What Is A Functioning Alcoholic

Can you handle your alcohol? How do you get along each day with or without alcohol in your life?
Do you miss work or late to work because of a hard night before "drinking alcohol?"

What is a functioning alcoholic, and do you think you are one?  For myself, I would certainly consider myself a functioning alcoholic.  I never missed worked because of my drinking.  I went to work and preformed my job just like the sober ones, but the difference with me was my head was in a fog for most of the day until evening when I was right back to the beer and the fog would disappear and I thought I was thinking straight again.

The booze really does tricks on your mind and body don't you think?  There are so many people that are addicted to alcohol and go about their everyday lives as if they didn't drink at all and many people may not even know that these people have an addiction or a problem at all.  Have you ever heard the old saying, "I never knew he/she drank till I saw them sober?"

That is so true, but we are only fooling our self and no one else.  Even though we can function in our everyday lives does not mean we are not an alcoholic.  It seems that many that are functioning everyday and drinking at night gives the impression to their self that they do not have an addiction to alcohol problem.  That is exactly what I thought and I was dead wrong for sure.  It took me many years, as it may for those that have an addiction to alcohol, but hide it well, to admit there is a huge problem with our drinking and something must be done before the days that you never miss at work because of drinking, turn into something totally different and start to go into a full addiction and may change your life forever.

It can only go on for so long until something happens to your health, your job, your family life and possibly your own life.

So if you think by being a functioning alcoholic gives you the permission to continue to drink alcohol, you are mistaking, exactly what I thought.  Now clean and sober for over two years now, and counting, I now realize alcohol means nothing to me and I don't need it to have a so called great life. Having a great life revolves around sobriety and the ability to think and act straight and clear minded. Out of site, out of mind.

As the months and years have passed I totally have forgotten about my past addiction to alcohol and have not looked back only forward to a more and more brighter future and a clean and sober life.

The only time I think about alcohol now, is when I am writing about it, and that's the extent of it. Goodbye forever my addiction, you will never be missed, but not forgotten of how you almost destroyed my life!!

Overcoming The Fear Of Getting Sober

Have you ever thought to yourself how sobriety and living a clean life could change your life?  Are you afraid of getting sober? Have you ever thought to yourself by overcoming the fear of getting sober would change your life in so many ways?

I am here to tell you, that there is nothing to be afraid of when you want to get sober and live a life of sobriety.  I too was scared to death when I decided to get sober and I have to say the fear almost stopped me from even trying to get clean and sober.

Many people in our world have had many fears and things that they are truly afraid of trying, but if you are afraid of change, or simply trying to change, you will be stuck in the rut that you are presently in.  Being addicted to alcohol for so years seems like it is a huge part of my and your life and we are afraid to let it go and live life without our crutch.

Any of us can overcome anything in life including the fear of getting sober if we set our minds to it and have that pure determination to make a change.  Never be afraid of sobriety, but be afraid of what your addiction is and will do to you and your family.  That's the thing you must be afraid of my friends, your addiction!

Set you mindset and get the strength you need to overcome your addiction and get sober. If you have it in your heart to get sober than you will achieve it.  This holds true for anything in life as well.

Believe in yourself and be not afraid of getting sober for it will be the best thing you have ever done in your life, and when you have achieved your sobriety, you will thank yourself for standing strong to your demons and not letting them take over and run your life anymore.

Drinking Alcohol In Moderation

For all those that are addicted to alcohol, is drinking alcohol in moderation the way to go?  Can drinking alcohol for the alcoholic be controlled or should they just not drink at all?

For myself, I was not the kind of person that could have two or three beers or mixed drinks and call it the night till the next time.  No, I had to drink until I got that buzz my body longed for.  As many people that are addicted to alcohol they can't drink in moderation because once they start there is no end in site until the booze is gone or they are plastered.

It takes great will and strength to know when you have had enough and to limit yourself before you even walk out the door to go to a party or meet some friends at the local bar.  You need to set your limit of how much alcohol you will consume that evening. 

If you set your alcohol intake to 3 or 4 drinks, than that is all you can have, but many of us have great intentions to stick to our 3 or 4 drinks, but once we start having a good time and realize that we have hit our limit for the night we tend to cheat and say, "I'll just have one or two more drinks.  Well, if that's the case then we can not drink in moderation because if we could we would of stopped at the limit we set before we went out for the evening.

I truly believe that people, including myself are just fooling ourselves saying we have set our limit, but if you are not going to stick by your word then there is no reason to even set a limit at all.  These are the people that just should stop drinking all together, in which I did.

I could never stay true to my daily consumption, so why even try.  I knew in the back of my mind it would never work.  It didn't work in the past and would never work now, so I simply surrendered and quit drinking all together in which I might add was the best thing I have ever done in my life.

It's pretty sad when one can not even trust their self.  This is when you must decide what is best for you and your health.  I wish, and I am sure many alcoholics wish they could drink in moderation, but unfortunately it isn't possible for all.  I love my drink just as much as the next person, but it tends to be hard to stop and know when enough is enough, so in that case I must not drink at all.  I recommend to those with the same problem to not torture yourself and destroy you life with the tease of alcohol.  If you can't drink on occasion or in moderation just quit as I did and believe me you can have more sober fun that being that alcoholic drunk that doesn't even remember the night before.

So, if you think and know for a fact that you can not drink alcohol in moderation then you should consider doing what I did and that is to surrender all together and start living a clean and sober life.  You will not regret living a life a life of sobriety.  You will begin to start feeling your old self again and much happier and healthier.

Always stay positive and continue to keep a positive attitude in everything you do in life and by doing so things will start to look up and you will overcome your addiction to alcohol.  Stay focused, determined and have the willingness to change your life, and by doing these things you will find your sobriety once again.

Things To Do To Stop The Temptation To Drink Alcohol

Temptation is in every ones life one way or another, but for the alcoholic that is trying to stay sober temptation is their worse fear.  Here are some of the things to do to stop the temptation to drink alcohol from my own experiences.

When I decided to quit drinking alcohol, deep in the back of my mind I always feared that the temptation to drink alcohol would always be there.  I asked myself, "how would I be able to ever go to another party where there is alcohol being served."  "Will I have to stay away from all my drinking buddies?"

These thoughts will forever be embedded in my mind, but in order to stay sober, I must be stronger than my temptation and the urge to drink.  After many months of being sober I tried my luck at going to a party with alcohol being served.  I knew I would be tempted, but I also knew I couldn't just hide the rest of my life from those that do drink alcohol.

I took the chance and I was completely fine.  There was no temptation or the urge to drink, and why is that you might ask?  The reason that I had no temptation or urge to drink alcohol was because I prepared my mind in a positive way to deal with what I was about to do, which was mingle with those that were drinking alcohol.

Your mind is a powerful tool that we all have.  It is just the matter if you choose to use this powerful tool to benefit you and your life. When you have a positive outlook in life you will be able to achieve anything you want including your sobriety.

If by chance you do get the temptation to drink, stop what you are doing for a minute and look back in time to remember just how hard you have worked on getting and staying sober.  Think of what will happen if you took that first sip of alcohol.  Do you think you could do it and set the drink down and never pick it up again?  I bet not, because if it were me I would be doomed and right back at the alcohol as my demons greet me back into the their world of hell.  I have a feeling that many alcoholics would say the same about them self.  So, just be strong and have that determination to stay sober. Be stronger than your addiction or you will be so sorry your addiction came back into your life again.  I know I would be.

I can't even imagine letting our demons take back over our lives again after being clean and sober for so long, but it does indeed happen to many of people that are addicted to, not only alcohol, but drugs as well.

All of us need to keep that positive attitude and not let our past addictions take over our lives again.  We all need to be stronger than our addictions and keep telling ourselves that no matter what happens in our lives we will never pick up that alcohol beverage again, and you must be firm about this promise to yourself.

Staying sober is indeed a hard thing to do, but it is only as hard as you make it.  Remember, sobriety will never hurt you or kill you, BUT your addiction to drugs and alcohol WILL hurt you and sooner or later kill you one way or another.  So just think before you drink and don't let the temptation and urge to drink ruin the life of sobriety you worked so hard to get.

Going Back On Your Word To Stay Sober

Staying sober for many alcoholics is the one of the hardest things they will have to endure in their lives.  I can say this because over the last few years many things happened in my life that would of driven any alcoholic that is trying to stay sober right back to drinking alcohol again.

You and I must stay sober now matter what happens in our lives and stop making excuses for going back on your word to stay sober.  I don't know about any other alcoholics out there, but when I decided to surrender to my addiction to alcohol, I made a promise to myself to never ever pick up a drink of alcohol no matter what life throws at me, and I am not a person to break my promise, especially to myself.

Just imagine if you went back on your word and starting drinking.  How do you think you would feel after you took that first sip of alcohol because of something in your life didn't worked out as you planned or it up set you enough to start drinking again?  I know for a fact I would be so disappointed in myself and so sad that I let my addiction run my life again.

All of us that have suffered with an addiction and are now sober have to stand strong to our past addiction and not let it get hold of us ever again.  I know it is easier said than done, but never go back on your word or it might be the worst mistake you have done in your life.

If a situation does arise in your life and drinking alcohol comes into your mind, don't do it.  Don't break and don't give in to your demons.  You and I will get through any situation that life gives us and none of us need to revert back to drinking alcohol to resolve our problems.


Stay Positive, Stay Focused and Stay Sober no matter what! 

Having The Urge To Drink While Trying To Stay Sober

For all those that are trying to get and stay sober sometimes having the urge to drink while trying to stay sober is a tough thing to handle.  Getting sober could be short term for many, but staying sober is the key to long term sobriety.

Is there a secret to staying sober?  I don't think there is any kind of secret, it's if you want to stay sober and have the strength to turn down the urge and the cravings to consume alcohol.  I write and speak from my heart and from the experiences of drinking alcohol and just how I found sobriety on my own with no 12 step programs, no AA or any kind of meetings, only the willingness and the help of God to get me sober and to remain sober.  Staying sober is the hard part, but only has hard as you want to make it.  "I am by no means downing the 12 Step or AA programs because they do work very well, although I was fortunate enough that I could get sober without them.  This is not true for many people addicted. They will need Professional help and the proper care and counselling to detox in a safe and healthy way and to be guided in the right direction in life and towards getting clean and sober."

I would imagine if you want something bad enough and you are willing to do anything in order to achieve your goal or dream, it will happen, not only with getting clean and sober, but anything in life.  I have learned this while I started on my road to recovery, and believe me, if you want sobriety in your life you will do anything it takes.  You have to change our outlook on life and start thinking positive and continue to tell yourself that you can and will get sober no matter what it takes.

Many alcoholics, including myself has had many urges to drink maybe a few times a day, but you need to stop that urge in it's tracks and say that most important word "NO" I can't break and take that sip of alcohol.  I will not let my inner demons control my life anymore.  These demons that bring that urge to drink will be with you throughout the rest of your life.  They will hang inside of you just waiting for the moment to strike, but you must be stronger than them.  They will appear at the least expected moment.

If and when you get that urge or strong desire to drink alcohol, stop what you are doing right away and think of what you will have done to yourself if you take that drink or one sip.  Think of all the hard work you have
done over the last months or years and to ruin all you hard work for a sip of alcohol would be devastating.

You will be so mad at yourself and so disappointed that you gave in to those demons, plus then you will have to start back at day number one of trying to get and stay sober again.  You Must not let anything that happen in your quest to stay sober, and if by chance you do satisfy that urge you will never forgive yourself.

I know for a fact that I would be devastated that I wasn't strong enough to say "NO" to my addiction and demons that think they have you right where they want you.  Stay Strong.  Stay Positive and believe and love yourself enough to stay sober and enjoy this great life of Sobriety!

Preparing Yourself For A Life Of Sobriety

Preparing yourself for a family vacation, and new job, or just anything in your everyday life may seem very easy compared to preparing yourself for a life of sobriety.

Sobriety is something that the alcohol or drug addict would love to have, but the big problem is that their addiction has taken over their life and they may feel as if they are helpless to their own addiction, and that is so untrue.

Anyone that has an addiction of any kind has the choice of living the way they are with their addiction or making their minds up to make that huge life change and surrender to their addiction once and for all.

Many people that are addicted to drugs or alcohol seem to think it is too late to change their life for the fear it may be too late to even try to change.  Preparing your mind to get clean and sober is a huge part of sobriety.

First off, the person that is addicted must finally admit to his/her self that they indeed have a problem with their alcohol or drug abuse and they must get our of the denial that they have lived in for so long.  The reason I say get out of the denial is because I for one never thought I had a problem at all with drinking alcohol.  What the heck, everyone drinks alcohol so why am I any different then all the other drinkers?

My difference was, I didn't know when enough was enough.  I didn't know that there was a life out there without having to drink to have fun.  I am very sure that many alcoholics and drug addicts feel as I did and just figure what hell, it's too late now to change.  My body is probably ruin now anyway, so why quit drinking or using now.  This is not the case my friends!  It is never to late to change your life around for the better.  Although, if you continue to prolong your sobriety and the way you live your life, yes, sooner or later will come a time that it will be too late and many of us will be very sorry we didn't make that life change years before.  So, don't let this time pass you by.  Remember, we are only here on earth one time so make every second of it count and live it in a clean and sober way.

The way I prepared myself for the journey of a lifetime was I began to think of all the things I have missed out on by putting alcohol before anything and sometimes my own family and friends.  Alcohol was running and ruining my own life and taking down many people that I love and that loved me with my own addiction.  So when you look around and see just how your addiction effects other people you begin to think,"I am causing pain to those that I love all for the love of alcohol.  It is really worth destroying other people's lives because I am addicted to alcohol and don't have enough courage to surrender.

You have to look at everything around you in order to prepare for this journey to sobriety, meaning weigh your life and what is worth to save.  Are you worth saving?  I bet you are and if so, why in the world do we do these things to our bodies and the one that love and care so much for us.  They are all crying inside for us to finally see the light and change our habits and lifestyle.  Many of us, including me, are blinded by our addiction and can not see past it, but I must say, you can see past your addiction if you only try.  Don't let your demons ruin your life for one more second.  You are the only one that change that and you can change if you have the determination and the willingness to change.

Preparing to get clean and sober is all in the mind and if you think of where your life will be months or even years from now, and if you continue to drink you may see that you are only going to go downhill from now on. On the other hand think what your life would be if you were to surrender to your demons and start a life of sobriety.  I don't know about you, but I chose the life of sobriety and it couldn't of been a better choice

Drinking alcohol or using drugs gets you nowhere in life except poor health and death far earlier than that it should of happened.

You have to prepare your mind with positive thoughts and have that positive attitude telling yourself that you can and will achieve sobriety no matter what it takes to do it.  You can't let anyone or anything stand in your way of getting sober.  You trained your mind to be an alcoholic or a drug addict and you can train your mind to become clean and sober only if you really want sobriety bad enough.  Positive thoughts bring positive results, at least that is what I have learned in my journey to sobriety.  "It can be done for all of you if you want that to be the way of life you wish to have, until the day comes that you are taken from this earth by God's terms and not your demons."


First, you must want to be sober on your terms and not be forced into getting sober, because if you are being threatened or forced into getting clean and sober it will not work because you are not ready yourself for this change in life.  You need to want it so bad you will do anything to get sober .

Think positive every step of the way, and as time goes by you will see sobriety is really a great thing and it will be easier to get through each day without the crutch you have been holding for so many years.  One step at a time and one day at a time and sooner or later the urge and the desire to drink alcohol or use drugs will slowly disappear out of your life.  It has for me thank God, and now I am writing to hopefully help all those that have a life of addiction and to just say there is always hope and if you love and believe in yourself you can do anything in life and sobriety will be back into it as well.

How A Positve Attitude Helps With Getting Sober

Have you any idea how a positive attitude helps with getting sober?  For many people that are suffering from an addiction to alcohol sobriety and getting sober is the last thing on their mind.  Why, you may ask?  When an alcoholic has been drinking for so many years they forget just how sobriety and being clean and sober feels.

They have a hard time with excepting that they may have an addiction problem, and don't what to admit that they are living in denial and think nothing of drinking and partying, just like it is the way of life for everyone.  Well everyone in our society and in our world drink and abuse alcohol to the point of getting addicted to it.

When I finally said, "enough is enough" and surrendered to my addiction to alcohol is when I realized that a positive attitude has had a huge impact on my sobriety and has helped me to get sober and using that positive attitude continues to keep me sober as well.

Can you imagine walking around with that chip on your shoulder and thinking nothing but negative thoughts, saying why me?  How in the world can anyone get sober thinking negative and telling them self that they will never be able to kick their addiction and get clean and sober. Thinking is this manner no one will ever get sober.

Just think about it.  Negative thoughts give negative results and positive thoughts give positive results.  Sound right to me, how about you?

I can certainly say from my experience with drinking alcohol, and then getting sober, that my positive attitude helped me to get sober, and without thinking this way I would still be stuck in my little world of my own addiction and self destruction.  Our minds, and we all have one I might add, can and will do anything you tell it to.  If you want to live in a world of addiction and telling yourself you will never get sober than that is exactly what your life will be.

Now, lets turn the coin and say you are thinking nothing but positive thoughts and thinking with that positive attitude telling yourself that you can and will get and stay sober no matter what it takes to achieve your sobriety.  Which of the two attitudes do you think will work the best for you?  I have my answer, how about you, do you have your answer?  I think the answer is a no brainier in my opinion.

\