Are You Proud Of Your Sobriety Date?

For anyone that has been addicted to drugs or alcohol for a good part of their lives, sobriety seems like it would never be in their future, but I am here to tell you, anyone can get and stay sober if you want to change your life as I did over 5 years ago.

When the person with an addiction decides they want out of this horrible addiction they have the question comes to mind, "will I be able to live a life without alcohol or drugs?"
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That was the very question I asked myself 5 years ago when I stopped drinking alcohol. It sure was hard. When a person has had drugs or alcohol in their life for so long and depend on it throughout their everyday life, it is very hard to just say goodbye, in fact it is a scary thought.  At least it was for me.

The happiest and most scariest day for me was the day I decided to surrender to the demons that have ran my life and other lives for so long.  I finally got out of the denial I lived in for so long thinking, "I don't have an addiction and anyone that thinks I do are totally nuts."  I just like my alcohol.  Dead wrong statement for sure! I was addicted, and like I said, when I finally admitted it I was on my way to recovery and a sober life.

For all the alcoholics and drug addicts out there that have got sober the question is, "Are you proud of your sobriety date?"  I know I am and can't wait till that date comes around each year.

October 27th 2009 is my sobriety date.  The time flew by and I still can not believe I have been clean and sober for 5 + years. granted in the beginning it was a tough ride wondering to myself, "will I be able to do this life change?"

I stayed positive and kept telling myself.  "I will not let my demons run or ruin my life for one more second."

Be proud of your sobriety date as I am.  Brag to all that told you that you were an alcoholic or drug addict.  Show them it is possible for anyone with an addiction to change their life around.

Now 5 years later I write each and every night on many different websites trying to get the word out to people that are struggling with an addiction, that there is always hope for all involved.  So make up your mind to change your life and just do it.  You will be surprised of just how strong you really are, when in fact you thought you were doomed for life with your addiction.

Alcohol Abuse - DEATH by Self-Destruction

For anyone that abuses alcohol must know what the outcome will be in the future right?  If you don't know, then this title should tell it all. Alcohol Abuse - DEATH by self-destruction is how I would word it.  Sooner or later your alcohol abuse will catch up with you and it will not be a pretty thing.

Sooner or later your alcohol abuse will start to effect your health, if it hasn't all ready.  We really don't know what our bodies are doing inside right?  Sooner or later our body will tell us, and then it may be too late to fix or heal anything.

All of us alcoholics are killing ourselves slow, but sure.  It is really sad to see all the people that abuse alcohol ruining their lives with drinking too much and not knowing when enough is enough.  For these alcoholics it is never enough.  I would know, because back 5 years ago it was never enough alcohol to please me and get me to that state of mind alcohol did to me.

Probably many of you that read my articles are getting sick and tired of hearing about alcohol, and if so, that is too bad, just leave the site. I will continue to write about alcohol, and what your life will be like if you don't change your ways, until my fingers no longer move on this keyboard.

I know what can happen because alcohol was my life for many of years until I finally realized where my life was headed, and it was not good. So, I got out of the denial I lived in for so long and changed my life for the better, and I have to tell you, it was the best thing I could have ever done in my life.

No one just wakes up one morning and says to themselves, "I think I will abuse alcohol or do drugs to self-destruct myself."

That is not how it happens as you may know.  We start off drinking alcohol, and in many cases nowadays, at a very young age, just to see what alcohol feels like and how we would feel drunk.  Then you like the way alcohol makes you feel, BUT now it takes more alcohol to get to that buzz you had the first time and then it escalates to more and more alcohol and before you know it you can't live without it. You are addicted and alcohol now is running your life.  The same thing goes for drugs, although I never used them, so I am not a expert on telling you what drugs do, but I do know it too will kill you in the end just as abusing alcohol will do.

Don't self-destruct yourself with something that is very avoidable.  The way out of this self-destructing life is to simply NOT DRINK OR USE DRUGS.

IT'S THAT SIMPLE!

ALCOHOL ADDICTION - Where Is Your Life Headed?

Unfortunately, there are millions of people that have an alcohol addiction, and in other cases addicted to drugs as well. It is so sad to see so many people in the world having these addictions that will in the end ruin their life, and the lives they share, and in other cases, DEATH by self-destruction.

Here are a few things from my own experiences of being addicted to alcohol, and have been tagged as an alcoholic for the rest of my life. I made my bed so I must now lie in it right, BUT I was strong enough to admit that I had an alcohol problem and I did something to change my life.  I stopped drinking alcohol and couldn't happier.

Alcohol addiction, and where your life is headed is something to really think about if you care to live a longer, healthier and happier life.

I thought many times over the many years I drank alcohol that I should really slow down or quit drinking alcohol for good, BUT I didn't have the willpower to just stop drinking and never touch alcohol  again.

I thought, "how can I survive without alcohol in my life. Wouldn't life be boring I thought to myself."  "What would my drinking buddies think if I decided to just stop drinking?"

Well, back in October of 2009 it finally hit me and I thought, "where is my life headed if I continue to drink and ABUSE alcohol?"

1.  I thought long and hard of my past with drinking and abusing alcohol.
2.  I thought of the hurt I put on others by my actions, and things I said to the ones that loved me and          cared for me.
3.  I thought of all the money I was blowing on alcohol when my family needed more important things        such as food.
4.  I thought about all the quality time and family gatherings I missed out on because I wanted to stay          home and drink.
5.  I thought about my health and what my physical appearance started to look like.
6.  I looked in the mirror and said to myself, "I look like crap and not what I used to look like."

Do any of these statements ring a bell to you yet?  I hope so because I think all of us alcoholics have thought about this, and deep down wanted to get sober, but we just didn't have to willpower to stop.

Well, for myself the statements above made my make a change in my life and a HUGE change in my family's life as well.

Any of us can do this, as I did, if you truly want a new life for yourself.  It just takes some Massive Action on your part to make this happen for you.  It won't be easy, BUT anything good in life doesn't come easy and that includes GETTING and STAYING SOBER.

God Bless all of you that are suffering from an addiction. You can do it!!! It is worth trying and trying HARD. You will not be sorry you changed your life, I Promise You!

Are You Afraid Of The Holidays Coming Because Of Your Past Addiction?

Well everyone, the Holidays are right around the corner, and for those like myself, it is tough to watch others drink and have a good time during these upcoming Holidays, or is it?

Are you afraid of the Holidays coming because of your past addiction?  I bet you are, just as I am afraid.  Yes, the temptation is always there, and everywhere you look people are at Holiday parties, in bars, clubs etc. drinking and having a so called a good time, till the next morning right?  That is something I will never miss, those massive hangovers.

Listen everyone, I know it will be hard for all of us that have had a past with battling our addiction of alcohol, and for many others, drugs.  We are battling our addiction every single day, but we all have to be stronger than the addiction that once ran and almost ruined our lives, and the lives of the very ones that loved and cared for us, and hopefully still do.  I hope and pray we all got sober before it was too late.

I have been clean and sober since October 27, 2009 and have gone to many parties, bars and other functions that alcohol was at my hands reach.  In fact, my daughter got married and even though I bought all the alcohol for the reception, I had not one drop, not even a toast, because I know myself, and know if I were to take just that one sip and taste what alcohol feels like back on my tongue, I would be doomed and right back to my drinking and abusing alcohol once more.

I can not do that to myself and ruin all the hard work it took to first off, stop drinking, and secondly, the work it takes to stay sober each and everyday.  It truly isn't worth that one sip or that one drink my friends.  I hope you feel the same way and have the strength and willpower to say NO Thank You, I don't drink anymore.

Be proud of your sobriety, and tell those that may ask you if you want a drink during these Holidays, or any day for that matter, No I stopped drinking, but Thank you anyway, I'll pass on that.  

I love to brag about my sobriety as you should too.  After all, we worked our ass off just to get sober and still working each and everyday just to stay sober. 

Don't be afraid of the upcoming Holidays.  Just sit back and enjoy yourself SOBER.  You will thank yourself for not drinking, or even having that temptation.  It is not worth it, for that one more and probably many more buzzes ahead if you are too weak and break.  Be strong and proud of your sobriety.  Your body will indeed thank you too.

I have learned since I have been sober, I have more fun at parties and functions that alcohol is being served than I ever did when I depended on alcohol to make me think WOW I had a blast at the party last night, etc. IT IS FAKE FUN REALLY.

Why Alcoholics Are Afraid Of Sobriety

For all those people out there in the world that loved to drink and abuse alcohol, something has happen to many of them, and that is, they couldn't live one day without alcohol.  They turned into an alcoholic and they ask themselves "why alcoholics are afraid of sobriety?"

There are millions of people in the world that are suffering with this addiction to alcohol and they are afraid to change their lives and live their life clean and sober.

It is truly hard to stop drinking alcohol.  I know this because I was one of those alcoholics that never wanted to change my life for the simple reason, I depended on alcohol as part of my everyday life.

I was afraid of sobriety as many alcoholic are.  We are so used to having alcohol each and everyday and hesitate to change because we don't know what we will feel like without alcohol on our lives, so we continue to drink and abuse alcohol.

The more we drink, the more we want and need to get to that buzz we had the last time.  It takes more and more to get to that point of feeling good, buzzed or just plastered drunk.

It truly is a sad thing, because each day we drink and abuse alcohol we are missing out on one more precious sober day.

For myself, I loved to drink just as much as the next person.  I couldn't go one day without drinking and getting to that point of feeling buzzed or drunk.  Many of us are functioning alcoholics, as I was and I am not ashamed to say so.  I messed up my life and the people that shared my life.  I takes a strong person to say, " I have had enough and I want my sobriety back into my life."

Sometimes it takes many years to realize that a change has to be made as it took many years for me to do so, but I finally did it and couldn't be happier today.  I never knew what a day, week or month felt like being sober.  In fact, now as I write this I have been sober for over 5 years and I continue to write about alcohol addiction in hope to help someone out in the world that is suffering from the addiction I had.

So you ask, "why alcoholics are afraid of sobriety?"  The answer I can come up with is through my experiences with drinking and abusing alcohol.
1. We are so used to having alcohol in our bodies each and everyday.
2. We are afraid of being without alcohol even for one day, for the fear of how we will feel without it.
3. Many alcoholics are afraid of what their drinking buddies will think of them if they become clean and sober and decide to change their life around.
4. Many alcoholics are of getting sick with the DT's if they stop drinking alcohol.  (In that case those people should seek a Rehab. Center to detox in a safe manner with the proper medical help.)

Don't be afraid to change your life for the better, because in the long run, you will thank yourself for making that change.  REMEMBER: Everyone of us are here on Earth just one time, so why would we want to live our one and only life drunk, and miss out on the precious things life has to offer, and that includes having quality time with our loved one, such as your Parents, Spouses, Children and in many cases Grandchildren. 

How Remembering Your Past Alcohol Addiction Helps With Your Recovery And Long Term Sobriety

This has helped me in many ways over the past years of my sobriety.  How remembering your past alcohol addiction helps with your recovery and long term sobriety.

I have been sober since October 27, 2009, and I must say it has been a journey to say the least. Many times during those years of recovery the urge and temptation to drink alcohol again came over more than I can say.

Once the urge or temptation came on me I admittedly thought of my past drinking days and what I did to myself and those that loved and cared for me. I remembered the wrong things I said, and the wrong things I did.  By thinking of my past addiction, and the things I did and said put a stop to the urge and temptation to drink alcohol again.

I knew and learned over the years that drinking alcohol solved nothing, and in fact only made things worse.  I drank alcohol all those years thinking that whatever was wrong in my life it would just go away by drinking and abusing alcohol.

If you are in recovery and those temptations and urges come over you, like they do me, just remember those bad days of your addiction and hopefully that reminder of those days will put a stop to picking up that drink of alcohol.  It really works for me and I truly think it will work for you, BUT you have to be stronger than that temptation and those urges to drink.

Another thing that pops into my mind when that urge to drink comes over me is all the years I have been sober and if I were to touch that drop of alcohol all those years would be in vein,, meaning I would have to start at day one in my sobriety and that is something you or I would never want to happen!

So, this is what really helps me to stay clean and sober, and hopefully this will help you to remain sober when that temptation or urge to drink comes over you.

Granted, I am sure that urge will come over you, more than once during your recovery, as it does me, but if you think of what your past was while drinking and abusing alcohol, and give that urge some time to pass, you will be just fine.  Just do yourself a favor and never give in to the demons that will always be inside our bodies. You must be much stronger than them, and if you keep that positive attitude and stay strong (you and I will be just fine!)

God Bless all those that have made it to sobriety and have had the strength to surrender to their inner demons, and God Bless all those that are still coping with their addiction to alcohol, but never fear, with the right frame of mind, having a positive attitude and having the willingness to stop drinking forever, all will be fine for you.  

It is not the end of the world because you have an addiction, but it could be if you don't change your life around for the better.  

I DID IT AND SO CAN YOU!

Abusing Alcohol And Your Life Ahead

I have nothing against anyone that drinks alcohol, but abusing alcohol and your life ahead can be disastrous in the upcoming years.

What I mean here is that drinking to much, or doing to much of anything can be harmful.  For a guy like myself, I only wished I could drink only one or two social drinks, but in my case, and in many cases, we that abuse alcohol just don't when we have had enough to drink.  We continue to drink until we have had our fill of alcohol for the day and get to that buzz or high we all long for.

I have been sober since October of 2009 and have not touched a drop of alcohol, although there were many times I had that urge or temptation to pick up that drink and get drunk just like the old times.

I made a promise to myself back in October of 2009, telling myself I will never touch another drop of alcohol no matter how good or bad my life get.  I continue to keep a positive attitude at all times and continue to tell myself that drinking and abusing alcohol helps nothing in life, in fact it only make matters worse.

You will never realize what you were doing to your bodies and those people that loved and cared about you until you have been clean and sober for some time and then it hits you exactly what you have been doing to destroy your one and only life.

Drinking alcohol and having a good time is okay by me if and only if you drink alcohol responsibly and not drink and abuse alcohol.  That is the part that just didn't go right with me and so many other people that have an addiction to alcohol. 

If you are one those that are abusing alcohol than you really need to sit back (in a sober state of mind) and look into your future and see the life that is ahead of you.  If you truly look hard enough you will see that your life will be going nowhere except downward to rock bottom.

Once you see what is going to happen, and you except this, you might want to make a huge change in your life as I made that change in my life.  I am not telling you what to do because it is your life, but I am just warning you of the outcome that is ahead if you continue to drink and abuse alcohol. It won't be a pretty thing, so act now and get yourself sobered up, and live that one and only life you have with long term sobriety.

There is hope for every alcoholic, if you really want to change you life.  Your life is not over just because you have a addiction.  Your new life is waiting for you!  Now, all you have to do is to go after that new life and make good of it.  Sobriety cost nothing except your acceptance that you need help and you are willing to change your life for the better.

Put the drink down once and for all and start living the life you were put on this Earth to live.

If you think alcohol will not ruin your life, you are dead wrong.  You just have to wake up and see it for yourself, and not let someone like me tell you in an article like this one.  I write these articles because I went through all of this and finally realized after many years of drinking and abusing alcohol that my life was going nowhere and I needed to change, so I did, and could not be happier.

Alcohol will ruin your life if you let it!

Read more of my articles here on the Clean Life, and my articles on HubPages.

How To Stop The Urge To Drink Alcohol While In Recovery

Here is how to stop the urge to drink alcohol while in recovery from what works best for me now being sober for over four years.

As we all know, or for anyone that has an alcohol addiction problem, we know that urges and temptations to drink alcohol come over us more than once while we are trying to stay sober.  For myself when those urges come over me I look back at the dark days of hell when I drank and abused alcohol.

It is a reminder of just how my life was, always depending on the alcohol to make me have a good day, so I thought.

You need to really think of what you put your body through, and not only that, what you put your family and friends through while you were drinking and abusing alcohol.  You know that when we drink too much, and are addicted to the substance that just may ruin your life, and the lives of others, you have to realize once you are sober and that urge comes about you can not give in ever!

The demons that are still inside us are just waiting for us to mess up and pick up that one glass of alcohol.  That one glass of alcohol that will be the ruination of out sobriety.

I know for myself, if I were to touch one sip of alcohol it would be the end of my long term sobriety, and I am sure it would be the same for anyone that has been sober for some time.  All of us have to be stronger than any urge or temptation to drink alcohol and it has to be forever.

Here is what I think about when that urge to drink comes over me:

• How I felt while drinking and abusing alcohol.
• What I put my family through all those years of drinking.
• The money I spent on alcohol instead of spending it on my families needs.
• The massive hangovers every morning.
• What I began to look like over time appearance wise.
• How I felt physically and mentally.
• How negative I became.
• How I felt sorry for myself and wondered why nothing ever went my way.

These are just a few things I think of when that urge to drink comes over me.  Believe me it is enough to say NO to alcohol.

Back in October of 2009, the 26th to be exact, I made a promise to myself that no matter what ever happened in my life, whether it be good or bad I would never pick up an alcoholic drink ever again and believe me, many things have happened over the last four years, some good and some bad, BUT it was never enough to make me drink alcohol again.

I always thought drinking alcohol would solve all my troubles in life and once I became sober I found out that that theory, or saying was dead wrong!  Alcohol solved NOTHING, it only made matters worse!  

Now being sober for the last four years I feel so much better.

My appearance has improved 100%.

All the weight I gained while drinking has disappeared, and I am back to the weight I should be.

My family and married life has changed 100%, all for the better.

No more massive hangovers.

My appetite is going strong.

I am now 100% a positive guy and very happy with the life I now live.

My health is great and I am finally a very happy man!

My dream of living by the Ocean has become a reality, something that never happened as hard as I tried when I was drinking.  Nothing ever worked out for me as hard as I tried.

I guess the old saying is right.... You can't be helped unless you are willing to help yourself first!

Go Cold Turkey Or Go To Alcohol Rehab.

Go cold turkey or go to alcohol Rehab. is what I want address in this post because of a few comments from readers on my previous post regarding going cold turkey is deadly.  Well, yes we all know that cold turkey is dangerous and could be deadly, but why did I choose going cold turkey when I decided to stop drinking alcohol?

The first thing was I was so afraid to even go to the Doctors for a check up because I was so worried of what he may find regarding my health due to over drinking for so many years.

I took a HUGE chance going cold turkey when I decided to quit drinking and I would not recommend anyone to do like I did.  It is very dangerous, and could indeed be deadly.

Go to a Rehabilitation Treatment Center to get the proper care and guidance for this life changing thing. I say life changing because it was sure a life changing experience for me.  To drink alcohol every single day of the week for many years and to not have one drop of alcohol is sure a experience.

If you do have a addiction to alcohol and want to stop drinking, PLEASE check yourself into a Rehab. Center to get the Professional help you need to get better.  They will be right there for you and keeping you safe from anything that could happen during detox from your addiction to alcohol or drugs.

I was so foolish to go cold turkey, but I was a shamed, and afraid to be placed behind closed doors to get help, so I did it myself, and thank God nothing happened bad to me during this time.

Get out of denial.  Make up your mind you want to stop drinking alcohol forever.  Ask for Help. Check into a Rehab. Treatment Center and start living the life of Sobriety!

Over Drinking During The Holidays

Many people like to drink alcohol, but over drinking during the Holidays gets to be too much for many of us.

I only wish for myself, and others that have an addiction to alcohol, is to be able to have just a couple glasses of wine, or one or two glasses of beer just to be sociable during this Holiday season.  The problem for myself, and so many other people is that we just can not have one or two alcoholic drinks because it just doesn't satisfy our needs, and why is that?

When we have a dependence on alcohol, and being so addicted to it, means that there will be no satisfaction to those that would have those one or two drinks.  That is why if you or I do have an addiction to alcohol and have got sober, like myself, there is no way that we can have even one alcoholic drink, because you and I know for a fact that we would be doomed and more than likely relapse and go back to our old ways of drinking and abusing alcohol everyday of the week.

Those that do not have an addiction to alcohol, but like to have that one or two social drinks, just keep in mind not to over drink during the Holiday seasons.

Accidents and getting sick from over drinking can happen to any of us whether you have an addiction to alcohol or not, so just be careful not only during the Holiday Season, but every time you sit down and have that alcoholic beverage.

Be safe, and I wish each and every person that read this a Happy and Prosperous Christmas and New Years.

How To Help An Alcoholic Quit Drinking

HERE ARE THE TWO BEACH CHAIRS MY WIFE AND I SAT IN MANY TIMES LOOKING AT THE OCEAN AND THANKING GOD FOR MY SOBRIETY.

There are so many families that have one or even two people (husbands and wives) that are are addicted to alcohol.  In many cases that I know of, and one case was my past addiction to alcohol that my wife wanted to help me try and quit drinking alcohol, but anything she said, I just wouldn't listen because I thought she didn't know what she was talking about.  After all, in my mind, I had no problem whatsoever with my alcohol, and how much I drank of it. I guess I was living in denial for sure.

That being said, there are, I am sure, millions of families going through the same thing as I did.  The spouse wants in the worse way to know how to help an alcoholic quit drinking, but doesn't know the right way to go about it without getting into a huge argument with the alcoholic.

It is like walking on eggshells in a sense.  You want to help the alcoholic, but worry at the same time that you my light a fuse and make things worse than they really are.  Some spouses just say nothing and deal with the tortures the alcoholic puts them through, until one day, they just have had enough.

That is when things could get ugly in a sense, because they have been holding back saying to the alcoholic what they really think and feel.  They just want to help the alcoholic get sober again and remain sober, but in many cases lost for words.  And suddenly they start to spurt out everything they have been holding back for so long.

Sometimes arguments and fights may start because the alcoholic knows the truth deep down, but they still don't want to be helped.  They may say, (as I did) "I can stop drinking alcohol anytime I wish."  Well you know, as well as I know that is a false statement, at least for me it was.

Sometimes the alcoholic needs to be threatened, such as the spouse threatening to leave and not come back until things in the alcoholics life changes for the better.  Sometimes, as hard as it might be to do, you need to light a fire under the alcoholics butt and let them know you mean business in every word you speak.

Many times this will work and make the alcoholic think twice before drinking another alcoholic drink.  It worked for me that's for sure.  Those words, "I WILL LEAVE YOU IF YOU DON'T STOP DRINKING!"

Words such as those are not to hurt the alcoholic, they are to help them.  Those words of meaning business may save the marriage or relationship and will in turn save the alcoholics life. Tough love as they call it!

I guess the whole thing here is, if the alcoholic truly loves their spouse, parents or relationship enough, they will stop drinking alcohol and start their recovery process towards long term sobriety.  That is what will make the difference of continuing to drink or quitting drinking.  Love, and what is more important in their life.  Their spouses, families and friends or alcohol?  It is not a hard decision to make!

If you really want your spouse to get sober and stay sober try sitting down with him/her while they are sober, (with no alcohol in them) and try to explain in a calm way what they are doing to them self and how their drinking is effecting the family and friends they have.

The alcoholic has to know this unless they are totally blind to the whole situation.  I knew and agreed that every word spoken was correct, BUT when a alcoholic lives in denial it might be a bit hard to convince them to stop drinking.

The alcoholic has to be ready to change his/her life on their own and not be forced or threatened into sobriety, because if the alcoholic is not ready, no matter what you say will make a difference. I can relate, because I had those talks many times and might of stopped drinking for short time to let the fire burn out and then, bang, right back at my old habits.

In the case of my 2009 experience drinking my beer in the garage all alone, a voice came into my head and it was a voice that changed my life forever.  While the talks I had with my wife helped me understand what I was doing to the family and myself, the voice that came about me convinced me I had to get sober and to do it at that moment.

HERE IS THE ARTICLE I WROTE ON HUBPAGES
 A LIFE CHANGING WHISPER

I wish that every alcoholic could experience what I did. Many people will not believe me and what I have written in this article, but I know what I heard and that is all that matters.  I am a SOBER guy once again and will remain clean and sober for the rest of my life.  I never want to go through the hell of alcohol addiction ever again.   

Stand up to your addiction and save your own life.  Your life is worth a second chance, so give it to yourself.  You will never be sorry you made the decision to quit drinking alcohol!

Signs Of An Alcoholic

HERE I WAS BACK IN 2009, DRINKING ALONE AS I MENTIONED IN THIS POST AND RIGHT BEFORE I DECIDED TO STOP DRINKING ALCOHOL FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

Millions of people in the world drink alcohol.  Some can handle it and then there are those that can not handle alcohol whatsoever.

Many of those that can't handle alcohol may often ask themselves."what are signs of an alcoholic?"  Am I an alcoholic or just someone that loves drinking?

From my past experiences of my addiction to alcohol, I can honestly say when I asked that same question to myself, it was YES indeed, I was an alcoholic. I knew deep down inside of me that I was, but did I think others thought the same about me?

I can assure you they thought I had a drinking problem.  Many would not come right out and say it to me, but hearing the way they spoke to me I knew they knew something was up and just didn't want to come right out and say it to me.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF BEING AN ALCOHOLIC?

• CRAVING A DRINK THE MINUTE YOU WAKE UP.
• DRINKING EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK.
• NEED TO HAVE A DRINK BEFORE YOUR DAY CAN BEGIN.
• DRINKING TILL WEE HOURS IN THE MORNING.
• PROBLEMS WITH YOUR SPOUSE REGARDING HE/SHE TELLING YOU DRINK TO MUCH.
• YOUR HAPPY AND THE NEXT MINUTE YOU ARE A DIFFERENT PERSON.
• YOUR BEHAVIOR CHANGES AS YOU DRINK MORE AND MORE.
• DRINKING ALONE.
• HIDING YOUR ALCOHOL.
• NEVER WANTING TO ATTEND A FUNCTION THAT DOESN'T SERVE ALCOHOL.
• CAN NOT REMEMBER THE NIGHT BEFORE.
• SLEEPLESS NIGHTS, UNLESS YOU HAVE PASTED OUT.
• YOU NEED MORE AND MORE ALCOHOL TO GET TO THE DRUNK STAGE.
• LOSING JOBS BECAUSE OF YOUR DRINKING PROBLEM.
• FREQUENT FIGHTING OR ARGUMENTS WITH YOUR FAMILY.
• DENIAL THAT YOU HAVE A SERIOUS DRINKING PROBLEM.

If you are seeing signs that you maybe an alcoholic then I would really stop and take a hard look at your life and those lives around you.  Is it really worth losing everything in your life from an avoidable addiction to alcohol.  I bet you are saying NO, it is not worth losing everything from something that will kill you in the end.

If you said No it is not worth it, then are you going to do something about it or just continue to drink your life away?

Believe me once the demons get hold of your body it will get harder and harder to get out of your addiction to alcohol.  Don't let that happen.  Nip it in the bud before it is too late!

I know you might think, "how can I live without alcohol in my life when I have been so used to having it be a huge part of your life?"

Trust me, you can live without alcohol.  You will see a new you my friends!  Your spouse, family and friends will see a new you, and you will be so proud of yourself when you finally stop drinking alcohol forever.

You will start to feel back to your old self.  Your appearance will not look like you are an alcoholic anymore. Your health will improve each and everyday.  You will regain your self-esteem and start living with a positive attitude, and not be so down on yourself because of your addiction. You know how alcoholic may say, Why Me? why doesn't anything go right in my life?

To tell you the truth, nothing will go right in your life unless you do something to change it.  You have to help yourself before anyone or anything can help you.  If you are not willing to make that change and make something out of your life, then I guess you will continue to be a lonely alcoholic for the rest of your life.

You will start to lose things, one at a time, and before you know it, you will then hit rock bottom.  Speaking of rock bottom, sometimes it takes an alcoholic to hit rock bottom before he/she does something to change his/her life.  Don't Let This Happen To You!

Making Peace With Yourself After An Addiction To Alcohol

Making peace with yourself after an addiction to alcohol was harder than I thought.

When I stopped drinking alcohol in October of 2009, I never thought that my earlier addiction to alcohol would haunt me for many years to come.

It was a very hard decision to stop drinking alcohol, because my entire life revolved around alcohol for so many years. Alcohol ran my life and included in that, were the people that loved and cared for me.

I never realized how I hurt them with all those years of my drinking, but now being sober, I now know that you and I could destroy the lives of your own flesh and blood and we would never even realize it.  That is so sad to me now thinking back at those horrible days of my addiction to alcohol.

None of us ever think about others in our life that we are hurting, while we are so much in denial, and don't even think for a moment that we have an alcohol problem.

You know, you or I can not turn back the hands of time and make things better of what we messed up over the years of alcohol abuse, but we can fix our life now and make things better for ourselves and the ones that loved and cared for us while we abused our lives.

If you happen to have an addiction to alcohol or drugs, just stop and think for a moment and look around you and see with your own eyes what you are doing to others.  They don't deserve to go through the hell you are putting them through by your habit of drinking your life away.

They don't deserve being pulled down to rock bottom along with you. This is what bothers me the most.  I put many people, such as my parents, my spouse Linda (of 32 years) and my children through hell.  They saw their husband and father drink every night of the week, and they got to the point when they were older, that they were embarrassed of my life style and they way I acted and talked when getting that buzz and drunk on.

Abusing alcohol, and being so selfish can, and will destroy families sooner or later if you and I don't do something to change it.  We, the alcoholics are the only ones that can make things right in our life and make the lives of those that love us right.

Please don't get me wrong, I have nothing against drinking alcohol at all.  I loved alcohol just as much or ever more than the next person, but I was one of those guys that never knew when enough was enough.  More, more I would say to myself until I got that drunk on that I was so used to having.  In the meantime, it took more and more alcohol to get to that point that I was satisfied.

So getting back to my earlier statement, I never knew how my alcohol addiction would haunt me for years to come, meaning, yes I got sober, but I did ruin many things along the way to my sobriety and I felt, and still feel ashamed and upset of my past lifestyle.  But, I have made it right now, and with that said, I am proud of myself and happy my family stood by my side through all the hell I put them through.

It is my turn to help others now understand that if you have an addiction of any kind, never give up hope. You can change your life.  All you have to do is to DO IT!

I still, to this day, feel bad for what I caused my family and friends to have to go through while I was having a great time drinking my life away.  I remember the arguments and fights (verbal - never physical) over my abuse of alcohol and what I was doing to myself.

So many times I was told to stop drinking, or least slow down. I just let those words go in one ear and out the other.  You know what I am talking about, I am sure of it. None of us alcoholics what to hear the true because, WE CAN'T handle the truth. And why is that?  Because we all live in DENIAL, that is why.  We don't think for a minute that we have a drinking problem, and the people that tell us we do, don't know what they are talking about.  Does any of this sound familiar to you?

Once you own up and admit you are an alcoholic, and want to stop drinking alcohol, is when you will start to feel peace in your life.  You will not have your demons running your life anymore.  You will feel FREE and at peace with yourself, and at that time you will begin to have peace in your family life as well. Those that you hurt along the way while you were drinking and abusing alcohol will feel that peace in their life too, and will be so happy and proud that you took action and changed your life as I did.

It is the time to make things right in your life, and the people that are in your life.  They too will feel that sense of peace as well when they see that person that they love and care for being clean and sober and getting their life back on track.  In that case, everyone involved will be getting their lives back on track.

It is then you will feel the peace in your life, that you let your demons go and are now living a sober life.

You will start to see how your appearance will improve and will start to feel so much better, physically and mentally.  You beat your demons, and now it is time to take care of yourself and others in your life.  Before, all we thought about is to feed our demons and give them the alcohol they needed to thrive in our bodies.  Bye bye demons, you will no longer run and try to ruin my life for not one more second.

This is what you have to think about and tell yourself in order to make that huge change in your life.  Sobriety will not just come to you.  It will take hard work to get sober and then stay sober forever, but once you make that life change and stick to it, you will be so proud of yourself that you won the battle between you and your inner demons.

Don't get me wrong, it will be a battle for the rest of your life to stay sober.  Your demons will be hanging out in your body just waiting for you to mess up and start drinking alcohol again.  They will never go away.  It is up to you to keep them where they belong, and where they belong is NOT IN YOUR LIFE anymore.

So, if you want that peace in your life and continue to have that peace, DON"T ever give in to the demons of alcohol no matter what happens in your life from now on.  There will be urges, craving for the rest of your life, but never give in, NEVER!  

No ones life is a bed of roses.  There will always be something that will come up that will upset you, or you may have a sickness in the family, or financial problems, but whatever pops up in your life, never give in and turn back to drinking alcohol, because it will NOT solve anything! 

Stand strong and keep that positive attitude at all times in your life and you will see how being strong and positive will help you stay sober.

The past is the past and now it is time to make things right for you and yours.  Get sober, and stay that way, and you will see what a great life awaits you and yours. 

Admitting Your An Alcoholic Is The First Step

There are millions of people all over the world that drink alcohol, but how many of them will admit they have a drinking problem?

Admitting your an alcoholic is the first step towards a new life and a life of sobriety.  That's of course if you really want to get sober and live that life of sobriety.  I know so many people that really think they have no problem whatsoever with their alcohol consumption.  In fact, I was one of those people back almost four years ago.

Denial is a huge thing when it comes to drinking alcohol, drugs or any kind of addiction for that matter.  We never think we have a problem, but many people that know you and see you and your actions know better.  They can talk to you until they are blue in the face and you will look at them like they have two heads.  I know I did when someone approached me and told me I drink too much and I might have a problem.

If we, including myself, just would look at our lives and see which way our life is going, and if you have your eyes wide open and be open mined you will see exactly where you are headed in the future if you continue to drink and abuse alcohol.

If you ignore what you see, and what you have been told by others, then the future will not be a surprise as you look back at those statements, because you were told, and you saw your life through your own eyes, but blew everything off because you were living in denial and never believed a word.

I know for a fact, for me, I knew deep down inside that I have a serious drinking problem, but never wanted to change my life for I was so afraid to be without my alcohol.  I was afraid to admit to my family and friends I was a true alcoholic. Although I was a functioning alcoholic, this was one of the reason I thought there was no problem with my drinking.

After all, I never missed work because of those late nights of drinking and never got into fights at bars.  I never got a DUI and never arrested for drinking in public or drinking and driving.  So I thought to myself, "what seems to be the problem with my drinking?" See, that is how I thought, and I am very sure many alcoholics can relate to these words I speak.

When I speak of the first step admitting your an alcoholic means to get out of your denial you live in and take a good hard look at your life and the lives your are taken down on the way to your rock bottom.  Remember you are not only hurting yourself, you are hurting many people that love you and care for you, such as your spouse, children, parents and your friends.

Don't let yourself down or the people that love you.  Stand up to your addiction to alcohol and tell your demons goodbye once and for all.  You don't need alcohol believe me.  Once you have got sober and stay sober you will then realize why in the world was I killing myself when all I had to do is to stop drinking.

Yeah I know, it sounds pretty easy by just writing this, but anyone can stop drinking alcohol anytime you want.  The problem is, and the question is, "Do You Really Want To Stop Drinking?"

If you said yes I would love to stop drinking alcohol, then you are on your way to a new life of sobriety.  Yes it will be hard and yes it will not be easy by any means, but if you have that determination, the willingness and the desire to change your life it will happen.

You have to make up your mind and just do it and stick to it with no cheating whatsoever.  You will need to stay clear from your drinking buddies, the bars and anything that has anything to do with alcohol.

As time goes by you will find it easier and easier to live each day without your crutch, the demons of alcohol.

God Bless to all those that have made it to sobriety and those that are trying so hard to get sober.  Never give up hope because your life is full of hope and sobriety is just sitting there for your taken, so go after it and don't look back at your horrible past of addiction.

Stay positive and strong to yourself and never let anyone or anything stand in your way of changing your life and living that one and only life you have, clean and sober.

When Is it Time to Seek Help And Enter A Rehab.

While we all enjoy our alcoholic drinks, some of us don't know when to quit or don't know when we have had enough of the poison that just may kill us in the end.

When is it time to seek help and enter a Rehabilitation Treatment Center?  Many people that have an addiction to alcohol may think they don't need any help whatsoever and they think they can stop drinking alcohol whenever they want.

It isn't that easy my friends.  You may think you can stop drinking alcohol, but have you tried to get sober, and stay sober for any length of time?

The time, in my opinion to seek help is:

Can not miss one day without drinking.
Can not go anywhere if alcohol is not being served.
Missing work because of that horrible hangover.
Spending money you don't have to support your addiction.
Fighting and arguing with your family, spouse and friends.
Not remembering what you did the night before.
Blackouts from over drinking.
Appearance of how you are changing week by week.
Weight gain or loss.
Waking up in the morning and the first thing you think of is when you can have that next drink. 

I tried this before and it only lasted for a short time and the reason for that was, "I simply wasn't ready to change my life and live a life of sobriety.  I am very sure you know exactly what I am talking about.

As for myself, I was one of the few fortunate alcoholics that could stop drinking alcohol on my own.  Many alcoholics, or I should say all alcoholics should look into getting themselves admitted into a Rehabilitation Treatment Center for the correct and safe way to detox if they want to get clean and sober.



It can't be that you are forced into going into these Centers, although being forced into being admitted to a Rehab.Center might save your life.

I know alcoholics that went into Rehab. for a month or a 90 day stay, and found themselves staying and being a part of the counseling for others that have been admitted in that same Rehab. Center for the same reasons, being addicted to drugs or alcohol.

It has helped them to stay sober and kept them away from the outside world of addiction, and their  friends that are still using and abusing.

They are to this day helping others as they were helped during their stay in Rehab.

The name of the game here is to get yourself sober by entering into a Rehab. Center, and then help others that are suffering from an addiction to drugs and alcohol as you were. Then, spread the word of sobriety to help others realize there is always hope for anyone that had any kind if addiction.

FIND A REHAB. CENTER IN YOUR AREA.

National Alcoholism And Substance Abuse INFORMATION CENTER

If you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, seek the Professional Help that will get you sober and by doing so in a safe and healthy manner.

You can read more of my articles right here on HubPages.

Here is my eBook right here on Amazon.

How Can You Stop The Urge To Drink Alcohol

If you are addicted to alcohol and want to stop drinking alcohol and get clean and sober, you may want to know, "how can you stop the urge to drink alcohol," if you are trying to get sober.
If you are someone that has tried to stop drinking and you have made some headway, but on certain days in you life you get that urge to drink again.  You know for a fact that if you pickup a alcoholic drink you will be doomed and will be back in the rut of drinking alcohol everyday.

How can you stop that urge to drink alcohol you may ask?  Here is my opinion, and what I thought about when I got the urge to drink alcohol after three plus years of sobriety.

If you have found sobriety in your life after so many years of drinking and abusing alcohol, then a huge congrats to you for a job well done.

getting and staying sober is not a easy thing to do, especially with all the things going on in this world. So many people have problems in their lives, such as loss of employment, financial problems, marriage problems and so many other things that may trigger the sober person to go back to drinking alcohol.  The temptation is all around us everywhere we go in this world.

Bars are on almost every corner and even many restaurants serve the poison alone with a great meal.  You would go to a party, picnic, gathering of any sorts and there will be your friend, called alcohol ready to be served. Here comes that urge to drink, but how can you turn off that urge that will ruin your life once again?

**As I am writing this post, February 3, 2013 the Super Bowl is airing at this moment and people all over the world are parting and drinking their night away, as I am sitting here writing to help others get and stay sober. Let the game begin and the drinking of much alcohol begin as well.  Many people will be drinking and getting drunk as their team wins the Super Bowl, and then the other 50% of people will drinking in disgust and disappointment that their team lost the Super Bowl. (Any excuse to drink right?)

Don't get me wrong, I am not an anti-drinking person, I am just a person that didn't know when enough was enough when it came to drinking alcohol.  So, in that case, I must not drink at all, and that solved my problem of never enough booze.  If you want to get sober and stay sober, (just don't drink) it's that simple!

I got sober on October 27, 2009 and here is what I think about when I get that urge to drink, and alcohol is all around me at the function that I am at.

First, I think of all the hard work it took me to ever decide to stop drinking alcohol and get clean and sober.  My wheels turned for a long time until I was certain I needed to quit drinking alcohol once and for all, not only for myself, but everyone that was in my life. 

Secondly, I always think what I put my body through by drinking and abusing alcohol, and what I put my family and friends through that loved and cared for me through all the years of drinking and abusing alcohol.  I knew I never wanted to put my body, family and friends though that ever again. It just isn't fair to take down your family along with yourself just because you are selfish, and you choose alcohol over people that loved and cared for you.

Third, You need to have a Positive Attitude at all times, before and after you stop drinking alcohol.  You need to keep reminding yourself that you are an alcoholic and if you touch that drink you will relapse and be right back where you started when you first decided to get sober. Trust me, it is not worth that drink or buzz you re urging to have.  Everything you have worked so hard for, (and that would be your sobriety and freedom of the alcohol demons) would be all in vein.

Forth, Think of how much happier and healthier you will feel, and we must not forget those horrible hangovers from over drinking right?  Unless hangovers don't bother you, but I find that getting sick and feeling like crap each morning you wake up is certainly NOT worth any buzz or drunk.

Fifth, Think of what you will look like again if you choose to start drinking alcohol again.  did you like the way you looked when you drank alcohol?  Over weight, tired looking, run down and just no energy whatsoever. 

Stop the urge to drink alcohol by thinking of some of the things above that help me each day to stay sober one more day in my life.  Another way that helps me to stay sober is by writing on HubPages and my other blog called Crushing Alcohol Addiction.  Check them out and some of those articles my help you if you are serious about stopping drinking and living with long term sobriety.

Quit Drinking Cold Turkey

The question I asked myself when I thought it was time to stop drinking alcohol is, "should I quit drinking cold turkey?"

I wanted to quit drinking and knew it was way past time to do so.  I have wasted many of years of my life, and other lives as well, all due to my addiction to alcohol.  I am sure many alcoholics have thought about stopping drinking alcohol, but were afraid of how they would feel with the abstinence of alcohol in their bodies.  Thinking this way will tend to hold up the process of recovery and getting and staying sober.

As for me, I thought, and knew I was doing wrong and harming my body with each drink I consumed, but no matter how I thought, and what other people would say about my drinking, I just wasn't ready to give up the one thing I loved, and the one thing that was a huge part of my life and other lives as well.

The alcoholics really don't realize what harm they are doing not only to themselves, but those that love them and care about them.

I was lucky enough to be able to quit drinking alcohol cold turkey.  I had it in my mind that no matter what happened in my life I would never go bad to my old ways of drinking alcohol again.  I heard a life changing whisper that night.  I made my mind up once and for all that I had to stop drinking, before it was too late for all involved.

I made a promise to myself that lonely night in the garage drinking alone.  I told myself, " I will not let this addiction to alcohol run and ruin my life, and other lives for one more second of my life."

The promise to myself was that I would never pick up another alcoholic drink for the rest of my life, because I knew by past experiences I would be doomed if I did.  It is all balls out or nothing!

For any alcoholic that wants to quit drinking you must know that there is only one way to do this, and that is never to touch a drop of alcohol ever again, if and when you stop drinking.  If you are okay with this promise, as I was when I made mine to myself then you are on the right road to recovery.

There is no such thing as, I will only have one or two drinks.  This will NEVER work if you have had a addiction to alcohol, and have abused alcohol for some time.  There can be NO cheating whatsoever.  It is all or nothing!

NOTE:
I must add this in: I am not saying quit drinking cold turkey.  I quit cold turkey, but I was taking a chance and was afraid of what could happen when I stopped drinking.  I worried for days and weeks of the DT's and just getting sick from stopping that fast.  If you are concerned about what may happen to you if you do quit drinking cold turkey you should look into a Rehab. Center that has trained professionals to help you detox in a safe manner.

So if you are serious about getting and staying sober, the first thing to do is to admit you are an alcoholic.  Second, promise yourself that once you stop drinking alcohol you will never touch it again. You need to believe in yourself and love yourself enough to make this sobriety work for you.  You need to continue to have a positive attitude each and everyday from that point on and never let anyone or anything stand in your way of your recovery and long term sobriety.

Living With A Spouse That Has An Addiction To Alcohol

Are you living with a spouse that has an addiction to alcohol?  If so, what do you do to try and make living with that spouse a bit more easier?

I don't have all the answers, but I can tell you that my wife put up with me drinking alcohol everyday for years.  Sometimes when love is so true and unconditional, spouses seem to just hang in there hoping for a miracle that the person they love will see the light and stop drinking alcohol forever.

In my case, and I am sure millions of people throughout the world, have had the same problem.  They wish so bad that their loved one would stop abusing and drinking alcohol.  They wait and wait hoping they will quit drinking and start living a life of sobriety.

How long should you really wait until you just give up on your spouse surrendering to his/her addiction to alcohol?  I just think it depends on how much you love that person and how determined you are and want that person to see the light and stop drinking alcohol and get back to his/her real self without relying on the crutch of alcohol.

Life is so precious and we the alcoholics don't even realize what we are doing to the people that love and care for us so much.  We are not only killing ourselves, but we are destroying our families and the ones that love us.  Alcohol blinds us so much and runs our lives everyday, we can't see what we are doing to others,a and if by chance we do see it, we don't care because the alcohol tells us different.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR LOVED ONE STOP DRINKING ?

• You are helping your spouse by enabling him/her in their addiction to alcohol.
• You have to be strong and be able to say no, I will not give you any money to support your addiction.
• You have to be stern. but not so that you and your spouse begin to fight and argue over the addiction that is ruining your lives.  I have seen, and have been there, when my wife would approach me regarding how much alcohol I drink and that I should really stop.  I would listen as many alcoholics do, until the sober spouse has said so much that the alcoholic gets more upset and starts to drink even more just out of spite.  It is a vicious cycle, day in and day out.  
• You must talk to the alcoholic in a way that you make are making a strong point letting them know how unhappy you are and you want this relationship or marriage to work and not be ruined by the addiction to alcohol they have.
• I have found that talking in a civil manner helps more than screaming and yelling at your spouse.  Be calm, but stern about your concerns of their addiction.  Try to explain to them that they are ruining their health and destroying the love that they once had.
• I know from my experiences of drinking alcohol for years that no matter what a spouse says to the alcoholic, the alcoholic will never stop drinking until he/she is ready to do it on their own and not be forced into sobriety.  
• I had quit drinking a couple of times just to make peace in the household, but over time when I felt that everything had calmed down, I felt save to start drinking again.  I would start out with a beer or two and then BANG I went right back to old ways of pounding them down all night long.  I am sure many alcoholics have done the exact same thing.  To stop for awhile to just make peace.  It will never work, believe me. You have to want sobriety and until then no matter what anyone says or what Rehab. Center you may go in, long term sobriety will never happen until you have it in your heart to stop drinking and stop forever.
• It is really a hard thing to do if you fight it, but if you just look at your life and those around you that love you, sobriety will happen when you are ready and not before.
• Rehab. Centers are wonderful, but you have to stick to it even after being released and not think you can have a drink or two at a party, etc.  You will relapse faster than you can shake a stick, as they say.

**Love yourself and others enough to stop drinking alcohol forever.  Save your life, and save your relationship and marriage.  Don't let alcohol run and ruin your life.

Anyone can stop drinking if you put your mind to it and think with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE that you will get and stay sober.  Believe in yourself and love yourself enough to stop drinking.

How Alcoholics Can Fight Their Addiction

Have you ever been in a fight and have lost?  Have you ever been in a fight and won? Alcoholics fight their addiction every single day of their lives.  How alcoholics can fight their addiction is in the hands of each and every alcoholic.

Some alcoholics feel as if they don't have a drinking problem and are very content with the life they are living and then there are those that live in hell each and everyday wondering how they can fight back and win over the addiction they have.  This is no easy task believe me.  I have had the unpleasant experience of alcohol addiction being first on my priority list and first in my life above all.

This addiction to alcohol is like living in hell. If you have it in your heart to be clean and sober, but just don't have the willpower or enough determination to get sober, you are one step in the right direction. You want sobriety deep down in your heart, but something deeper tells you that you may not be ready just yet to get sober and find yourself and your sobriety. So what is the next step in frighten back at your addiction?

Anyone that is addicted to alcohol knows exactly what I am talking about.  It is a rough ride trying to get sober, but if you want sobriety bad enough it will come, and stay, if that's what you want in your life.

1. You know that sobriety is possible, but how to you go about achieving it?
2. You know your life is not normal and depend on your addiction to alcohol to get through your day.
3. You know that your family is falling apart due to you addiction to alcohol.
4. You know that alcohol is your crutch and without it you are lost.
5. You maybe losing days at work due to being so hung over from the night before.
6. Your health is declining each and everyday you drink.
7. You look into the mirror and wonder if that is you staring back.
8. Your looks have changed and you have either lost or gained weight.
9. Your self-esteem is about none.
10. You have no positive attitude and living in a world of negativity because you are depressed.
11. You wonder why nothing works out for you.
12. You wonder why the only friends you have are only drinking buddies.
13. You family is becoming distant from you and don't want to be around you when you start drinking.

DOES ANY OF THESE THINGS SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU? I bet they do, and you are at wits end to finding your sobriety.  What can you do to get and stay sober is the question many alcoholics ask.

Here is what I have learned when I finally surrendered to my addiction to alcohol three (3) years ago.

I took a good hard look at my life (while being sober and not drinking) and asked myself these questions.

Where will I be in years to come if I continue drinking alcohol like I am right now?

Will my family stay with me until the end of my time, or will they just get fed up and leave because of my drinking problem?

Do I have enough willpower to beat the demons within? 

Do I really want long term sobriety, or just a short break in my drinking to dry out a bit? 

Do I want to live a long healthy life to see my children grow up as adults?

Do I want to walk my daughter down the Aisle on her Wedding Day?

Do I want to see my Grand Children be born and have their own families? 

None of the above will happen if you and I don't stop drinking and abusing alcohol.  Sooner or later the alcohol will catch up with all of us.  We alcoholics thing it will never happen to us, but believe in time it will bite you on the ass and you will be so sorry you continue to abuse your body with drinking alcohol every single day of your life.

Just imagine how great you will feel getting up in the morning with no Hangover and feeling like plain old crap, until.... that next drink inters your body and then all is well for then.  It is a vicious cycle, day after day, week after week, month after month.  It is not the life God had intended us to have.  Smarten up and stop drinking and abusing your body.

Think of what you are doing to your body and the family and friends that love and care for you so much.  You are breaking their hearts by them watching you destroying your body slow, but sure.

It is not that hard to stop drinking alcohol.  I thought it would be for me, but after the first few weeks had passed and I realize, "I have be alcohol free for 3 weeks."  It is a wonderful feeling and a huge accomplishment.  If you can make it 3 weeks, or a month you have the capability to doing it for the rest of your life.  You just can not CHEAT!!

None of this stuff like, " I think I will have just one drink."  That crap WILL NOT WORK EVER!

You have to go all out sober or nothing.  Once you make up your mind to get sober and have said, "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH" is when you will be heading to recovery and making your sobriety Long Term.

Believe and you will achieve.  You have to believe in yourself and promise yourself that you will never ever pick up a drink of alcohol again.  If you are okay with that promise to yourself then you are going in the right direction and have taken that first and MOST IMPORTANT step in your life.

Stay strong and keep that positive attitude in everything you do in life and your sobriety will happen.  Sure it will take some hard work in the beginning, but nothing good happens in life without hard work involved.

How Life Can Change By Not Drinking Alcohol

Many alcoholics wonder how life can change by not drinking alcohol and I am here to tell you it is one remarkable journey.  To finally find sobriety in ones life is something many alcoholics don't think will ever happen.  Sobriety will certainly change your life and all those around you that love and care for you.

I can't stress it enough in my blogs and other sites I write on that sobriety is there for all those that want it, and anyone of us can achieve sobriety if you put your minds and hearts into it 110 percent.

So many of us live, breathe, and sleep with our addiction in first place in our life.  If only these people that have an addiction would realize that life is so much better living it sober.  You don't realize what you are missing out on in life by putting your addiction first before all else, and that includes the ones that put their addiction before their own families and friends.

Any of us can change our lives into a positive way if we would only look deep into what you are doing to yourself and others.  You just don't realize how grand life is because your addiction holds you back from seeking out and exploring what the world has to offer in a sober way.  I can tell you from my own experience with drinking alcohol, that surrendering to my addiction to alcohol has change the world I now live in.

Those that stand up to their addiction and what to change their life will then see what true happiness is living life sober.  I have accomplished many things since I have surrender to alcohol, such my life long dream to live where I grew up as a child and that is a home by the sea.  I would have never been able to fulfill that dream if I were still drinking alcohol.  My wife and family can now enjoy me as me and not the make believe person I was while I was drinking alcohol.

You wake up in the morning feeling healthy, refreshed, with no hangover and ready to enjoy your day all being sober and happy.  There is nothing you would be thinking of when you awake, wondering did I say or do anything last night that would have hurt someone else while I was drinking and acting like a fool?

You will enjoy each minute of each day being sober and look forward to the next. You will think and plan with your family what should you do next to have fun and enjoy each other, while if drunk you really wouldn't care now would you? I know I didn't.  I just wanted to drink and that was my day between drinking and hitting the toilet.  What a waste isn't it when you really think about it?  Don't get me wrong I am not a anti drinking guy because I loved to drink.  It's just that the drink didn't love me and wanted to destroy me and everything I had in my life.  If you can drink alcohol responsibly and not abuse it, than God Bless You.

There are millions of alcoholics in the world, including myself, that are not that fortunate enough to have a few drinks and walk away.  So, if you are one of those like myself, the answer is to stop drinking alcohol all together.  That is exactly what I did and I could not be happier.

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