7 months here so the post was an interesting read. I feel like I'm still learning how to function being sober, like what the upcoming holiday season will feel like being sober. I also find myself thinking maybe I can responsibly enjoy alcohol at some point, although deep down I know that isn't true.

What resonated most about the blog post was loss of things I used to do with alcohol. I'm still just avoiding those activities, but I'd love to get to a point where I'm comfortable sitting in a bar without the need for alcohol. In a way, it feels like I'm having to learn how to exist in this alcohol free world.

> What resonated most about the blog post was loss of things I used to do with alcohol. I'm still just avoiding those activities

As a former alcoholic, I used to make performing and listening to music a huge part of my life, which I'd somehow convinced myself could only be maximally enjoyed by pairing it with drinking. When I had to finally quit due to crippling alcoholism, I figured it also meant the end of my music enjoyment.

Fast forward to almost a decade of sobriety, and I've not only sustained my music interest, but both expanded the types I listen to as well as how I listen to them. Now, looking back, I cringe at my stupefying ways of the past. It's like a totally different life, and it makes not relapsing that much more of a no-brainer. But again, it took years to get to this place, with plenty of trip-ups and self-deceit along the way.

Best of luck to anybody trying to find their way. Don't underestimate the utility of group meetings, including secular ones like S.M.A.R.T. as well as professional individual therapy to examine and understand the underlying root causes of your drive to drink.

This is totally normal. The first year is really tough. Takes most people 2-3 years to start feeling confident in situations like weddings, bars, bbqs etc. A good indicator is barely noticing the booze in these places. If you're focusing on the booze, you aren't ready. no big deal,it takes time. also recommend AA - find a meeting you like and get a sponsor you also like. That, along with outside therapy ideally an addiction specialist, and one day soon you might realize that you don't give a shit what people think of you and that actually you are really great and there truly is nothing to escape from.