10 years sober - still figuring out who I am

2w ago1 min read

Got sober 10 years ago after my second DUI and my wife threatening to leave. A decade is a long time and I'm basically a different person now. Don't miss the hangovers or the shame or waking up not remembering the night before. But I do miss the numbness sometimes, not gonna lie. Being present for everything means I feel it all. The good stuff is amazing but the hard stuff hits harder. I've gained my marriage back, my kids actually respect me, and I sleep at night without anxiety. Still working through a lot of who I am outside of being "the guy with the addiction" but it gets easier.

8 comments155 views

Comments(8)

MMikeRegular1w ago

Congratulations on a decade. That takes real strength. I'm curious what you've learned about yourself in these 10 years that surprised you the most?

CCarlosNew Dad1w ago

This right here. The identity thing doesn't get talked about enough. When the thing that defined your struggle goes away, you're like okay now what. Really glad you stuck it out though.

BBrandon H.Regular1w ago

Ten years is incredible man. That's a whole journey. What's the hardest part of figuring out who you are after you remove the addiction piece?

RRaj P.Regular2w ago

That's incredible man, congrats on 10 years. The fact that you're still figuring yourself out shows you're doing the real work, not just coasting. Your wife and kids are lucky to have you.

CCarl S.Regular2w ago

Man, this hits different. You've basically rebuilt your whole life and you're not even done growing. That takes serious strength.

BBrandonRegular1w ago

Congrats on a decade. That second chance with your wife and family must hit different knowing what you almost lost. How are things with her now?

PPhil M.Regular1w ago

That's incredible, man. Seriously. Ten years is not just a number - that's a whole decade of showing up for your family, for yourself. The fact that you're still figuring out who you are sounds like growth to me, not confusion. Keep going.

AAlexRegular1w ago

This is the kind of post that matters. Not looking for sympathy, just being real about the journey. Props to you for sticking with it and being honest about still figuring things out.