Substance Misuse

Everything has completely flipped for me since I got sober. I’m holding myself accountable and learning to deal with emotions.

Coping Skills

Make a list of the things you’re grateful for and see if your actions are in line. Today, I can make that list and know that I’m really there for everyone that I care about and know that I’m showing up for the people I need to show up for.

Listen to others. I never wanted to admit that I was an alcoholic  but eventually when I started listening to other people, things started making sense again. At around 9 months I gained the self-love back.

The main coping skill I use is connection. I’ve got a gratitude list with a couple friends and we check up on each other and we check-in and say “How’s everything going?” and what we’re grateful for today.

I have been working an AA program and staying connected with friends. That makes me feel less alone and isolated.

I do a lot of self-care.  I’ve been drawing, painting and exercising.

Exercising is great, the endorphins give me the kick, I’ve been cooking a lot and audiobooks are great. Also knowing when to separate and take time for yourself. Expressing my feelings.

The younger you start drinking, the easier it is to spiral.

Coping Tips:

I’m learning by listening to other people’s mistakes. I’m going to learn their lesson by listening to their story. I spend a lot of time making the uncomfortable my comfort zone. I am working on acquiring new skills so I can be comfortable around anyone I’m in front of.

When I was 20 years old I got sober. I thought getting sober was going to be the worst thing ever and that the fun was over. But I ended up being able to do everything I used to do.

I mostly have stayed sober because I’ve been happy. I’ve made friends with people who genuinely care about me and they call and ask me how I am.  I’ve never had friends like that.

Telling people that I wasn’t drinking was really scary. The idea of dating without drinking was really scary. It’s been 3 ½ years and my life has completely changed.

 I started writing again and now I’m writing a book about being young and sober.

I don’t want to die today. That’s big.