I’ve been staring at this blank page for 15 minutes waiting for inspiration. Sometimes just STARTING is all it takes. 1734 days ago I gave up drinking. 1734 days ago I didn’t know I was giving up drinking for good. 1734 days ago my life began again.

That Caesar was my last drink. At the time I had intended to stay dry for a month, dry January. Today is October 1st, the start of “Sober October” and a damn fine day to talk about what being sober for nearly 5 years has been like.

If I’m being honest the first 4 years weren’t great. They were much better than the years I spent drinking but I had no direction, no support, and there were many times I felt alone, afraid of relapsing, and suicidal. Being a “man” means showing weakness is unacceptable. Crying, being afraid or sad, talking about your feelings, if you’re a man these things are discouraged or openly mocked. Self medicating because crying or asking for help isn’t manly is far too common. Toxic masculinity is a huge issue facing modern society and it needs to go.

This is me without therapy. Much sad. So gloomy

Being sober is a huge achievement, but it’s true potential comes with therapy and support. Being in therapist supported recovery is sobriety on another level. I started therapy earlier this year, which was difficult to navigate due to Covid-19. I was able to find a therapist through my employer/union benefits program who was able to do sessions over the phone. it took a few tries to find someone I connected with. This is pretty common when looking for a therapist or councilor so don’t give up. Therapy, to me, is guided problem solving. There are a lot of misconceptions about therapy, and I’m in no way qualified to break therapy down into what it is or isn’t or what it should be. My sessions have been an exploration into why I self medicated with alcohol, what my triggers are, things I can do to mitigate those triggers, generational trauma, genetic predisposition, and so much more.

This is me on therapy. Much calm. So chill

Therapy plus Sobriety equals Recovery. It’s math. Ok maybe it’s not that simple, but it’s a pretty solid formula. On top of therapy I’ve started being VERY vocal about sobriety. Before therapy I was ashamed of it, but now it’s this huge super hero cape flapping in the wind behind me everywhere I go. I’m so damn proud of this new life I’ve chosen. Is it perfect? Not even close, but it’s worth it.

So, It’s October 1st, the start of Sober October. Are you going to give it a try? If you’ve been thinking about it, now is the time! I’m always down to talk about sobriety with anyone. I want to support you during Sober October, and maybe even longer? That’s up to you. You can email me at wflbcscott@gmail.com, or find me on Instagram and Twitter at @wflbc. I’m not a therapist, but I’ve been there, buried under the crushing weight of addiction with no escape in sight. There is a way out. All you have to do is start.

Thanks to everyone who’s supported me through my ups and downs, you know who you are, and I love every single one of you.

Scott.