5 Months Sober 🩷
5 Months Sober. 🩷
Holding this chip today honestly feels surreal.
Over the past 5 months I have found the most incredible
AA community, and I truly would not be where I am today without them. From day one they have checked on me, loved me, and reminded me that recovery is possible…
even when it feels minute by minute. 🫶🏻
The obsession with alcohol is so real, and I don’t think people who haven’t experienced addiction fully understand how powerful it can be.
I shared something in my AA meeting last night that I want to share here too.
If you know me, you know how much I love everything clean.
I wash our sheets and comforter 2–3 times a week because the dogs sleep with us.🩷
But last April or May my addiction to tequila was controlling my life. My family knew I was struggling, so I had to hide every time I drank.
I would go to the liquor store or H-E-B and buy what I needed just for that day because every single day I told myself,
“This is the last day I’m drinking.”
Of course… it never was.😭
One day I bought more mini Patrón bottles and mini margarita bottles than I drank in a day, so I decided to save them for the next day. I wrapped them up in H-E-B bags and kitchen trash bags and hid them inside my trash can because I knew no one would look there.
The next day when I went to get them, those bottles had been sitting in a hot Texas trash can for almost 24 hours.
They were hot.
They were disgusting.
And I still drank them.
That’s how powerful this disease is. When you’re in it, alcohol becomes something you think about 24/7.
You will do almost anything to get your next drink.
But here’s what I want people to know…
Recovery is possible.
I never thought I would be here talking about my recovery or celebrating 5 months sober, but here I am and I am so thankful.
Recovery is hard. There are still days where I want a shot of Patrón or a skinny margarita. But instead of relapsing, I bring my booty to an AA meeting.
If you’re struggling right now, please know you are not alone and recovery is possible. 🩷
SO thankful for God’s love even on days I don’t feel like I deserve it. 🫶🏻
Reaching a milestone like five months sober is not just a number—it's a testament to the resilience and commitment required to overcome addiction. From my own experience and from many shared stories within sobriety communities, I can say that alcohol addiction often goes beyond physical dependence; it's deeply intertwined with emotional and mental challenges. One thing that resonated strongly in this journey is the power of a supportive community. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide not only accountability but genuine human connection, which can be crucial when the urge to relapse strikes. The obsession with alcohol often manifests as a constant, intrusive thought, creating an overwhelming focus on obtaining the next drink. This experience helps explain why people with addiction sometimes engage in behaviors they later find baffling, such as hiding or saving alcohol in unhealthy conditions. It highlights how potent and consuming addiction can be. Recovery also calls for a lot of self-compassion. Many who struggle feel guilt or shame, which can hinder progress. Sharing openly in meetings or with close friends can lighten this burden. It's also important to recognize that recovery isn't linear—there will be cravings and tough moments, but choosing an alternative action, like attending a meeting or engaging in a hobby, can shift the mindset. For anyone on this path, creating a clean, comforting environment can support sobriety. Simple self-care routines, like frequently washing bed linens or creating a nurturing space, can improve overall wellbeing and serve as a reminder of the fresh start. Lastly, faith or personal spirituality often provides strength during recovery. Feeling supported by something greater can bring hope on difficult days. Whether it's traditional religion or personal beliefs, this sense of purpose fuels perseverance. In summary, five months sober is a profound achievement that involves facing daily battles with addiction, leaning on community support, practicing self-care, and embracing recovery as an ongoing journey. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, remember that you're not alone—help and healing are possible.