosing sobriety redefines your relationship with alcohol, viewing it as a deceptive foe rather than an enticing companion. By making this one significant choice, you liberate yourself from the endless daily struggles of an alcoholic lifestyle. Instead of wrestling with the decision to decline every drink for the rest of your life, you simply acknowledge the truth about alcohol. This decisive moment brings freedom and is far less taxing on your mental state than constant willpower.

I wholeheartedly resonate with this sentiment. I chose sobriety and made it my life's mission. No longer did I question whether I should indulge in a drink; I simply knew I wouldn't—end of story.

This commitment relieved me from the burden of willpower, fostering a sense of security and happiness. Remember, the pathway to addiction still lingers in your mind—avoid any temptation of alcohol, or you risk slipping back into dependency.

Opt to remain alcohol-free for life. Once you firmly commit to never drinking again, you emerge victorious.

Many fear that this journey will be agonizing or, at the very least, difficult. For me, it wasn’t as challenging once I fully committed. In my previous attempts, I hadn’t been wholly dedicated. This time, I was all in.

As Rainer Maria Rilke wisely stated, “Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror. Just keep going. No feeling is final.”

With each day of sobriety, your strength grows. This newfound strength breeds confidence, ultimately leading to happiness.

This is how you discover joy in your sobriety—you commit to being alcohol-free for life, knowing you possess the strength to succeed.

As always, I urge readers to seek medical guidance if you experience potential withdrawal symptoms, as they can be effectively managed with professional support.

Don’t hesitate to quit. Happiness awaits you, and the key to unlocking it lies in freeing yourself from alcohol's grasp. Make that transformative choice, and happiness will follow.

Chapter 2: Resources for Your Journey

The first video, Building a Meaningful Life In Recovery, explores how to create a fulfilling existence post-addiction, emphasizing the importance of community and self-discovery.

The second video, Finding Happiness After Addiction: Crystal's Story, shares a personal account of overcoming challenges and embracing joy in sobriety, inspiring others on their journeys.