Although I have only been sober 3 and 1/2 years, I have discovered that my life has become much more fullfilling now that I don't drink.

Besides being clear-headed and the obvious health benefits, I find I enjoy more things in life and get greater pleasures from even small things.

My wife and I have become closer and we talk more than we ever did when I was drinking. I have developed a deeper relationship with my old friends and make new friends much easier.

I have a re-newed interest in some of my old hobbies, and have new interests popping up all the time.

I am much more spiritual and enjoy conversations with other people of a smiliar nature.

Its almost like I discovered, a new, and better life than I ever had before.

I'm sure that others have also experienced this phenomenon. I welcome your thoughts and experiences on how being sober has improved your life.

With respect to all,

RickThai

A few things that spring to to mind about no longer imbibing in liquid libation: I no longer wake up wondering if I drove home and if I did where my vehicle might be. No recollection of why my knuckles are bruised. No more unplanned tattoos. I don't add 40% whiskey to (sweeten)my morning coffee to quell to the shakes so I can go to work. Not having to borrow my rent money. I no longer receive phone calls from friends telling me not to call them at 2 AM when I am drunk. Not waking up in jail. Not missing work because I am hung-over. Not wondering if I insulted someone the night before.

I am sure if I tired I could add many more. My last drink, blackout episode, party, was December 31 1985 New Years eve. That is a long time ago, consequently my memories of why I stopped are somewhat diminished. Although still vivid enough to feel certain I made the right choice when I stopped.

A few things that spring to to mind about no longer imbibing in liquid libation: I no longer wake up wondering if I drove home and if I did where my vehicle might be. No recollection of why my knuckles are bruised. No more unplanned tattoos. I don't add 40% whiskey to (sweeten)my morning coffee to quell to the shakes so I can go to work. Not having to borrow my rent money. I no longer receive phone calls from friends telling me not to call them at 2 AM when I am drunk. Not waking up in jail. Not missing work because I am hung-over. Not wondering if I insulted someone the night before.

I am sure if I tired I could add many more. My last drink, blackout episode, party, was December 31 1985 New Years eve. That is a long time ago, consequently my memories of why I stopped are somewhat diminished. Although still vivid enough to feel certain I made the right choice when I stopped.

Getting rid of all the old issues is certainly a big improvement. Hopefully, there are some positive new things happening in your life now (besides getting rid of all the old issues).

RickThai

Possibly the most positive change is the feeling of normalcy.

I stopped about the same time as rucus7. I still can recall the end stage days - even some memory flashes during blackouts. Awarenesses pop up at times - to this day.

My prime grace is the freedom from fear. I was busy acting tough, trying to pretend I had no fear. As it turned out, I was paralyzed with fear that I'd never identified.

It was a spiritual thing for me too. That's what caused me to stay sober and live in the solution all these years.

I enjoy women more when I'm sober.

I enjoy women more when I'm sober.

And my guess is that they enjoy you more as well.

Greetings all , Ive been Sober now for just 4 months , but already I would like to write about my benefits ..Compared to some , I didn't have a problem ..HOWEVER , I knew that I had a problem , because the initial thought to stop , made me extremely fearful , as well as the actual addiction withdrawal . I read that the definition of an alcholic was 37 standard drinks her week , well when I found out this I quickly calculated and I think week in ..week out I was around 55 . My first thought ..How can I be in Thailand Sober all the time ? Then I asked myself ..Why did you want to go to Thailand ? For Drink ? , the answer was of course NO .<BR><BR> The first Joy I have is the feeling a freedom ... I never really drove while drinking , So I can drive ..I can go where I like . Planning , late invites to parties , and Its been just wonderful to be able to just drink Narm . My thought process ..I make a statement , I say to myself " I really meant that " ..Im completely Sober , my thoughts , I believe far deeper , my spirituality ..far more intense , My relationships ( all ) , just much easier .. with everyone really ..my nightly 5 k walk ( dont have to talk myself into it ) .<BR><BR> Attitude ..Freedom and Fitness are my keys words .<BR><BR> I know its only been a short time , I know I can easily slip back to the Merrygoround , but as each day passes I grow stronger ... Also I no longer see " Benefits " on the drinking side , I only see problems and a terrible addiction .... I really have enjoyed my journey so far ..Please wish me luck and strength .

Greetings all , Ive been Sober now for just 4 months , but already I would like to write about my benefits ..Compared to some , I didn't have a problem ..HOWEVER , I knew that I had a problem , because the initial thought to stop , made me extremely fearful , as well as the actual addiction withdrawal . I read that the definition of an alcholic was 37 standard drinks her week , well when I found out this I quickly calculated and I think week in ..week out I was around 55 . My first thought ..How can I be in Thailand Sober all the time ? Then I asked myself ..Why did you want to go to Thailand ? For Drink ? , the answer was of course NO .<BR><BR> The first Joy I have is the feeling a freedom ... I never really drove while drinking , So I can drive ..I can go where I like . Planning , late invites to parties , and Its been just wonderful to be able to just drink Narm . My thought process ..I make a statement , I say to myself " I really meant that " ..Im completely Sober , my thoughts , I believe far deeper , my spirituality ..far more intense , My relationships ( all ) , just much easier .. with everyone really ..my nightly 5 k walk ( dont have to talk myself into it ) .<BR><BR> Attitude ..Freedom and Fitness are my keys words .<BR><BR> I know its only been a short time , I know I can easily slip back to the Merrygoround , but as each day passes I grow stronger ... Also I no longer see " Benefits " on the drinking side , I only see problems and a terrible addiction .... I really have enjoyed my journey so far ..Please wish me luck and strength .

c

It sounds as though you have a very good perspective. I think you already have strength so I wish you continued luck and success in your endeavor.