Real People Share Their Sober Before and After Photos

After two weeks of abstinence, the benefits of no longer drinking at harmful levels continue to become evident. For some, even the craving for alcohol begins to subside. “Sleep is a problem, but if I sleep at all, it is a good night. I think that I have always had the sleep disorder.” “I realize this is no easy task. I am in my 30s and just now have decided to quit. I am not sleeping right. I snap at everyone.”

• Although alcohol was forbidden in her strict African Muslim upbringing, Khadi A. Olagoke discovered alcohol in college.
• It is well-researched, educational, informative, and at times mind-blowing.
• I tried to limit the quantity to only one drink daily.
• I got into the college I wanted to and then dropped out.

For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health . Jean has been sober since 2011 and was awarded the 2017 Hope Award from SheRecovers for her achievements in recovery advocacy. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ She writes the blog UnPickled from her home in Alberta, Canada. Medically Reviewed By Jenni Jacobsen, LSWA licensed behavioral health or medical professional on The Recovery Village Editorial Team has analyzed and confirmed every statistic, study and medical claim on this page.

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I spent over a decade knowing that I was supposed to be someone else but constantly getting further and further away from that. So for me, the things that have been difficult like friendships and relationships are different now that I can stand up for myself and set boundaries and I know what I want.

• You may also begin grieving the relationship you had with your substances of choice.
• “The more time that goes by, the clearer the picture becomes. I see my triggers, and I work through them. I’m always thirsty and drink a lot of water. I’m still not sleeping through the night.”
• “Abstinence and low risk drinking duri[…]lowing treatment.” Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 2018.
• In and out of rehab, he falls into relapse, engaging in toxic relationships and other self-destructive behaviors that threaten to undo the hard-won progress he’s made.
• That’s why some people can say they quit for three or four days 100 times.

Originally based in Brooklyn, it has grown quickly and so far has hosted meetups in about a dozen cities across America. On the blog, you’ll find thoughtful content about bringing calm and sobriety to queer spaces, plus podcasts, interviews, and event listings. “I had already begun working at my current job as a hairstylist and over the years that was the only constant in my life. I never let my drinking affect my work performance — although on the inside, I was empty.” Faye sober success stories Vex believes that her drinking habits easily could have “flipped into alcoholism before I even realized.” “For so long I thought that there was something wrong with me. That I was bad, unworthy, and unlovable. When I accepted the fact that I was ‘sick,’ I was then able to accept treatment to get better,” Dueitt said. “The real job in recovery is a total transformation from the inside out. It is a journey and process that is ongoing throughout life. It is not a destination.”

The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober

I wish I could have met Caroline before she passed away. This was the first book I read on this subject, and I instantly could relate to her feelings. She made a huge impact on me and is someone I will always be grateful to. I very much related to her always feeling “less than” in normal life, and only becoming confident and alive once she poured alcohol down her throat. This is a community for Black women who are either sober already or moving in that direction to “talk, giggle, rage, and rejoice together” about what it means to be Black and sober. Although alcohol was forbidden in her strict African Muslim upbringing, Khadi A. Olagoke discovered alcohol in college. Her college drinking turned into a habit, and then a problem, until 10 years later, she put down the bottle in 2018.

“Most symptoms are gone except constipation and occasional shakes. Been sleeping really good.” “Today, I went to the grocery store, and I cannot believe how clear everything is getting. It’s amazing how foggy life was.” “My mind has never felt sharper. I have started swimming and going to the gym.” “The whites of my eyes are white again, my urine is starting to look normal, and my bowel movements are getting normal. My energy level and mental alertness are way up, and it’s only getting better.” “Physically, I feel fine now, but I still crave alcohol like crazy. That’s going to be the worst part.” “Haven’t listened to the little voice. Thinking about all the money I’m saving. The only issue besides the little voice is insomnia, but [I’m] getting some sleep. My blood pressure and heart rate have come down to just about normal.”