I have been almost sober for three weeks now. I say almost sober because I was completely sober for two weeks. Not a sip of alcohol. After my two weeks were up, I didn’t run for the liquor store. I didn’t pop open a bottle of champagne. I didn’t drive to my favorite restaurant for a glass of my favorite wine. I was so certain that after my two weeks were up, I would do any of the above. I didn’t, nor did I want to. Even after a week–a mere seven days–I stopped craving it.
I like coming home from dinner and being able to read until 1 or 2am. I like not spending $30-40+ a night on alcohol alone. I was surprised to see the big difference in my bank account.
I say almost sober for three weeks because I had a glass of wine on a date. I winced when I took a sip and was so taken aback by the bitter, disgusting taste that I promptly ordered a pot of tea. Envious, my date asked politely, “Do you mind if I have a sip?”
Tonight, after another long work week, I exclaimed, “Guess what! I’m getting a glass of wine. I’m so excited!” Once again, after I finished a few sips of the Pinot Noir, I decided that that would be my only glass. Having been sober for this time, the one glass did me in. I passed out on the bus and woke up in a tizzy. In a crowded bus in the dark of night, I thought the worst. “OmiGod, am I in the Outer Richmond?” But God was kind. I was exactly one stop away from my place.
Some people are uncomfortable that I don’t drink. I can see that. It’s awkward for me to be at dinner getting a diet Coke when everyone else is drinking alcohol. I know it’s tough for them. I have one friend in particular who used to call me all the time. Not anymore. Hey, just because I don’t drink doesn’t mean I can’t go out! Please try to be a little more open minded than that.
The change is good for me. I’m happier. I’m proud of myself. I can’t believe I was addicted to alcohol for so long. It’s a huge lifestyle change for me. Keep in mind, I used to have at least two glasses of wine a night with dinner or before bed. I’m better off without them.
Krimey
February 8, 2009 at 4:49 pmwhat an impressive accomplishment cathee.
i stopped my ritual imbibement (imbibery?) in a similar fashion…but for a different reason. it was right after 9/11 and i was too afraid i’d need to be lucid at a moment’s notice. i’ve probably had about 10 drinks since then. guess i just lost interest.
but then i replaced it with other addictions, so it’s kind of a wash.
so look out for that! 🙂
Mrs. J
February 9, 2009 at 4:03 pmHooray for you! Health reasons imposed my sobriety for 9 months, but even now i continue. I don’t miss it either. Congrats!
Anonymous
February 10, 2009 at 7:25 ami don’t drink either….i did that in college and it wasn’t for me. I don’t like the taste. I’m old enough to know. Maybe a pina colada once in a while. There’s no reason you should feel obliged to drink just becasue everybody else is, or if anybody calls you out on it, than it’s probably just their own insecurities manifesting themselves.