Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.
JB1543New Contributor
G'day all,
Really struggling recently with keeping in recovery the most ive managed in the last few years is about 6 weeks.
Im in and out of AA a hell of a lot, but I just fall off the wagon im not an everyday drinker but if I have one im out until kick out.
Does anyone else have any experience with this and what tools have they used in early sobriety ro help combat this.
Cheers all
In response to: Falling off the wagon
Ru-beeModerator
@JB1543 I just wanted to pop by and welcome you to the space
It sounds as though this is something that you've been struggling with for a while, and that you've taken some positive steps forward, even though there have been some setbacks.
Really looking forward to hearing other's experience and any guidance and support the community can offer you in these early stages of sobriety.
In response to: Falling off the wagon
SugarshackSenior Contributor
Gday,
That sounds like a real uphill battle, are you harmless when intoxicated or do you get yourself into trouble? Once upon a life I used to get into trouble from drinking a lot so I had to quit.
First up I forced myself to stay sober for 1 year by totally changing my lifestyle. I moved out of the place I was living in as it was full of bad memories, moved to a different town and studied so that I could not go back on old habits I knew I was going to die or be seriously troubled by the amount I was drinking, and problems arising from it.
Then. I used to spend all my money BEFORE I could spend a dollar on alcohol, and I would tie all my money up by pre-paying rent, phone credit and gift cards so it was impossible for me to get alcohol.
THEN...I worked on my social skills, friendships, traumas and hobbies. For me, drinking was escapism and habit, and I had hundreds of friends at the pub but no one outside of there.
Do you have a few things in your life that you value more than drinking? can you turn all your attention to those things? Set yourself some small, achievable goals say on one of your benders "Im only going to have (2/3 max quantity you usually have)." Make it so you cant get any alcohol no matter what. Make drinking unpleasant, and all other things will seem better by way of comparison.
And what do you like about yourself? What are you good at? What are you bad at? Throw your energy into these things, and internally remodel your self esteem so you identify as a person who doesn't prioritise alcohol.
All the best, you can do it! And if think you can't, try again.
In response to: Falling off the wagon
Heals07Casual Contributor
Hey man.
If you're not drinking everyday - that really is a positive.
I drink, and I drink quick. So a while back If I knew I was going to have a drink, I went one for one. So one alcoholic drink, followed by a non alcohol drink. This is by no means a solution - just something that made me cut down my drinking by half if I was going out.
Also - the non alco drink doesn't have to be boring like water etc. Can be anything man, just no booze in it.
Keep punching, bro.
In response to: Re: Falling off the wagon
Heals07Casual Contributor
Good advice from the post above mine also.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
Fields marked * are required
