I qualified for both AA and NA and tried many different meetings and found ones w/GOOD solid examples of recovery and stuck with them.I wouldn't be sitting here now pecking this if it wasn't for the oldtimers...and newcomers in both that helped me to stay sober/clean and CHANGE my view of my reality !
Interesting you mention that as lately and despite the discomfort of PAWS, I've discovered that my mind notices happy times and I seem to be "stopping to smell the roses" more. In a strange way I'm more positive overall. As far as recovery care, I haven't done anything specific yet...do you mean through AA or a support group? I'm interested in recovery care just not sure where best to turn.
Dont focus on the PAWS too much as that can bring you down. Focus on the positive things. Getting sober is a life changing event. It takes time for our body and mind to heal. The fog will lift and with that some energy will come back. Recovery is a slow process. Are you doing anything with recovery care?
31 years sober is awesome, congrats on that! I hear you on the hour by hour, day by day mindset...it has helped me cope with the ups and downs much better than thinking about the 6 months to two year PAWS window. Actually life in general is like that in many respects with ups and downs, so it's a good life skill to develop. Will definitely look for some books on eating right, thanks for that tip!
When i first got sober i was drinking @ 20 cups coffee a day and really whamming the chocolates!Over the years i have greatly tapered this way down!There was a pioneer of a book written in the late 80's by Dr.Anne Mueller called Eating Right to Live Sober.I do believe its out of print but there are some good options on Amazon on this topic!Sounds like you have a great start...its all one hour at a time...one day at a time...and I've found that even after 31 years sober/clean life can throw us boomerangs within THAT hour...and the recovery tools we develop are the best options for combating them!
Thanks for the reply; really appreciate it. Diet is so so, been trying to keep my calories up to help with fluctuating energy levels, but could probably cut the fats a bit and definitely the sugar. I've also mostly cut out caffeine which I heard was a good idea (problem is that created some lower energy levels too)...basically it feels like having to rebuild my body's nervous system.
I have a pretty close relationship with my friends and family, who have been supportive and helpful. However, they don't know exactly what it's like, so hoping to find some support here as well. I've also started turning to my faith more.
First of all you are very right in this...unfortunately...being a normal part of the PAWS/getting sober journey!What is your diet like?Excessive caffeine and sweets can aggravate this.In time it will subside.Do you have a support group you attend?Who is your sober support system...family?friends?church group?