After years of daily drinking, early last year I finally began to take apart the causes and conditions my addiction, and I started this blog.
It’s been about 18 months since I’ve stopped the daily habit, and I’ve come a long way. I wrote a short memoir about this experience as I went through the process of recovery and moderation.
At first, I wasn’t sure if I could go on the moderate path, but I am doing it! I know many readers out there will not agree that moderation is a solution, but in my case it works. My relationship with alcohol no longer takes over my life.
Raised in a large family where alcohol was always present, and then living independently within a culture of drinking and excess, I took a few months to examine my past through mostly journal entries, both old and new. Along the way I began to understand the science of addiction as well as the environmental aspects that contributed to my habit.
Without AA or any other formal recovery program, I went from consuming one bottle of wine or more per day to less than a bottle per week. I continue to gain wisdom and strength from other memoirs written by women who have overcome alcohol addiction.
This is an ongoing journey. I have found the courage to examine and explore my creativity and sense of self-worth after years of denial and destructive behavior. I now try to live each day fully in the present, seizing opportunities and finding new paths toward a healthy life.
What stage are you in your journey to wellness and recovery? The single thing that has helped me the most is knowing I have kindreds out there – like you – who want to be better, do better. Don’t give up. And remember – you are not alone!
Steady Sober Woman 
I have been sober for just over a year and a half. I don’t think I can do moderation. The sober part now is automatic. The dealing with life is a work in progress. Having a good week. Back to drawing and painting again❤️
Stay safe.
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I really understand that moderation doesn’t work for everyone. The main thing is that you follow your own path, the one you know is right for you. I am glad to hear you are drawing and painting again. This is so important. Good luck and keep it up!
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Thank you😊
Reading a book by Twyla Tharp, Keep it moving. I say reading but it’s an audiobook narrated by her.
Excellent read. Just about at the end. About living life well with stamina and endurance among other things.
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I read that book, too! If I remember correctly, she is an advocate of habit and routine. Good points.
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Yes. She wrote another one Creative Habits. That is next on my list. That one is on kindle. I am listening to audiobooks now in the bath at night in the dark with candles. It’s very peaceful and Twyla’s words run about in my head.
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Isn’t it great to find a kindred spirit who helps you move along your chosen path? You got this!
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