Emily P.
- Age
- 47
- Sober Since
- May 7, 2018
- Sober For
- 8 Years & 142 Days
01 What it was like
I never imagined I would be sober. I’m still surprised. I drank every night, never having any plans after 5pm because that was for me and beer only.
I drank every night, never having any plans after 5pm because that was for me and beer only.
02 What happened
After an argument one day my husband said (as he had many times) that I need to stop drinking. I became stubborn and threw out the beer thinking that I’m going to show him how miserable I’ll be without alcohol and he’ll see that I need it in my life! However he never relented and I never relented and when I hit 30 days sober I thought well I should probably take this seriously and do the work!
03 What it is like now
There is no miracle ending. Life goes on, some people still don’t forgive me and I still have bad days. But I am calmer and I can stay rational. I don’t wake up in a panic checking my social media to see if I posted something inappropriate. I’m out of the prison of active addiction and my loved ones tell me they’re proud of me.
More sober stories
View all →
Choose your next step
Find support for your own recovery
Understand sobriety
What is Sobriety? Understanding Your Path to True Freedom
Explore what sobriety truly means in this enlightening article, delving into its journey beyond physical abstinence to emotional and psychological freedom. Discover how therapies like CBT, DBT, and MAT, along with a holistic approach, are key to overcoming addiction. Learn about sobriety's positive impacts on relationships, mental health, and overall well-being, highlighting the profound sense of freedom and fulfillment it brings.
Take the first step
Getting Sober: How to Start Safely and What to Do Today
If you want to get sober but do not know where to begin, start with the immediate questions: how to stop safely, who to ask for help, and what support you will need in the first few days.
Support your recovery
Staying Sober: A Practical Guide to Protecting Your Recovery
Once you stop drinking or using, there is still work, family, stress, and free time to figure out. Staying sober involves building routines and knowing who to call when you want to use again.
Explore warning signs
Signs of Addiction by Substance: When to Ask for Help
You may have noticed changes in your own drinking or drug use, or be worried about someone close to you. Start with the substance involved to read about warning signs and where to get help.