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I’ve been thinking about taking a break from alcohol for a while now, and as of last week, I’ve challenged myself to one month sober 🥳 I’ve never been dependent on substances, but I’ve noticed this year that I’ve been leaning on drinking as a social outlet and want to be more creative with how I spend time with my loved ones. You’ve certainly inspired me to take this leap, and I’m so proud of you ❤️

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Thank you so much <3 Congrats on starting your sober journey as well :)

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Congratulations, Aris! This is a thoughtful and enlightening post. Thank you for defining the myriad of ways to define sober, too! 😅 It sounds like you are waking up to your true you and potential. And what a lovely thing to do for your friend. I'm sure they appreciated it.

For me, I grew up around an alcoholic and while it was fun when I was in college and during my younger years to imbibe. It was never my thing. Even when I partook of Mary Jane, feeling sober is the best state for me. I could never drink or smoke again and be totally fine.

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thank you, I really appreciate it :) I also grew up around and witnessed addiction for much of my life. Although I've never considered myself to have a full-blown addiction, I've definitely misused substances enough times to understand how easy it is to lean into as a coping mechanism. I'm happy to be where I am today!

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I haven't drank more than a drink or two a year for the last 13. I think I'm better for it. I never drank socially only to cope.

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Congrats! 13 years is a huge accomplishment

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As the child of an alcoholic, I regret nothing about it. My wife doesn't drink which made it easier thankfully

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yeah that's a huge help for sure!

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This is an important perspective - not just for people with substance abuse problems, but for anyone who who gets swept along on automatic pilot with social/life pressures and expectations. Thanks for sharing, Aris.

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it really is so easy to be on autopilot! I think that's really what sobriety has helped me get away from

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