Sober Story: Monnie

Today’s Sober Story comes from Monnie, a 46-year-old living in Auckland.

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Mrs D: How long have you been sober?

Monnie: 3 years (yay).

Mrs D: What can you tell us about your drinking before you quit?

Monnie: I was drinking 2 bottles a night , blacking out and spending way to much on the credit card. It started to impact negatively on those around me.

Mrs D: What happened that you decided to quit?

Monnie: My doctor said I would be dead by 50 if I didn’t stop as my liver was in such a bad state. This was a major wake-up call – and I decided to take action before a decision was made for me.

Mrs D: Good on you! How did it go at first?

Monnie: The first few days were terrible and very hard. I loved my wine and given it’s so socially acceptable and everywhere, it was awful.

Mrs D: What reaction did you get from family & friends when you started getting sober?

Monnie: Mostly encouragement but I did lose a few friends.

Mrs D: Have you ever experienced a relapse?

Monnie: No

Mrs D: How long did it take for things to start to calm down for you emotionally & physically?

Monnie: It took at least 12 months mentally but physically a few weeks ( clear head and more energy)

Mrs D: How hard was it getting used to socialising sober?

Monnie: That is the hardest and still is really . So many places don’t cater for non – drinkers.

Mrs D: Was there anything surprising that you learned about yourself when you stopped drinking?

Monnie: Much more energy, wasn’t having to worry about what I did the night before, and even now after 3 years trying to find out who I am really

Mrs D: How did your life change?

Monnie: I’m much healthier.

Mrs D: What are the main benefits that emerged for you from getting sober?

Monnie: I lost 15 kilos of weight.

Mrs D: Wow that’s epic! Would you do anything differently given the chance to go through the process again?

Monnie: Maybe get professional help in the beginning as I have done it all myself with the help of my GP. Cold Turkey on your own is pretty hard.

Mrs D: What advice or tips would you have for those who are just starting on this journey?

Monnie: Ask for help- don’t be afraid and involve your doctor.

Mrs D: Anything else you’d like to share?

Monnie: Thanks to Mrs D – you were a great help and awesome inspiration. You actually made me change. If I hadn’t seen you on the TV then I probably would still be drinking thinking I didn’t have a problem ….

7 Comments
  1. jo14 6 years ago

    Thank you for sharing your story Monnie. I am in my 3rd year also. It is wonderful to be done with the hold of alcohol and free to enjoy life. Congrats!

  2. Mari135 6 years ago

    Thanks so much for sharing your sober story! Very powerful and reassuring.
    I am nearing the 12 months mark, and feel like emotionally it is JUST starting to really calm for good.
    oxoxoxx

  3. Elsa1202 6 years ago

    Thanks Monnie. People like you are so inspirational – thanks for sharing!

  4. monnie 6 years ago

    Thanks heaps Temperance. The weight loss was quite amazing I think it was all the sugar that I was consuming 🙂

  5. JM 6 years ago

    Thanks Monnie!! Congrats on 3 years! So great you turned your life around. That was my wake up call too, knew if I kept drinking, it would destroy me. You are an awesome inspiration. : )

    • monnie 6 years ago

      Thanks JM

  6. Temperance 6 years ago

    Hi there Monnie! Thank you so much for sharing. I relate to so much, except for the weight loss dang it! I have 3 years too.

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