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[surfi3_chic]

I'm 20 and have an alcohol problem as it runs in my family, hoorah. I drink on my own and hide how much I drink from those around me. Apparently my drinking is contributing to my panic attacks so I've stopped drinking since last Sunday. Any tips to stay abstinent? I did a detox but that didn't really do anything I continued to drink a lot afterwards. Some weeks are easier than others, that's all I have to say

[camel]

hi there

Firstly, well done for recognizing the problem and addressing it. This is the right decision.

I am almost 11 months sober now and it was the best decision ever.
Try and see it for what it is, something that is making panic and anxiety so much worse, so that you  can come to hate it and never want to drink again.

Find healthy hobbies to distract your mind. Painting and drawing is a good one, even if you are no good at it. Or photography.

Mark each day off on the calendar so you can see your accomplishment and be proud of yourself.

Remind yourself that there is no such thing as "just one drink"

It will get much easier as a month or more goes by.

Keep posting here as you progress and receive encouragement.

Congratulations on taking a very big step towards a better life. Keep up the great work 

[Bettie]

Congrats camel....I'm just over a year:)

Surfi3_chic....like camel says the first step in the right direction is recognizing you have a problem. And being sober for nearly a week is a good achievement.

I personally found it got easier after the second/third week. I think mentally I just accepted that my drinking days were DONE.

Keep yourself mentally busy. When I used to start thinking about the drink I would immediately take myself off for a walk with the dog. Or if I couldn't do that I would go make myself a cup of tea.

Try and keep yourself away from any situations where drink may be available, especially in the beginning. And if you feel ready, or haven't already done so, let family and friends know that you are not drinking anymore and not to offer you anything.

But keep up the good work!

[camel]

Thank you Bettie and congratulations to you too 

[surfi3_chic]

I find I'm appreciating what I can do now that I'm sober. I still go out I just drink soft drink and I've bought some non alcoholic cider. I used to have a tea or go for a walk when I craved so ill keep doing that. Its easier to quit for a reason that makes you fear picking up a drink. Did you find that it was hard adjusting to a new sober life? I don't have many hobbies as my main one was drinking and that's what all my friends do as were 20.

[camel]

It wasn't too difficult for me as I developed a hatred for alcohol as I knew how anxious it made me the next day.

Try start some hobbies. They do not need to be elaborate, even start with doing some writing, sudoku, crosswords, wordsearch etc, or a pen and paper and doodle pictures. Maybe some internet games like on bookface (can't say the proper name lol, it is censored)

[Bettie]

Considering how bad I'd been before I'm surprised how..well...easy it was for me to stop. But I think I had got to breaking point and knew enough was enough. But I love my new sober life...I know actually wake up looking forward to the day! Makes a difference from waking up hungover and hating yourself!

I started volunteering one day every 2 weeks which sort of counts as my hobby. It's a great way to meet people (in a non-drinking environment) aswell as deal with my anxiety.

Other things you could do would be to join a club of some sort if you are into sports. You don't necessarily have to be fit or mad about sports as a lot of people do it for the social side. But watch the drinking if there is any!