Chapter 1: The Commitment to Sobriety

Quitting alcohol is no easy feat; it requires genuine dedication.

Photo by Angelo Pantazis on Unsplash

As Martina Navratilova famously stated, "The difference between involvement and commitment is like ham and eggs. The chicken is involved; the pig is committed." Reflecting on my journey, I once found myself as that chicken.

Initially, I managed to stay sober for three months, but a wedding celebration led me back to drinking when I succumbed to a champagne toast. This cycle of temporary abstinence followed by relapse continued for several attempts, and soon I was drinking daily again. It took me almost two years to muster the determination to try sobriety once more.

This time, my resolve was stronger. I invested in a multitude of insightful books by women aimed at guiding me through this journey. I recognized that failure was not an option, and I was determined to achieve lasting sobriety.

If you aspire to quit drinking, you must also embrace complete commitment. My earlier attempts were merely involvement, lasting a couple of months at best. To truly succeed, you must be prepared to go all in.

Anticipate the moments when you'll be offered a toast, just as I was. Equip yourself with alternatives like seltzer water or iced tea to resist the temptation. It's crucial to have a response ready for friends who inquire about your sobriety. Your answer matters less than your readiness to stand firm in your decision.

I used to falter when faced with social pressure, feeling reluctant to disappoint others. However, the reality is that their experiences with alcohol do not compare to mine. It’s essential to realize that your sobriety is solely your responsibility.

No one else understands your unique struggles or the emotional toll of your past attempts to stay alcohol-free. The moment you accept complete responsibility for your choices is the moment you empower yourself to initiate real change.

As Hal Elrod, co-author of The Miracle Morning for Addiction Recovery, wisely stated, "The moment you take 100 percent responsibility for everything in your life is the same moment you claim your power to change anything in your life." This book profoundly influenced my perspective and inspired me to seek a more fulfilling life while fully committing to my sobriety.

Incorporating the principles from this book, I transformed my morning routine, which has now become a steadfast part of my journey. The Miracle Morning offers valuable strategies specifically designed for those in recovery.

The acronym SAVERS—Silence, Affirmations, Visualizations, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing—forms the foundation of this effective morning routine. By engaging in these practices, you can reaffirm your commitment to sobriety every day.

You can reflect on your dedication to remaining sober, visualize your alcohol-free life, and integrate physical activity to support your new healthy lifestyle. Reading motivational literature will also help reinforce your commitment.

Remember, although your current situation is a result of your past choices, your future is determined by the person you choose to become from this point onward.

Find the support that resonates with you, whether through literature, recovery programs, or community groups. My primary sources of encouragement were the books I read and my unwavering determination. The new morning routine I adopted played a significant role as well.

Explore the many resources available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART recovery meetings, online sober communities, and informative podcasts. Simply searching "recovery" or "sobriety" online will yield numerous resources to assist you in your journey.

You have the strength to succeed. Stay dedicated and accept full responsibility for your sobriety.

Chapter 2: Insights from Recovery Experts

The first video titled "Taking Responsibility In Recovery Does Not Mean Taking Blame (Podcast Ep 213)" delves into the significance of embracing responsibility in recovery without falling into the trap of self-blame. It offers insights and encouragement for those navigating their sobriety journey.

The second video, "Atheism and Sobriety: Personal Responsibility and Recovery - An Atheist's View," presents a thought-provoking perspective on personal responsibility in the context of sobriety, highlighting the importance of accountability in the recovery process.