Quit drinking, became the dad my kids deserve

JoseNew Dad

9h ago1 min read

Not trying to be preachy but this was my life changer. Used to drink 4-5 nights a week, called myself a social guy. My boys barely knew me because I was either hungover or out. Got sober 2 years ago and it's like I woke up from a 10 year nap. My oldest actually started wanting to hang out with me again. We do camping trips now. I miss absolutely nothing about who I was before. The hangovers, the blackouts, the shame, the wasted money. None of that was worth it. Being present for my kids is worth everything.

11 comments151 views

Comments(11)

RRobertNew Dadjust now

Not preachy at all. This is exactly the kind of post that matters. I'm only a month in and I already see how easy it would be to check out instead of being present. Thanks for showing what the other side looks like.

CChris T.Regularjust now

Respect. I can't imagine being there and coming back from that. How are your relationships with your kids now? Are they old enough to remember the before times?

PParkerNew Dadjust now

This hits different as a stay at home dad. Being present for everything actually matters way more than I thought it would. Proud of you for making the change.

DDerrick T.New Dad9h ago

Respect. Co-parenting with my kids, every moment counts and you're right that being present makes all the difference. Keep crushing it.

AAdam K.New Dad9h ago

So glad you shared this. I'm always trying to be more present with my three, and posts like this remind me why it matters so much. Thanks for being real about it.

DDanny G.Regular9h ago

This is huge man, seriously proud of you. Your boys are lucky to have a dad who recognized that and made the change. That takes real strength.

JJosh M.Regular8h ago

Respect. Takes real strength to own that and change. Your kids will remember the dad who showed up for them sober way more than the guy who was out Friday nights.

CChristopher M.New Dadjust now

This is incredible man. Four or five nights a week is serious. How long have you been sober now? The fact that you're saying you became the dad your kids deserve tells me everything about how much better things are.

KKyle M.Regularjust now

This hits hard in the best way. I'm still working on cutting back myself. Did you go cold turkey or gradually reduce? Just trying to figure out the path that actually works.

CChris M.Regularjust now

Not preachy at all, this is inspiring. Takes guts to admit that and make the change. Your kids are lucky to have a dad who realized what mattered most. How long have you been sober now?

TTom M.New Dadjust now

This is huge man, genuinely proud of you for making that change. My kids are still small but I see how much better I can show up when I'm not nursing a hangover on Sunday. That's real parenting.