YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

Six years ago I was watching a movie with my buddy. I looked at my beer and thought to myself: "This is my last drink." I set it down and that was it.

It was as emotional as saying that I went to the grocery store today. The man I was becoming wasn't the same man who abused alcohol. When I changed it was natural for the alcohol to go.

I post this not only because it is nice, which it is, but to communicate that there is hope. There is absolutely, definitely, for sure, hope. That is my absolute conviction.

If you, a friend, or a family member struggle with alcohol or other drugs, there is hope. Absolutely. I am certain. There is hope.

Happy Anniversary. That is a tremendous accomplishment, and I am glad that you are putting it out there as potential inspiration for others who are struggling like you did. Thanks.

Hope + accomplishments + plans + actions = Oak = great future

Thanks fellas! It is the good life.

Congratulations. That's awesome.

Thanks!

Though I am not going back to drinking, I do have the following typical of sober people:

this week I dreamed of alcohol. That I drank two beers.

I craved sugary treats for years (but the rich type of sweet, like Heath Bars or really rich ice cream), then salty (especially kettle corn) snacks for the last six weeks, now back to sugary (but the more straight sugary, like Skittles).

Though I obviously haven't drank in years, now and then I can still taste it. Sometimes I get the sensation of a gin and tonic in the back of my throat. I can't quite explain it.

But I am certain that sobriety is a wonderful gift.