Why 'Think Sober' was Created

Chris's Story

When I first decided to eliminate alcohol and drugs from my life, I asked myself one question. How will this be possible? I had been smoking pot since I was twelve years old and drinking alcohol regularly since I was seventeen. How will this be possible? Almost every person in my life used in one way or another. I was not an alcoholic, or was I? I was fast approaching fifty years old and found myself in Las Vegas for the annual Super Bowl weekend, three day, party. One hundred and eighty-five drinks later, along with who knows what else went into my body, I was ready.

I was not a drug addict, I never got into trouble with drugs or alcohol other than an occasional failed drug test at work. Was I an addict too? I kept telling myself that I wasn’t.  How will this be possible? How can someone who has been very successfully partying for over thirty years suddenly just stop? Do I need help? Do I need AA? Do I need rehab? Do I need religion? Where is my support going to come from? Whatever it meant, I was ready.

How will this be possible?

Well it turns out I didn’t need any of those things. I just needed to change the way I think. I had to stop thinking about alcohol. Stop thinking about drugs. Think Sober. Simple right? Well, not really. Every single part of my life revolved around alcohol. I went on bike rides to the beach because it was fun to ride from bar to bar. I went to this restaurant because they had the best Tequila or that bar because they had the best Whiskey Sours. I would plan ahead, how many cases of beer would we need for that camping trip?

Think Sober. Think Sober. Was quitting going to make me happier? Was I going to lose friends? Was I going to be alone? Probably. My significant other wasn’t ready yet, and I didn’t want to pressure her to stop since this was my personal decision. I was hoping that seeing me in a different light might persuade her to join me in my quest. I could be a positive role model for my three children. I could be a strong influence on my family who all imbibe, some heavier than others.

I did not lose any friends. I gained a small modicum of respect. I feel like I have been a positive influence on my friends and family. I have never been happier. The clarity of thought and presence of mind that comes with sobriety is astounding. It really is amazing how fast things start to change. Within five months my wife joined me and we have over two years sober together now. My health at age fifty-two is good. My career is flourishing in many different ways. The color has come back to my face. I still attend parties and poker games with my friends. Everyone still drinks and has fun, just not us. If someone needs a designated driver, we are there to help. It feels really good. No more week long hangovers.

I don’t want to discourage AA, religion, or rehab. I just don’t think it’s for everyone. If you have the will, there is a way.

How is this possible?

Start Over, Think Sober.

Birthday 02/04/2018