July 5, 2010 Monday July 5, 2010 marks my 15th year of being sober I took my last drink July 4th, 1995 and I don't miss it one bit. I used to love my beer and drank almost everyday. Some days I feel like I can handle a beer again, but I know that it would be a huge mistake if I ever take another drink. I've always been a smart arse, It's been a part of my life and I know that sometimes my comments upset people, but most of the time it's not meant to come out that way. I have no problem with hanging out with people that drink, but I hate drunks. I will never feel sorry for people that get DUI's, because I've had 2 in my life and there is no reason to drink and drive. When I gave up drinking, it was the best thing I've ever done in my life and I have no regrets about it.
Congrats as this is a big deal and I'm happy for you and your lifestyle change starting 15 years ago! Stay strong.
The first year was very tough. I got out of a 6 week rehab in August and football season was here. They told me to never go back the your old playground, but that was the only place I could go and watch the Dolphins play. This was before I got Directv and the Sunday ticket. Every waitress stood behind me and never once asked if I wanted a beer. They would just fill my glass with ice tea and and supported me 100%. Even the owner supported me, even though it cost him a lot of money. I went against the grain as far as what I learned in rehab. I also never did the AA thing as they told me to do. The way I look at it is if you want to quit, you will and if you don't then you won't. For me the will power was more powerful than someone telling me what to do.
Congratulations! There's nothing harder than to change something major about your own behaviour... And the fact that you made a strong decision and stuck by it is inspiring. It reminds me that we can do anything we want, if we want it enough. So glad you posted this.
Quitter!!!! j/k....come on, I am not the only one to think about this response.....Congrats man! Stay sober my friends...stay sober!
Awesome! Congratulations! UOTE=steveincolorado;1178220]July 5, 2010 Monday July 5, 2010 marks my 15th year of being sober I took my last drink July 4th, 1995 and I don't miss it one bit. I used to love my beer and drank almost everyday. Some days I feel like I can handle a beer again, but I know that it would be a huge mistake if I ever take another drink. I've always been a smart arse, It's been a part of my life and I know that sometimes my comments upset people, but most of the time it's not meant to come out that way. I have no problem with hanging out with people that drink, but I hate drunks. I will never feel sorry for people that get DUI's, because I've had 2 in my life and there is no reason to drink and drive. When I gave up drinking, it was the best thing I've ever done in my life and I have no regrets about it.[/QUOTE]
Great news, it must have really had a stranglehold on your life if you're still counting after 15 yrs. Even more impressive that you did it without AA and stayed a NASCAR fan.