Text Size: Smaller; Bigger

Sobriety: A Physical AND Mental Challenge...

answered 01:16 PM EST, Sun March 04, 2012

-- filed under: Alcohol | Recovery

How long does it take before I won’t have to agonize every night on the way home from work about whether or not to stop and pick up a bottle (like I used to do every night on the way home from work?). I am a month sober and doing it on my own after 10 years of drinking way too much and developing some health problems. I have a lot of will power and if I start drinking again I am likely to have a heart attack so I have some good motivation to stay sober. But if I have to fight this battle in my head every night for much longer I know I am going to lose that battle at least once and once I buy that bottle once it won’t be just once, if you know what I mean.

Sorry for the confusing question. I just want to know when it’s going to start getting a little easier and when I won’t have to think so much and try so hard to just not do something.

Scott Graham Says...

S. Graham

MS, LADC, CCS

Email Google+ Twitter

The answer to your question depends on you and what you do to tackle the demon that seems to be inside your head.

There many things that you can do -- and you have to find what is best for you.

I would suggest you connect with a counselor who can help you figure out what else you can do to stop the agony. Otherwise you might choose the one sure way (in the short short short term only): to drink again.

Finding the right counselor is very important -- you question shows your determination and individuality and you want a counselor who respects that and helps you tap into you (versus giving you some standard "advice").

Congratulations on one month. One day is a victory in addiction and 30 of them represent many victories.

You can do it.

Sobriety: A Physical AND Mental Challenge...

Scott Graham Says...

Related Expert Answers: