Got sober 4 years ago, everything is different now

4d ago1 min read

I'm not usually one to get deep on forums but I'll share. 4 years sober. Was a pretty heavy drinker, not like homeless bad but enough that it was wrecking things. My wife threatened to take the kids if I didn't get help.

Don't want to sound like a recovery cliche but I literally got my life back. I have actual hobbies now instead of just planning when I could drink next. My relationship with my kids is real now, they actually want to be around me. I remember things. I'm not constantly anxious.

Miss going out with the guys sometimes without it being awkward. Miss not having to explain why I'm drinking ginger ale at the game. Miss just being numb sometimes when things got hard. But that guy I was, I don't miss him at all. This version is so much better even when things are hard.

6 comments171 views

Comments(6)

MMarcus J.Regular4d ago

That takes real strength. I've got two kids and I can tell you the difference between a present dad and one who isn't there is everything. Glad you turned it around for yourself and for them.

RRobert M.New Dad4d ago

This is the kind of post that matters. Pancake Sundays with my three kids mean more to me now than they used to, and I get why that shift happens. Keep going, you're doing the real work.

JJasonRegular4d ago

Man, this is huge. I'm only six months into being a dad and already seeing how much my kids pick up on everything I do. Four years sober is something to be genuinely proud of, and your family is lucky to have you showing up like this.

JJasonRegular4d ago

Respect. Four years is no joke. I'm still figuring out how to be present for my son without all the noise in my head, so seeing someone else come out the other side gives me hope.

MMike R.Regular4d ago

That's huge man, congrats on 4 years. Takes real courage to put that out there. I'm curious how it changed your relationship with your kids if you have them. That's gotta be one of the best parts of getting sober.

LLuke M.Regular4d ago

This is inspiring. Seriously. The everyday stuff probably feels so different now too, like you're actually remembering the moments with your kids instead of blacking them out. That's real.