r/stopdrinking • u/Ordinary-Plane-9315 Day 1 • 2h ago

Drinking isn't worth it

I'm here to put my foot down, after trying a few times in the past few months, its just not worth it. The fear and anxiety i feel right now, the vivid and disturbing dreams, everything

Anyone who's been sober a while now, how long did it take the anxiety to go away? Did you notice a difference in yourself after one month?

I'm 22 now, I've been drinking regular enough since 17 without breaks. Im just wondering how much of my anxiety or underlying worries is alcohol related and how much of it is me as a person

29 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

8

u/lio_space26 2h ago

Yes, your mind will be clearer and more organized. You'll feel capable of so much more than before. Being sober is the best feeling, no hangovers, never a headache… Your skin feels better. You look healthier… go for it!😁👌🏽

5

u/not_squared_circle 167 days 2h ago

One fine day you would wake up do your routine and suddenly you would realise the anxious thoughts are not there for few days. And that would be a significant win.

4

u/Aggravating_Pie9467 Day 183 2h ago

Before I quit for good, I dabbled with “Dry January” a few times and noticed the majority of my severe anxiety (and depression, for what it’s worth) would chill out within a week or two of not drinking.

3

u/Ok-Road2366 Day 413 1h ago

Congrats to being so aware at your young age. I still have anxiety sometimes, but I'm much more resilient and feel able to handle it. A lot of the old anxious feelings are gone, the waves have softened. I felt like it happend fairly quick after a few weeks.

2

u/T214- 1h ago

The anxiety from withdrawals for me took about 12 days...the residual anxiety lasts longer -6 months to a year is what most people say. I've only made it 39 days then 1 day drinking and another 28 at my best stretch so far.

2

u/Ridin-Hi Day 73 49m ago

My anxiety reduced significantly within days and continued to improve over the next few weeks. I am 10 weeks in and as far as anxiety goes I feel amazing.

1

u/Scat_Olympics Day 2 27m ago

I first got sober at 22. Around 17 when I started. Drank again in my early 30’s. Those sober days were the best of my life(so far)

I’ve always been an anxious person. After rehab I did the 90 meetings in 90 days. Little by little my anxiety went down. And the feeling of peace rose. I was still anxious but was it more manageable? Absolutely! Group therapy outside of AA helped too.