When I stopped using alcohol, it was like waking up from a very long and painful sleep. And not even sleep, because alcohol never gave me a restful sleep, even in a serious sense.
I used it to isolate (I live alone) and anesthetize myself against the world. I was suffering from rheumatoid arthritis but didn't know it, I thought I was developing alcohol related ailments. So I quit drinking on my birthday in June of this year.
The 'Ailing' Didn't Go Away
I was excited about feeling better physically, but the underlying 'ailing' feeling didn't go away. Long story short, I had developed the rheumatoid arthritis -- so it was a very good thing to give up the alcohol.I find now that dealing with all my emotions is a challenge, but I welcome it. I am still alone, but I welcome that too. It is hard to believe that I missed three years of beautiful full moons because I was passed out before the sky got dark in the evenings. Now I am up late, enjoying the full day.
Support Groups Are Invaluable
My dogs get more exercise because we are in the woods exploring on a daily basis. It is a long road, but I welcome it.I encourage all recovering people to go to meetings. Support groups are wonderful. It's a time to take time out to attend one, make time to do it, because it is invaluable.