What I Wish Someone Told Me on Day 1

I remember Day 1. The mixture of fear, determination, shame, and desperate hope. I thought I knew what I was getting into. I did not.

Here is what I wish someone had told me.

1. It Gets Worse Before It Gets Better (Then Way Better)

The first week might be the hardest thing you have ever done. Sleep disappears. Anxiety spikes. Your brain screams for the thing you are denying it.

This is normal. This is temporary. This is your body recalibrating.

Do not judge your future by your first week. The version of sobriety you experience on Day 7 is not the version you will live on Day 70.

2. You Do Not Have to Figure Everything Out Today

Day 1 you is not equipped to solve your entire life. You are in survival mode. That is okay.

Your only job today: do not drink. Tomorrow is job: do not drink.

The career questions, the relationship questions, the “what am I doing with my life” questions. They can wait.

3. Tell Someone

Secrets keep us sick. I know it is terrifying to admit out loud what you are doing. But isolation is where relapses happen.

Tell one person. A friend, a family member, a therapist, a stranger at an AA meeting. Just one.

4. Cravings Pass

Every single craving you have ever had has ended. You survived 100% of them.

A craving is a wave. It builds, peaks, and crashes. Usually 15-20 minutes. You just have to wait it out.

5. One Day at a Time Actually Works

I thought it was a cheesy slogan. It is not. It is a survival strategy.

Forever is overwhelming. Today is doable.

Do not commit to never drinking again. Commit to not drinking TODAY. String enough todays together and suddenly you have a month, a year, a life.

6. You Are Not Losing Anything Good

It feels like you are giving something up. You are not.

You are giving up hangovers, shame, lost memories, broken promises, anxiety.

You are gaining mornings, presence, trust, time, health, and the person you actually want to be.

7. The Voice Lies

There is a voice that will tell you: “You were not that bad.” “You can moderate now.” “One will not hurt.”

That voice is your addiction, dressed up in reasonable clothes. It lies. Learn to recognize it. Then ignore it.

8. Find Your People

Recovery is not a solo sport. The people who make it long-term have support.

The #RecoveryPosse on Twitter. r/stopdrinking on Reddit. SMART Recovery. AA. Find your people.

You Can Do This

Millions of people have done exactly what you are attempting, and they were no stronger than you.

The only difference between someone with 10 years sober and someone on Day 1 is time and persistence.

Try our free sobriety app: thesurvivalherbalist.com/app