Staycation

What I’ve learned by taking a break from booze.

I love a good list, so let’s break my findings down that way, shall we?

1. I am SO BUSY. I have extra time to do things I’ve always wanted to, didn’t have time for, or didn’t align with my current lifestyle. I started taking nature-centered classes and yoga classes, as well as teaching an environmental science class. My fiancé and I now have a bountiful garden, attend a swing dancing class together, bought a few more quail, and enjoy cooking at home more.
2. I FEEL better. My face and extremities are no longer as swollen and I am able to enjoy more movement throughout my body. My anxiety has pretty much disappeared and I don’t spend my weekends rotting in bed, hungover and miserable. I take joy in small things like the sun on my face, a song, or discovering a cool bug. I can multitask and focus more clearly. My skin is healthier.
3. I’ve made more worthwhile connections. Opportunities are opening left and right. I’m having great success networking outside of a bar environment and in a more educational and philanthropic one. The people who only associated with me in a party setting have slowly been fading away, but those who root for my success are reemerging. Family and old friendships have shifted into a more important role in my life. New and exciting friendships have begun to present themselves to me. I am surrounded by so much positivity and love.
4. I am reading again. Monthly goals are being set, and so much information is flowing throughout my brain. I’m learning so much because curiosity has taken a strong hold of me. I feel more connected to people and nature through continuous learning, something I had previously put on a back burner. Doom scrolling and mindless TV bingeing are no longer issues.
5. I am feeling emotions again. Happiness, sadness, all of it. It is a bit overwhelming at times, but it’s nice to be able to experience life normally and not turn to self-prescribed treatments like alcohol. To quote the film “Beautiful Boy”, an autobiography on the true story of the addiction path of Nic Sheff, the lead character, Nic, describes an interaction he had with a sponsor: “What’s your problem?” And I said, “I’m an alcoholic and an addict.” And he said…”No, that’s how you’ve been treating your problem.” I have started working WITH my feelings instead of against them. Thankfully I have a loving and encouraging partner to help guide me and hold me accountable.

If you or a loved one is currently on the path of addiction with any substance, or even thinks they may be headed that route without intervention, please don’t hesitate to ask for help. There are many addiction hotlines, rehabilitation centers, groups, emergency response teams, friends, and family that only want to see you succeed. Like many other diseases, treating addiction early is the safest plan.

I would like to thank the police officers, emergency response teams, treatment centers, educators, friends, and family that keep those of us with unhealthy dependencies safe. Thank you to those that guide us forward with no judgement in the steep climb out of the holes we dig.