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James17
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27 and Life without Alcohol

  • I'm 27 years old and apart from 2 occasions not only completely sober this year but not a drop, all cold turkey. 

I think we can all draw the conclusion to why I'd suffer from alcoholism in the first place, the same reason as anyone. As a registered Nurse myself I see it everyday, people use drugs and alcohol to numb themselves because they can't accept their past, present or future. 

My question is what do I do now? 

Sobriety is great! But that poision has a grip on me and even though I'm a very healthy and active individual, alcohol calls my name from time to time. To be honest I mostly crave alcohol now from bordem, you try living in a society dependent on alcohol for interaction. I'm lonely. BTW I've never drank at or before work just so people are aware, my job keeps me going 

6 REPLIES 6

Re: 27 and Life without Alcohol

@James17 

Its hard when it is readily available and socially acceptable.  I struggled to give up tobacco smoking when it was very common.  I knew I had finally quit (after many attempts) when I could socialise with smokers and not feel tempted.  For some reason alcohol was never my poison.

Take care and welcome to the forum

Re: 27 and Life without Alcohol

Hi @James17 

 

Welcome to the forums😊

 

Thanks for sharing & being so open about what is going on for you.

 

I guess the thing that struck me most about your post is the line 'i drink for the same reasons anyone else does.'

 

Initially I was confused! And then as you went on to clarify, I just felt astounded at the clarity & insight you showed 

 

I guess working as an RN has helped in that aspect 

 

I think it also goes to show what an awful disease addiction is. You are clearly aware - & yet it still has a pull on you.

 

I'm applauding you for reaching out here. Another choice you have made to empower yourself! 

 

Are you linked in with any drug/alcohol services? I am ignorant in terms of the help & support they could provide. Is there someone you are linked in with that you can talk to, when you are having your 'now what?' moments?

 

I hope you continue to reach out here. Congratulations on your sobriety. 

Re: 27 and Life without Alcohol

@James17 You just keep going a day at a time, choosing to move towards what you want in life. Well done, as a child of an alcoholic I think you have done amazingly well. You don’t need it to make real human connections or to have fun. 

I am doing a lot of work on past trauma, it isn’t easy but does seem to be getting easier the further along I get and the more I understand why I am who I am. 

Re: 27 and Life without Alcohol

Hi again @James17 

 

I was thinking more about how you said, that you're main trigger now, is boredom.

 

Personally, I'm thinking that those feelings are really our mind, or inner self trying to tell us that we are searching for fulfillment that we haven't found yet.

 

For me, substance use was a way to deal with debilitating anxiety. I still suffer & am still searching for ways to overcome that are not destructive.

 

It sounds like you may have overcome your initial reasons that you started drinking. However, now - you are left with a void that is difficult to fill at times.

 

In this thread 

https://saneforums.org/t5/Useful-resources/The-book-Minding-your-Mind-comes-highly-recommended/m-p/1...

 

@Jake63 mentioned a book that has helped them.

 

Similarly to what @Flotsam said 

 

the further along I get and the more I understand why I am who I am.  

 

Maybe the 'boredom' you are taking about could be interpreted as a suggestion in finding out more about you?

 

What things in life make you feel fulfilled?

 

Watching live theatre, music, nature etc.

 

Maybe personal development can help you find out?

 

Maybe you can find an outlet that nurtures you?

 

 

 

Re: 27 and Life without Alcohol

I haven’t drunk alcohol for about 4 years straight. Occasionally I feel like having a drink again when I feel a bit left out and alone and it is so so so true that socialising is a lot easier for a drinker.. but I maintain sobriety based on knowing that it’s short lived and that I’d rather make few meaningful long term connections. 

Re: 27 and Life without Alcohol

Life without alcohol is great. But very different. I had to find another life without alcohol.  I live by my values and when I stick with those values that are important to me life gets much simpler.

 

I don’t say I’ll never drink again (because if I do I know I’ll start again). Rather say “I don’t drink”. Means saying it to both someone and myself (gently reinforcing).

 

I can confirm when you start making good decisions all the time you start to feel good about yourself.

 

I'm much quieter since I stopped drinking. Ditched those friends who had a problem with it. Have a small wonderful group I hangout one on one with - people I have chosen to care about.

 

All the best.

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