A New Perspective: My Journey to Sobriety
As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us take a step back to reassess our relationships – including the one we have with alcohol. With resolutions being made, some may feel compelled to try a Dry January or Dry February challenge. For me, January marked a significant milestone: my two-year anniversary of sobriety.
The Hidden Costs of Alcohol
One of the most striking lessons I’ve learned during my journey is the true cost of alcohol. When I used to drink, it seemed like a necessary expense – a normal part of my life. But after cutting it out, I realized just how much money I was wasting. According to my sobriety tracking app, I’ve saved a staggering $3,680 CAD (or approximately $2,885 USD) over the past two years. That’s an average of $153 CAD / $120 USD per month – a number that’s both astonishing and humbling.
Rethinking Social Events
Another crucial lesson I’ve learned is that fun social events don’t require alcohol. Our culture often conditions us to believe that drinking is an essential part of socializing, but I’ve discovered that’s not the case. Coffee dates, study sessions, and even mocktails at bars have become my go-to social activities. And, surprisingly, many bars are happy to create custom non-alcoholic drinks upon request.
The True Meaning of Friendship
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of my sobriety journey has been the reevaluation of my friendships. When I quit drinking, I was forced to engage in sober social interactions, and it was then that I realized some relationships were built on shaky ground. I’ve come to appreciate my close friends on a deeper level, knowing that our connections are genuine and not reliant on alcohol.
A New Chapter
My journey to sobriety has been a transformative experience, and I’m grateful for the clarity and perspective it has brought me. As I look to the future, I’m excited to see what lies ahead – a future without alcohol.
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