Yesterday was my first anniversary of not drinking.

[eyepaddle]

It just dawned on me. I celebrated (without realizing I was doing it) by going to a pool seesion and working on kayaking skills. Last night I pretty much nailed my back deck roll (you can google that for some cool videos if you'd like) and my muscles are a little sore.

Interestingly enough, it wasn't an addiction I had to battle, I got sick (pancreatitis) and the Docs told me I shouldn't drink anymore just to be safe, and so that was it. Bam. Cold Turkey.

It was a hobby I enjoyed (I was a home brewer, and budding Scotch afficionado) but not much more than. I had been drinking progressively less as I aged, and my whitewater passion had by chance already filled the need for social interaction/stimulation, but damn, images of alcohol/partying are pretty much ominpresent in our culture. It was something I'd been aware of, but not all that concerned with before. Even without an internal struggle (compulsion/addiction) the external struggle (feeling left out) can occasionally be a bit of a drag. C'est la vie.

I sure don't miss hangovers though, I'll tell ya that much. Also as a rule it is a hell of lot easier to get up in the mornings these days! :)

[emmajane67]

1. Congrats!

On having the discipline to do what is best for your health and for the positive life changes that have emerged from it!

[leftyladyfrommo]

2. Good for you!

I have a good friend who is having problems right now. Is awful. For everyone. I'm so glad you are making it.

[eyepaddle]

7. Yeah, somteimes I'd like to talk to others about how the deal

with the "feeling left out" part but I don't think my experiences would mesh all that well with most support groups...."Hi everybody, my name's "eyepaddle", I ate some tacos a year ago and got an insnae clenching pain in my abdomen. I spent a week in the hospital and the MDs said I should give up social drinking--just to be on the safe side, so I did."

<pause>

"You mean, that isn't why you guys are here too?"

<longer silence>

I think it'd be awkward for me--and possibly insulting to them.

I wish your friend the best. :hug:

[leftyladyfrommo]

9. Thank you. He is a really great guy.

Even if you didn't quit because you were an alcoholic I would think that your experiences would be helpful to lots of people. In a way, I guess you were one of the lucky ones. So many people simply kill themselves with booze.

[auntAgonist]

3. continued good health

and a sober life to you! Congratulations :hug:

aA

[Phillycat]

4. WOO HOO!!

Happy anniversary!! :bounce:

I had 3 years Oct 10th. I hear ya about the hangovers! :D

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. My dear eyepaddle!

Good for you!

Yes, it is good to skip the hangover these days!

And you sure as heck do not want to mess with pancreatitis......that's a bad one!

:bounce: :bounce:

[cwydro]

6. Good for you!

and I agree...being on the water beats drinking any day!

[eyepaddle]

8. No doubt about that!

You actually feel BETTER for having done it. Plus it (unlike drinking) actually increases the muscles and reduces the gut!

B-)