I’m 2 weeks sober today. Was drinking everyday for about 3 years. I feel like nothing gives me dopamine anymore. Nothing makes me happy, I can’t find anything to do that I enjoy. I know it’s only been 2 weeks and my brain/body is adjusting but I hate this feeling. I’ve forced myself to go out and do things, but I end up feeling worse than if I just stayed home.

im out of options, my profile gives a little idea

ive been drinking almost half gallon of vodka daily for a while

im finally out of money after pawning things and taking more cancerous loans just to stay sauced

im being sued 6 ways from sunday and im drowning

i just got out of the ER for a small stroke and within 30 minutes i was slamming a 750 of vodka instead of calling the neurologist

im even drunk right now, just finished another 750

i dont know if i want to die or not but its going to happen anyways if i cant make my mind up

im desperate for anyone to tell me what i havent thought of already

my family are dead, i dont have many people to lean on, and im a trainwreck of a person

i just need to know what there is to live for because i think im at the end and i cant stop

Well here’s something I never thought I would admit before because it’s such a frustrating aspect of my life.

I’m officially 4 days sober, I have quit multiple times and gone back every single time. Truth be told I need to quit because I assume it’s what is contributing to my insane levels of anxiety.

And by anxiety I mean health anxiety for myself and others, a looming feeling of doom and dread the second I gain consciousness, and the lack of motivation to do things.

I’m over it, I got so into drinking that I couldn’t tell what was real and what was caused by the alcohol. I haven’t been able to sleep properly and my anxiety has been at an all time high.

Is this common with becoming sober? I feel almost out of body. In some aspects I’m relieved, in others I’m terrified this feeling won’t go away.

I’ve never reached out for help or guidance, but I’m lost. I can’t tell what’s a normal part of the process or what’s not. Advice is greatly appreciated.

my partner (32M) and i (24F) have been dating for about a year and a half now(july 2025). we met at our job, we work in hospitality.

i honestly don’t know where to start my story to get to the point of my title. i didn’t know it at the start, but i began to realize that my boyfriend is an alcoholic. he would drink beat boxes or vodka, anything that was cheap but strong, and start from the moment he woke up till he went to sleep. i didn’t notice these habits of abuse until he would turn his anger onto me. every time he drinks, he is manipulative, straight up rude to me- calls me names, ignores me, blames his actions onto me; he makes disgusting messes with food or bodily fluids, he becomes someone i don’t recognize.

december 2025, he was invited to my family’s christmas party. i asked him not to drink, he showed up hammered and drank so much more. he became highly annoying with his loud side comments, made some uncomfortable with the way they saw him treating me, and it only got worse later in the night. my parents drove us back to their house (i live with them), and my man was not allowed to stay in my parents house. these rules, annoying as hell, but it is what it is- he knew it, but thought if he got drunk enough that he could stay. i wish he could’ve. instead of ordering him an uber and wishing him a goodnight and kisses etc, he got so upset that he couldn’t stay that when we were outside he yelled at me to KMS and that my whole family sucks and when my dad heard ts, he came outside like wtf dude? my boyfriend becomes a different person, zero respect for anyone not even himself. he told my dad off, told my mom off, and got in his car and drove home.

due to these actions, plus their previous thoughts on him that he’s not good enough for me. they didn’t talk to my boyfriend for a long time. not entirely their decision, as it took my boyfriend 4 months to even apologize to them- and through a damn text.

march 2026, he was on my side of town asking to go to breakfast in the am. i’m down, so i met up with him. to find that he was absolutely trashed (it had to be like 8 or 9 am.) i didn’t call him out immediately, but when it came time to leave i told him to lock his car up and get into mine because i clearly have to drive him home. he was so rude to me on the way to his house, eventually he passed out. i knew it was time to change things around or this wasn’t going to work for me anymore. i drove us to the local AA meeting house, they had a meeting in 20 minutes. when he woke up he became so upset he threw a tantrum in my car and made a huge mess with the flowers he had bought me and a bag of chips. he walked away and down the street as i sat and cried. i was going in. he came back before the meeting started and we went in, it was one of the most healing feelings ever to be there. they had me read the 12 steps out loud to the group, and i had a wash of emotions stir through me. i thought, “maybe he’ll finally see what his addiction is doing to the people he’s loved.” (he already knows, he’s already lost every job he’s had and bounced around due to his abuse.) it worked for some time. he sweat it out and was sober for 3 months before a slip up that we corrected very fast, sober for another 3ish months and now here we are today.

he was rude to me all mf day, no reason. the second i woke up, i was ridiculed and bitched at. we had to shop for a present for his sisters birthday dinner that night, and he became sure a pest at the store. “overconsumerism of plastic bullshit is killing america”, “you fell into the scams of society”, “target is watching i hate being in this store.”, “you love this store because you love bullshit.”, “i can’t be with someone who falls for the american dream.” the world is fucked, no need to over stress over it and make me miserable. i dropped him off at home and finished my errands, and came back to glass all over the kitchen. apparently, to him, this is “my fault.”

fast forward through more bullshit, we go to dinner, he’s erratic, his family can tell something’s off, his mom knows the signs. fast forward to after dinner, we’re driving home- he’s nice. for 15 minutes i can actually smile. then as soon as we get home it changes. he talks so much about himself, society; hurts, habits, hangups; and so fast you barely have an opportunity to think of a response, and then it’s you’re fault you don’t listen and he’s just “talking to nobody.” i pretty much sat in silence after that. he was someone i’d never seen. i watched him walk to the closet and take a swig of vodka, i called him out. he started to throw my clothes out and told me to gtfo out his apartment. threatening to smash my laptop, bend my phone in half, throw my things off the balcony. wow. i began feeling unsafe so i started gathering my things to leave- he was sitting on the couch watching toy story whispering that im not leaving. i got all my stuff to the car, gave him a kiss goodbye, and left. he followed me out, pinned me at my car and his eyes went black. “get in the house, now!” “you’re not going anywhere, or else i’m gonna…..” he pulled at me to go back upstairs, i don’t feel safe at all anymore. but i went back upstairs because i thought maybe he wouldn’t do anything else and he’d go to sleep and i can sneak out. nope. instead he bitches me out, i sat in silence, and he began to spazz. flipped his living room table, broke everything on that, took the legs of the table and threw them at the wall, took his TV and threw it at the wall, and a picture was tossed as well making the floors of his apartment unwalkable. THANK GOD, his downstairs neighbor heard all of that and had a big heart to come check how everything was. i asked him to help me get out of there. drove home, talked to my mom. i had to.

she was supposed to meet him this weekend for the first time in months to begin the process of forgiveness and to move on as a unit BECAUSE I WANTED IT. not for her or my dad, because i chose him. and i don’t think that is going to happen anymore.

there’s so much to this story, but i can’t fit anymore details in. i have done so much for him, noticed my codependency habits are at an all time high, my stress levels are through the roof, ive made myself smaller and avoided anything that could make him upset. (doesn’t work.) he needs therapy and medical help, but it’s too expensive and he doesn’t “want to be labeled as different or an alcoholic.” he doesn’t want to commit to putting the bottle away for good. and i have decided it’s me or the bottle.

Good evening, members.

It hurts so much that I can no longer hide what I have been going through. Since childhood, my dad has struggled with severe alcoholism, and I have grown up feeling neglected. Even to this day, the situation remains the same. He has neglected his responsibilities, and honestly, I feel lost and confused. I don't know how best to help him.

I have been thinking about taking him to a rehabilitation centre, but the cost seems overwhelming. At the same time, I am doing my best to pay school fees for my younger brothers, and the weight of these responsibilities is becoming too much for me to bear.

Sometimes, I feel drowned by the situation and almost hopeless, because I don't know where to begin or what to do next. Despite everything, deep down, I still believe that one day things will get better and that, by God's grace, I will be able to turn things around for my family.

I am sharing this not because I have given up, but because I have carried this pain for so long, and I feel the need to open up. I would appreciate your prayers, guidance, advice, and any support or information on affordable rehabilitation services that could help my dad.

Thank you for taking the time to listen. 🙏❤️

Ive always had a thing with addiction, it started with weed. i know a lot of people say weed isnt addictive but i was addicted. Smoking north of 10 blunts a day from the age 14-22. i have always been functioning. its never hindered my work or relationships. Most people never seen it as an issue due to me being able to hide the amount i was consuming. Eventually i quit weed because i knew i didnt have the degrees or credentials to get a more stable job and higher paying jobs in my area drug test. I currently have a higher paying job, but i switched from one addiction to another. Alcohol. I have routinly consumed entire bottles of alcohol at once. I dont want to drink myself to death or allow something to have this much power over me. i was able to slow down my drinking earlier this year but stress in my life has caused me to relapse recently. this is another situation where people around me dont know how much or how often im drinking. it doesnt affect my work at all or my relationships. what im asking is how do i find a better coping mechanism for when things get really stressed. im usually doing fine until that stress hits and alcohol is the easiest way to get rid of that stress. I havent been enjoying any of my hobbies unless i have a few drinks in first. ive gained a ton of weight too and im just trying to find help without getting the typical 'boo hoo' treatment from people

Yes I’ve tried AA and the steps. It’s a good program, just not for me.

Im a pint a night drinker. After many hospital visits and dangerous benders I’ve limited myself to never* buying more than a pint.

Im stuck. Im 37. The pint a night just keeps me going. Most the time I’m not too hung over. But im also not healthy enough to live a regular happy life.

Im just at a loss for words. I know 100% that if I keep drinking, sooner than later I will die. And yet every night- I stop by the liquor store. Even after all the pain alcohol has caused me. I still can’t just put it down for good.

30 days sober, still very tired. Wasnt a daily drinker?!

Hello!

Im 30 days sober, finally i made it this far. I was drinking like 3 or 4 times a week, for 2 years long maybe. I was drinking like 3 beers a time, 6 glasses. So maybe like 15 tot 18 glasses a week. Had times that i dronk daily, for 1 week every day... But then i didnt liked it anymore. Sometimes i stopped for one week..Im really happy that i made it this far finally.

I dont understand why im still feeling this tired and umotivated even little depressed, anhedonia. I searched a lot on Reddit for people with the same drinking pattern. I know that some people are stil tired even after 30 days. Even running is to much now. I must say that i also use Concerta 36mg, Lexapro 10mg, olanzapine 2.5mg en serequel 12.5mg. And i drinked with these medications to. My question is does this feeling get better?! I want to wake up more refreshed again and want my energy back....

for starters I just turned 21 so to celebrate I started using nicotine because I wanted a way to calm myself after work and settled down great idea right anyways there was one issue alcohol was itching in my mind like a addict of years. I noticed day one my emotions where quite rough and trust me I worked months to be able and not react or be impulsive just to be a stable human being however that all went down the drain by day 3 especially once I decided I would buy alcohol. in the amount of time I know dip before work and after, drink headed to work and after. my mind feels so off balance I can't think just react, I just buy things to buy. I ended up attempting to be homeless because I don't feel I reason outher then to shoot up with drugs and live on the streets and that I'm content with why I say the substance made my mind go on edge I was like no point my ex is the only one I want and if I can't have her no point in trying. I still crave my nic and alcohol so bad as though it helped but it doesn't. i was diagnosed with bpd I thought I overcame it but It show itself this week on top of that I texted an old freind I had no business texting just because I wanted to get down with her I was so ashamed because no one deserves to be used. I also drove a homeless man an hour to get where he was going which is a good thing but really dangerous anyways hopefully someone can help me a little

Im so terrified of myself right now, it’s like the only moment I’m sane it’s when I wake up sober in the middle of the night.
Need advice

A little over a month ago I did a medical detox because I was sick of having to drink liquor all day every day for six years straight. I’d go thru a handle in 4 days. I’ve never been a binge drinker somehow I just young in a rough situation and didn’t think physical withdrawal was real so when I wanted to stop I couldn’t on my own.

On the other hand my work is very nightlife centered and stressful, I can’t be a nervous wreck so I made a deal with myself that I could drink a few socially here and there or enjoy a glass of wine when I’m at a nice dinner. So far I stuck to that, keeping it to a couple with many sober days in between.

That brings us to now, I had at least one alcoholic beverage for four nights in a row. Never exceeded 3 in one night. Today I didn’t feel like drinking or for the rest of this week. Reddit and chat gpt informed me about kindling etc. I know for a normal person that low level amount of consumption wouldn’t cause withdrawals but since I have a past history of drinking heavily does that mean I’ll be back in it?? I’m a very anxious person, I’m at like 30hrs without feeling any dangerous symptoms but I’m freaked out I’ll randomly have a seizure tomorrow or something. Should I be concerned and reach out for medical help or will I likely be fine?

Hello, I met my boyfriend (30s/male) about 6 months ago. He had a problem with the drink when I met him, but as a drunk, it was at a level I could handle... so I didn't care too much. After all, his issues are his to handle, and I can't make anyone change if they don't want to. Plus, I had a bad problem with drink in my 20s. (I got hold of it, mostly because I get very sick hangovers and can't handle them anymore. I even developed mild GERD from the habit) so I understand addiction, as alcoholism runs in my family.

He was at a point he knew it was bad and had to stop eventually, and sure enough he had the moment of "I almost fucked it all up" and that was the kick he needed to start his sober journey. I am very proud of him for doing this, and will be sure to encourage him to keep going.

Hes about 2 months sober now, going to AA meetings, and has a lot of friends/family supporting him in the journey. I want to support him too, and I'm doing my best in every way I can think of.

But I do have some questions for those who have been through it and how your body and relationships recovered after:

How long did it take to feel like yourself again, and for the body to feel normal?

-He is looking much healthier now and taking vitamins, and eating more. But he was having liver and stomach issues before he quit. I want to see him feel better, as he generally refuses to see a doctor.

If you were in a relationship at the time, how did the recovery affect the physical aspects of your relationship? And how long did it take you to get back to normal in that respect?

-it was a bit unbalanced in how we matched before, but now it seems the want has completely fallen off the map for him, and its rough reconciling the lack on my end. i had the higher libido.

(I absolutely appreciate that he wants to still spend time with me without physical things being a part of it, but I DO miss it. Especially as he isnt a very physically affectionate person... I miss the connection there, and I really want it back)

Also. I have never known this man sober before.... I want to see who he becomes from this journey. I am in this for the long haul. I want to support him, and grow with him, and get to know him again. He's a good man, with a good heart.

I have never dated someone whos been in recovery. This is as new for me as it is him. I apologize if this is a lot to ask, or if this isnt the right place to ask these questions. But if there is any advice you can give on how I can help support him, please let me know. I want to see him succeed.

Thank you so much.

I drink about 15-20 beers a night. They go down so fast, I walk and talk so normal, I guarantee my wife notices I drink a bit, but not as many because she’s so busy with her work. My drinking does not affect hanging out with the kiddos, getting them to bed, nightly chores to get ready for the next day… but my day is rough. I don’t really get hangovers, but my work is easy. I can work hard when we have a pressing project, but take it easy when we don’t. Work performance is still 100%. But work is so easy, I can spend last 2 hours of the day pre gaming. Get home, do normal family things, down some more, kids in bed, down more while working in the garage, then down more while watching stupid Tik toks. I don’t know how to spend an evening without beer. I know I’m killing myself. And worse, I’m killing my bank account. I need help with stopping

I am making this post in the name of harm reduction, and to know if i need to taper off. I am trying to cut back on my alcohol intake, or stop for a while entirely, but im not sure if my body will react well to it. I may just be overly scared, but some info about my intake, im currently on roughly 5 to 6 shots a day for the past month. I am worried about seizures if i quit cold turkey, any info or advice would be appreciated.

The addict mind likes to make excuses. It likes to justify benders and reckless decisions. It’s sneaky like that. It’s okay to admit we’re afraid of socializing being responsible and having healthy relationships. Never act like it’s not ok to be afraid. I’m personally petrified of so much. One of which is my friendship with my great friend one who helped me start this journey. She woke me up and me realize I had a serious problem I needed to change. No more moderation absolute abstinence is best. I’m absolutely terrified of letting her down. It’s motivation in a way to keep going, keep staying sober. I’m also scared of opening my heart to the world. I have too however it’s time. In order to heal my soul from this awful disease I need to love again. To this person reading this you are loved don’t ever forget it.

Hello to all, my name is Tim and I'm a 49 y/0 M in Canada. I have currently drank close to half a bottle of Southern Comfort (my hard drink of choice) to numb myself from stress and and depression. I was a 'gifted child " and I feel like I have completely blown all my potential and talents as I'm currently off work from a low skill and low paying job (grocery store deliver driver(

I live in B.C. in Canada and am currently experiencing stress and depression to the degree I never could have predicted I would even just a few years ago. The apartment suite I've rented for 20 years was just noted as being unclean and having alot of structural cracks, which I've admittedly failed in reporting.

Alcoholism runs on both sides of my family - my grandfather who died in 2014 at the age of 93 and likely one retired uncle on my mother's side who will drink a full bottle of Scotch whisky in one night regularly, and then a couple of cousins and both uncles on my father's side (one of whom was a professional Stampede wrestler out of Calgary for around 10 years in the 70s and completed suicide at the age of 66 likely due to CTEd and persistent physical pain.

Both of my parents are in their late 70s and moderate social drinkers in and overall very good health for being almost 80 y/0 due to taking very high care of themselves diet and exercise wise.

I'm feeling despondent now as I've been off work for 2.5 months due to mental health issues and my future seem so bleak and hopeless. Yet I can still compose this in a mostly functional manner so maybe there is hope. I've drank very little for the last 20 years or so but have just had close to half a bottle of Southern Comfort in the last hour or so. Feeling actually quite good and fully acknowledge I will likely feel worse once I sober up.

Hey, so I’m 19 years old and choosing to go sober just because I have been blacking out so much and I just hate the rabbit hole that alcohol brings me, especially that my family is prone to so many addictions. Specifically alcoholism is something that runs in my family. I’m thinking to swap over from alcohol to nicotine. I know nicotine is bad, but I’d rather have nicotine than drinking my life away and would rather vape in functions or wtv. I also am actively in therapy for one year and I am seeking diagnosis soon so I’m getting the help that I need but I’m planning to go sober and not drink especially knowing that holidays and Halloween etc is coming up , big temptation . Any tips or ideas please :(

So I have been a habitual drinker for years, I drink 20-25 drinks a day. Today I had to go for a health procedure and couldn’t drink for an extended period of time, I just stopped entirely, no issues nothing. I came out of sedation and checked myself out and downed like 8 drinks off the belt within an hour of waking up!! I realised today my alcoholism is 100% mental rather than physical and I’m now more worried

Not sure this is the right place, but I'm looking for advice on how to deal with my dad (65M) and older brother (30M), both of whom I believe have drinking problems.

My dad's father died of cirrhosis, and my dad was in a drunk driving accident as a teenager that nearly killed him and took his friend's life. Growing up, he sometimes drove us around drunk, which terrified me and put me off alcohol. He would also spend most of his weekends either drinking at our backyard, or sleeping his hangover off.

My dad is otherwise a great husband and father, but my mum acknowledges his drinking problem and he always denies it. After stopping during cancer treatment, he's returned to drinking at least two beers every evening, sometimes more on weekends. He hides bottles, so I don't know how much he actually drinks, but he buys packs of beer every week and drinks more when left alone. Given his medical history, I'm worried about his health.

My older brother has a different pattern. He doesn't have a weekly routine of drinking so to speak, but once he starts drinking, he can't stop until he passes out. Any beverage will do, and he'll often mix between wine, whisky, gin...My sister-in-law is worried too, but when I've tried talking to him, he dismisses me as dramatic because I've always been the "serious" sibling.

For those of you in recovery, what helped you realise you had a problem? I'd especially appreciate advice on how to approach my dad and brother without making them defensive, and how to recognise the limits of what I can do. I know I can't make them stop drinking or admit they have a problem, but can I do anything to help them get there?

What’s one habit you reflect on that you kinda embarrassed about now . For me as I was driving by one liquor store it clicked in my memory I used to be a the liquor store waiting for them to open like I was at a grocery story . Or even worst the dasher pulling up knowing my name already because it was a liquor store order .

I don't have much of anyone irl to brag about this with, but I know you will understand. I'm happily 7 years sober, thanks in large part to my ex-wife.

So, my ex-wife got remarried in Vegas last weekend. I still have a close (if not frequent) friendship with her, I'm cool and cordial with the new guy, and we share custody of our beloved dog.

It was our pup's 10-year birthday on Monday, so i went to their new place and had dinner with them, so we could all give her the attention and affection she deserves. Before I left, I congratulated the couple, told my ex I was happy for and proud of her. I started walking home; it's a long but reasonable walk, and I didn't want to wait for the bus, so I hoofed it until the next bus caught up to me.

I thought to myself, "this would be a great time for a drink," as during my pre-marriage days, I would always drown my sorrows. But there was no sorrow. No tears, but instead, a feeling of closure. I hopped on the next bus and was in my jammies by 9:30.

I can't hold a grudge. She literally saved my life -- dropped me off at rehab, and most importantly, brought me home. I'm already working on my next chapter. But I am infinitely proud of myself for not drinking throughout the breakup. Ex is dropping my pup off this evening and I'll spend a week with her. I will continue to not drink with you, today, tomorrow, and as long as possible.

Small win. Thanks for listening

Going through a relapse and i look over and see my two dogs. One is a pomsky and one is a shiba their personalities couldn't be more different LOL shiba pic in comments

Kind of a long rant coming. Just looking for some comradery or whatever. Dms open if you want to reach out.

It didn't used to be that I'd need to drink when I woke up. But goddamn it. I don't even think I'm getting drunk anymore and I'm just getting normal.

I'm getting friendly with every liquor store dude and I'm embarrassed. They're good dudes and they tell me about the other people picking up wine before work.

I am friendly with gas station guys for my twisted tea in the morning and they are pretty alright I guess.

But goddamn, ever since I was fired from my six figure job-- ever since I spent a night in jail for a crime I didn't commit I've just been spiraling.

Casually day drinking...

And fuck man, I can never stay on top of shit. I'm just always afraid of taking a hard look at the things that are falling apart. I can go on and on about how I was too afraid to look at the insurance bill so it didn't get paid, or how I was too afraid to ask for a raise so I kept suffering, or how I got a call saying my car note needed paid and I couldn't look at it so my car got repossessed.

When shit hits the fan I'm:

"Oh my god how could this happen?"

I never fucking learn. I seem incapable of it. It didn't used to be this way. And that pisses me off so much. I'm not a "blame the world" alcoholic. I'm an "I'm a piece of shit" alcoholic.

Sometimes I'm the "I figured it all out!" drunk where I figure out exactly what to do: I should be brave and face my problems head on! THIS XY and Z will solve ABC. I'll fix it all and EVERYTHING will be GREAT!

But then I wake up in the morning and I can't believe how dumb I was to think any of that.

Last night I swore that if I joined the police force it would solve all my problems... In the cold light of day I hate myself for believing it would be that simple.

And fuck, man, most of the time, after the sun goes down and I start drinking a bit more I'm just sad or defeated. Hard on myself and angry at the dude who won't stop.

Shit just keeps getting worse for me. And I'm the cause.

I have a wife and kids who fucking adore me. That brings tears to my eyes. I used to be a finance dude who could afford a decent life for everybody. But it's been months since I found work and my severence payments are going to come to a close soon.

All I can think of at night is me saying good-bye to my family and what my final words to each of them should be. It's like I've already decided I'm a fucking failure. And then I let the self fulfilling prophecy take me to the doom.

I'm spiraling and I hate it.

I think I hate myself. Cause it didn't used to be this way. Not with the drinking in the day at least.

Maybe I always hated myself and maybe I always was afraid of being disliked and maybe I never took risks because I was afraid of failure. Maybe I was born fucked up and never had a chance.

I tell myself that at least I'm not drinking handles of vodka. But I know that I just might down the road just like I would NEVER EVER drink first thing in the morning. I would NEVER feel like the morning wasn't right without a coffee and a fucking can of twisted tea.

I'm tired of this shit. I keep fucking up.

It didn't used to be this way. I used to have some self confidence, blind trust in myself. Now I am just an idiot coasting on severance pay and drinking when I wake up in the morning.

Would love to hear thoughts from people who have been. I am also open to other center recommendations. Looking for something in nature with nice amenities.