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2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 7:53 am
by Burnleybabe
2 and a half years ago I finally realised I had an alcohol problem, and decided to get help.
I attended my local drug and alcohol services, and through a worker I started to attend groups.
The group that had the most influence was Alcohol Awareness facilitated by a wonderful lady called Roz. She told me from my first visit that I would never be able to control it, I would either have to continue the way I was or stop altogether.
I continued to attend this group and 2 others ran by her, slowly it sunk in I really was dependent on alcohol and I needed to do something about it.
7th November 2022 I went into a Detox in Bradford for 14 nights.
Yes I did come out alcohol free, but I found the hardest thing I now had to do was deal with was the guilt, the hurt and the trust I had lost within my relationships, as well as me dealing with my emotions and mental health. I had used alcohol to suppress my feelings and thoughts for so many years. I continued to attended 3 groups a week, and slowly worked on all these things.
After 6 months I attended a volunteering course, and started to volunteer, at the same groups I used to attend as a client. I still get a lot out of these groups they helped me, as well as me helping others. who like me were secret drinkers, and held pity party's for one.
I still volunteer at some of those groups, but also at a Women's only Prehab, which is a fantastic group to be involved in. Helping other Women overcome their alcohol problems and share our experiences is so satisfying. I still attend 2 groups a week for me. I can quite happily go out for Meals or meet up in Pubs without me wanting to drink alcohol.
I have worked hard over the last 2 years on myself, and am proud of what I have achieved.
This is the reason I am posting this, not for praise. Luckily I came out of all this without any real health issues.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:06 am
by Yorkshirelad
You should be proud of yourself. I hope all continues to go well for you
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:09 am
by ArmchairDetective
Overcoming an alcohol problem is no mean feat. Not only because of the problem itself but because of the difficult feelings that you're left with and that come along with it. You should be really proud of what you've achieved over the past 2-3 years.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:13 am
by bumba
Good on you for giving it up it's no easy thing to do, you should be proud of yourself and don't beat yourself up and feel guilty when you've done the hard part and are giving back helping others!
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:20 am
by Clive 1960
Well done you it's not a easy road to go down but you should be proud to come out and talk about it, keep going

Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:24 am
by burnmark
Fair play mate. Well done!
I’m now 11 months sober. What started as a month to month thing has just continued. I get asked all the time why I stopped and there’s so many reasons. Was getting fed up of waking up on a Sunday, realising I’d spent quite a bit of money going out before and after the Turf or on an away game then realising I could have spent that taking my kids out on the Sunday or saving it for something more sunstantial.
The saving has really motivated me and not spending the money on beer has allowed me to buy a car outright and save for a holiday to Florida next summer. Neither would have been possible without stopping.
Has it been difficult? Not as much as I thought it would. I set myself small targets such as going on a home game without drinking, then it was trying a gig without a beer and so on. When I realised I was enjoying them more (and spending much less) it continued to snowball.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:29 am
by Herts Clarets
It takes a hell of a lot to post what you have on here and social media. Well done Meg for firstly admitting you had a problem and secondly dealing with it in the way you are doing.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:39 am
by Quickenthetempo
Well done you, great post to read and I wish you good health.
And well done for helping others.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:41 am
by Anonymous Claret
Amazing stuff. Keep up the good work.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:42 am
by Burnley1989
I've stop/started all year and will have done 6-7 months this year off the beer. My intention is to all but stop, I'm not desperate to stop all together though just yet. I just don't like myself drunk anymore. The Hangxiety ruins my week.
I'll now drink on a Saturday but not all weekend like I used to do.
My aim next year is to push even harder to reduce my drinking to once every few months or on holidays.
Life for me is 100% better sober
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:49 am
by ClaretTony
Well done Burnleybabe - you should be so proud of yourself.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:54 am
by claretonthecoast1882
Great work, and even more so in helping others at the same time.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 8:57 am
by Quicknick
I went 27 months without a beer, but I didn't have an alcohol problem. I just did it. Good for you all the same, Burnleybabe.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:01 am
by Bosscat
Well done Burnleybabe ...
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:01 am
by The Hung Juror
Well done, I cannot begin to imagine how hard it must be and continue to be, for people who find themselves with an alcohol dependency. And well done for helping others.
After the dispiriting and depressing turn of events in the USA this week, just what I needed, a thoroughly uplifting story. Thank you.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:02 am
by Blyclaret
Well done a great
achievement
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:06 am
by Poulton-le-Claret
Congratulations on your achievement BB

Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:10 am
by beddie
That is a fantastic achievement. You mentioned not wanting to give yourself praise, well I’ll do it for you. To have the determination and the mind set to stick with it and to continue in the way you are is an absolute credit to you. Keep positive and enjoy everyday.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:20 am
by warksclaret
Well done-such a positive post to start the day. Only you will know what you have been through, and the guilt you have felt since should now be largely nullified with the great work you are doing to help others
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:22 am
by ClaretCliff
That’s brilliant. Well done, you should be very proud.
I was just wondering if Eli’s merciless teasing with Postcards from t’Egypt drove you to drink in the first place

Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:24 am
by Burnleybabe
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:25 am
by Boss Hogg
If you help just one other person that needs to see something like this then well done. Never easy to speak out. I always find it sad when people can’t enjoy a drink responsibly Ie it shouldn’t equal getting blind drunk or reliance on it but as you state there are often underlying reasons or health issues.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:33 am
by Elizabeth
The first important step was you recognised you had a problem.
The final important step is never to touch a drop again . No matter how many years pass , the moment you have another drop you put yourself at great risk of spiralling back. I know this not from my own personal experience but that of others.
The new self esteem that you are now feeling will continue to grow believe me and there is no longer a limit to what you will achieve. The mindset goes from thinking what you cannot do to thinking what you can do. Trust me.
Taking up a bit of exercise will also help take you to new places.
Well done, keep it up and continue to be an inspiration to others.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:46 am
by DAVETHEVICAR
Well done and as others say, you should be very proud of your achievement.
Brilliant post and sharing will help others
UTC
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:56 am
by Les latcham fan club
Outstanding achievement well done. For a mere mortal current Burnley performances are sending me the other way!! Keep up the great effort.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:24 am
by Rowls
Congratulations Burnleybabe. A great milestone to have achieved. KBO!
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:31 am
by willsclarets
Thanks for sharing, you never know who is struggling and need a bit of inspiration to make a change. Maybe you just helped someone. I know you don't want praise, but you're going to rightly get it. Addiction is horrible, and you should be incredibly proud you're beating it. Keep going, day by day as they say. And keep being proud and sharing your story.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:12 am
by bfcjg
Wow ! Inspirational post and person, well done you.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:12 am
by bpgburn
You have every right to feel proud and to receive praise. It takes, and you have shown a great strength in character to get where you are now.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:30 am
by Leon_C
Great to read, burnleybabe. Very well done!
I enjoy a drink, and I'm genuinely fortunate that it's something I can control.
I fully recognise that this control isn't 100% for most people, including me - that Sunday glass of wine you weren't going to have... the pint that you ended up drinking.
If you enjoy a beer or two (or three), the merest opportunity to take a drink can be tempting - even if you had intended not to do so.
Whilst most people are fortunate enough to teeter on the "positive" side of that line, it should be clear to people that the temptation to drink (and the lack of control resisting that temptation) is an indication of the difficulties that alcohol causes.
Again, well done burnleybabe and those of you above who have enjoyed sobriety.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:32 am
by Tribesmen
willsclarets wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 10:31 am
Thanks for sharing, you never know who is struggling and need a bit of inspiration to make a change. Maybe you just helped someone. I know you don't want praise, but you're going to rightly get it.
Addiction is horrible, and you should be incredibly proud you're beating it. Keep going, day by day as they say. And keep being proud and sharing your story.
The Addiction is horrible quote really bangs home for me .
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:36 am
by Claret Till I Die
Proud of you Meg x
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 11:46 am
by Clovius Boofus
So refreshing to read such a positive thread. Hopefully it may help others to make the first step. Well done for sharing and all that you have achieved.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:08 pm
by IanMcL
BurnleyBabe and all you others, who have somehow kicked a 'habit', well done. Life changer.
I cannot think of anything harder than to both acknowledge then overcome an addiction.
I don't suffer from such a thing, however, if I open a packet of peanuts, it is that sick feeling of too much, rather than my self will, which stops me eating them!
This is not to minimise your achievements, but to maximise them. I don't stop peanuts and yet you somehow stopped the additional tion of alcohol. Others with smoking too.
You have climbed your mountain. Brilliant.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:13 pm
by LincsWoldsClaret
Great to read inspiring good news on here.
Terrific achievement- well done!
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 12:27 pm
by Fretters
Well done Meg, really inspiring stuff.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 5:43 pm
by AlargeClaret
An inspiring post and it takes courage to post that ,and more importantly to see it though the dark days. Sounds like you’ve turned your life around totally , very very well done to you .
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 5:49 pm
by claretblue
very well done BB!
...a stunning achievement!
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Thu Nov 07, 2024 9:03 pm
by Dougall
Congratulations Burnleybabe - it’s good to see you posting. Especially with such good news!
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 5:52 am
by Darnhill Claret
Just a massive well done from me. In my 30 years on here, yours is possibly my favourite post. I can only imagine the emotions you have gone through on your journey to where you are now. The relationship damage is huge, so moving forward I wish you success in any relationships that have survived and any new ones to come. Keep on fighting, don't relax. Keep doing what you're doing.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 8:05 am
by pushpinpussy
Well done. I wish I could achieve that. Question for you though. Are you miserable without alcohol in your life? Are you happier without alcohol?
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:02 am
by Burnleybabe
pushpinpussy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 08, 2024 8:05 am
Well done. I wish I could achieve that. Question for you though. Are you miserable without alcohol in your life? Are you happier without alcohol?
I am far happier without it in my life.
I would say now I'm content
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:12 am
by NewClaret
Well done Burnleybabe. Even more impressive that you’ve done that over the last two (very contrasting) seasons supporting Burnley!
There’s no way I can imagine going two years without alcohol, so huge respect to you for what must’ve taken huge strength and determination.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:17 am
by Muric Leggings
Congratulations beating alcohol is one of the toughest journeys we face.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:29 am
by barba
What an inspiring story this is to read and congratulations on your journey.
I am now 8 months plus alcohol free. I was spiked on a night out which impacted me both mentally and physically. Ultimately I put myself in a situation where I was not in control. At the stage I was drinking once a week socially with binges on occasion so I was already on the wind down.
My main tools were Allan Carr - easy way to control alcohol and this Alex Becker YouTube video -
https://youtu.be/tEWweaj_Zyo?si=dy-UBkeeaOX-D2l7
My experience has been amazing. The peaks and troughs in my mood have completely flattened and I feel so much happier and content. The number of times I have felt "blue or down" which I thought were just part of normal life are minimal. I am more productive in work and a better husband and father. The range of alcohol free beers are great so I can still enjoy a night out.
Its other people who are more concerned about why I don't drink rather than I am.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:32 am
by jdrobbo
This is huge, BB, really proud of you xxxx
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:46 am
by mdd2
Well done Burnleybabe. I have a lot of experience in this area by observing my late wife who kicked the habit at her first attempt and stayed sober thereafter with the use of self help groups like yours but used AA read the book from cover to cover did the steps and helped others with the steps even going to Styal prison to try and help some of the women there. I attended open meeting of AA and what struck me was how long some people had been attending meetings having not had a drink for 20 years BUT this was their medicine. Time after time i heard comments of people who relapsed and the one common theme seemed to be that Mr X or Ms Y relapsed because they stopped attending meetings. My late wife passed in 2020 having been free from alcohol for over 15 years. She was on a zoom meeting with AA (due to Covid) when she was struck by the brain haemorrhage that led to her passing.
I imagine you are well aware of how to continue but I think the message is clear to me NEVER STOP ATTENDING MEETINGS OF YOUR SELF HELP GROUP AND TRYING TO HELP OTHER SUFFERERS.
To me these self help groups are the medicine for people with alcohol use disorder ( the medical term we use these days) as the profession still has little to offer-they are the insulin for the type 1 diabetic; the blood pressure tablets for those with hypertension.
Finally for those who belittle people with a drink problem, compare and contrast two people trying to kcik their habits of alcohol or tobacco.
Where do we see tobacco advertised? How often do we see smoking on TV shows/drama /in cinema etc?. How do we buy cigs in supermarkets-? in a corner of the store with doors opened and quickly shut.
And now alcohol you will see the booze flowing on every episode of East Enders Coronation Street Emmerdale as the person with a drink problem tries to avoid going to the pub and stays in to watch TV. Not to mention how often we have adverts for booze (but no cigs) and the drinking that goes on in other TV dramas. And now the poor devil does their weekly shop at the local supermarket taking care not to crash into the multipacks of beer and lager as they walk in to the store. They carefully avoid going down the booze aisles but b***er me next to the meat are bottles of red wine.
Finally the exsmoker and exdrinker go to a party and are offered a cigarette- the response to no thanks I dont smoke is often "I know its a dirty habit-wish I could stop".
The exdrinker is offered a drink-the response to no thanks I dont drink is likely to be "whats wrong with you"
If you dare to tell them you have a drink problem wait for this " Surely you can have one; one wont harm you"
My late wife used to hate the expression that those with a drink problem should embrace controlled drinking. She would always say "if I could control my drinking-I would not be an alcoholic"
Finally my thanks to Tony Blair who was not a student of history when he abolished licensing laws which allowed Supermarkets to have booze all over the store. He thought that Anglo-Saxon men (and women) had changed from the WW1 era when these laws were introduced to improve munitions production by a sober rather than half cut workforce to become like our Southern European Counterparts who drink more socially. Anglo-Saxon man and our North European counterparts go out to get hammered. 'What a great night I had-cant remember most of it but it was great"
Rant over and once again Burnleybabe very well done.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 9:49 am
by Burnley1989
pushpinpussy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 08, 2024 8:05 am
Well done. I wish I could achieve that. Question for you though. Are you miserable without alcohol in your life? Are you happier without alcohol?
You've got to find something to keep you busy.
I know the only times I struggle are going to meet mates/family to watch football or before the Turf, but only because everyone else seems to be obsessed with me not drinking and you get sick of answering the same questions about why you aren't drinking.
I just find myself avoiding them but to be fair, being surrounded by people drinking isn't much fun when you're sober anyway and it actually makes you realise how boring alcohol makes folk, I think that's why I get my hangxiety these days because I'm more aware of my behavior after a night on the beer.
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 10:50 am
by Clive 1960
Burnleybabe wrote: ↑Thu Nov 07, 2024 7:53 am
2 and a half years ago I finally realised I had an alcohol problem, and decided to get help.
I attended my local drug and alcohol services, and through a worker I started to attend groups.
The group that had the most influence was Alcohol Awareness facilitated by a wonderful lady called Roz. She told me from my first visit that I would never be able to control it, I would either have to continue the way I was or stop altogether.
I continued to attend this group and 2 others ran by her, slowly it sunk in I really was dependent on alcohol and I needed to do something about it.
7th November 2022 I went into a Detox in Bradford for 14 nights.
Yes I did come out alcohol free, but I found the hardest thing I now had to do was deal with was the guilt, the hurt and the trust I had lost within my relationships, as well as me dealing with my emotions and mental health. I had used alcohol to suppress my feelings and thoughts for so many years. I continued to attended 3 groups a week, and slowly worked on all these things.
After 6 months I attended a volunteering course, and started to volunteer, at the same groups I used to attend as a client. I still get a lot out of these groups they helped me, as well as me helping others. who like me were secret drinkers, and held pity party's for one.
I still volunteer at some of those groups, but also at a Women's only Prehab, which is a fantastic group to be involved in. Helping other Women overcome their alcohol problems and share our experiences is so satisfying. I still attend 2 groups a week for me. I can quite happily go out for Meals or meet up in Pubs without me wanting to drink alcohol.
I have worked hard over the last 2 years on myself, and am proud of what I have achieved.
This is the reason I am posting this, not for praise. Luckily I came out of all this without any real health issues.
Hi Burnleybabe, just like to say keep up the good work as i have experienced it first hand with my Son who had drink and drugs issues and as they say when he hit rock bottom he got help but what it takes out of family is a eye opener but he turned it round with help from rehab and other places where you can get help with groups but it was a struggle at first because he would always say he didn't have a problem as he couldn't see it but when he got help that's when you start and take each day as it comes. So you keep up the good work mate..
Re: 2 years Sober today.
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2024 12:08 pm
by Big Vinny K
Great stuff and as everyone has said you should be very proud of yourself.
The fact that you are helping others now is even better. I know that helping other people will also help you so keep it up.
The women’s rehab place you are helping with sounds like a great charity for us to consider for next years fantasy football charity donation - have a word with Tony !!