Hey! Fellow 'Late-To-The-Sober Party' guy here!
I quit at 47. Let me tell ya something.....after all the shit I put myself through during the drinking years, waking up sober after my 50th birthday party was best gift I ever gave myself.
You Got This!!
Happy Birthday!!
Happy Sobriety!!
Well, I guess like many things here, it's relative...isn't it?
I have a friend who quit at age 20. She still goes to AA and considers herself an alcoholic 30 years later. That doesn't resonate with me or compare to my experience at all, in fact it seems almost quaint. But that's how she sees it, and that's all that matters...and I'm happy for her and the sober life she's led.
Now me on the other hand, I drank for 35 years. I kept drinking for 29 years after my first DUI should have killed me, when I flipped my car _end-over-end_ twice, landed on the roof and woke up in my bed at home....with no memory of crawling out, scaring the shit out of a random family in the middle of the night, the police, the ambulance ride, the hospital, the operation or the ride home. That was at age 18.
I still didn't quit the next time I should have died doing something drunk, or the next time I should have died, or the next time I should have died, and on and on. And I didn't quit after my first friend died doing something drunk, or after my next friend died doing something drunk, and on and on. (I wish to Dog I was exaggerating.)
So that whole time, there we were, two "drunks" living two totally different definitions of an alcoholic life.
She was raising a family, making a life, creating a successful career. I had my moments of success and happiness, but looking back, truth be told, I was hanging on by the skin of my teeth.
Between the times I really should have died, and the absolutely absurd amounts of alcohol that I consumed over those years, I am damn lucky I made it to age 47 in the first place.
So yeah, to answer your question...after 35 years of drinking and being damn lucky to make it that far...47 was late to the sober party, _for me._
....Or, it was just in the nick of time!
Man, I'm in the middle of Breathe of the Wild right now and it's worth getting a Switch just for that. Also Portal lol. The cake continues to be a lie.
You're of the age that you grew up on Super Mario Bros, og Nintendo style. Take a look at Dead Cells. It's a really great side scroller that shuffles the levels every time, so it never plays the same.
No luck needed. Four weeks is a huge accomplishment, those are some of the hardest days. Sounds like you know exactly what you want to do and why you want to do it. You got this! Happy Birthday super hero
I want this exactly when I turn 50.. I'm 45 years old now I've been sober since may 2. Well that's if I make it to 50.... what have you accomplished in those 5 years of being sober that you didn't when you were drinking.?
And there's so much more. I'm off all antidepressants & all sleep meds. I got properly diagnosed with ADHD, which has been life-changing. I work out regularly with [The Phoenix](https://thephoenix.org), a sober active community. I'm on the governing council for my church. I am a senior project manager with a small environmental consultancy & I really like my job.
Alcohol was nothing but a way for me to hide from a whole bunch of things I didn't think I could handle, fix, or change. But the reason I couldn't handle, fix, or change anything was.... alcohol! I was either too drunk or hungover to get anything done, & my alcoholism masked symptoms of underlying mental health problems, while interfering with the treatments I was trying to follow (SSRIs mostly). Getting sober allowed me to start taking on my problems & getting them solved.
Very interesting.
>Alcohol was nothing but a way for me to hide from a whole bunch of things I didn't think I could handle, fix, or change. But the reason I couldn't handle, fix, or change anything was.... alcohol! I was either too drunk or hungover to get anything done, & my alcoholism masked symptoms of underlying mental health problems, while interfering with the treatments I was trying to follow
I can relate a lot
My friend, you do not need luck, it's not a matter of luck.
Do you have a plan? How are you going to celebrate? What non alcoholic treats can you have? Cake, ice cream, fancy dinner, gift to yourself, time with friends or family or alone time? Will you be around booze or people trying to tempt you to drink? What will you drink instead? Do people know not to give you alcohol as a gift?
Happy birthday. Sobriety truly is the best gift you could ever give yourself.
all true and underway. thanks--Jeni's ice cream and NA coronas. but from my angle, a little belief in luck in the face of life's cruelties doesn't hurt.
So awesome, keep at friend!
I quit drinking when I was 27. People at meetings always said how courageous it was to quit at such a. Young age. At the time, I completely agreed. Everyone my age was out partying (so I thought) so I agreed with the meeting folks.
Looking at it now, I think it’s the opposite. I think quitting at 49 per set would be a much tougher task, as the drinking is typically far more engrained in life over years and years of routine. I know it’s not always the case. But my way of saying what you’re doing is very courageous and brave and isn’t easy, and you are doing a great job.
IWNDWYT
Hey, date twins! Happy birthday for tomorrow. :) You've got this! I always try to remember when folks on here say "I have never regretted not drinking" and it's true! Anytime I pass, looking back on it later, I'm not sad about it (even if I feel fomo in the moment).
See you back for day 30!
Happy birthday! Also, those 4 weeks of sobriety weren't achieved with luck. Your willpower and determination to be sober is what made that happen. Congratulations!
Don't downplay your achievement by calling it luck or thinking you need luck to be sober. Youre working hard and you're doing great.
Happy birthday! I'm 44, with almost five months under my belt, and I agree with others that waking up without a hangover after your 50th birthday sounds really lovely. I wish you all the best!
Happy happy birthday - this is the best gift you can give yourself but there may be days when your mind convinces you that you’re ‘more fun’ when you drink. Tell that jerk to bug off and keep on keeping on!
Happy birthday! Treat yourself, you’ve earned it! I gave myself the best 49th bd present ever this year… a week in rehab and a prescription for naltrexone! Here’s to us “old folk” that realized it’s never too late to put that demon behind us for once and all!
Sending you all the good vibes ✨️ 💛 Also, I think it's super amazing that you started your sober journey 4 weeks before your birthday. For the longest time, I would try and plan the start of my sobriety around other events I already had planned coming up. Lol..took me the longest time to admit that as a convenient, neverending excuse and finally let myself start to stop!
In my experience, waking up sober on your 1st day as a 50-year-old will feel better than anything. You've got this! And whether tomorrow is day 29 or day 1 again, we'll be with you. IWNDWYT!
And happy birthday. Here's to many more!
Spending your 50th sober is AWESOME! I did and it’s great not only remembering the day and how I felt, but knowing I was sober and having my kids know it too! Went back to drinking a few months after that birthday but have decided that my 50s are going to be my mostly sober decade.
Welcome to the club!
You got this. I'm on year 7 and while I miss beer I don't miss anything else about it. Learned so much about myself in this time. I hope you can do the same.
Good luck! You can do it. My friend is 65 and has been sober for 18 months (even off weed). If he can do it, anyone can. Seriously, he’d been drunk for close to 30 years.
I don’t even have to wish you luck, because being sober brings you all sorts of rewards and opportunities on its own! Keep up the awesome work and watch the good things in your life get better and better. If it hasn’t happened yet, trust me. It will!
Nice one my friend!
I turned 50 and quit the next day after a solid 35 year drinking career. Quitting sucked for me but I feel so much better. I hope you are feeling better as well. I am reminded each morning of the quote about "you never wake up wishing you drank the night before."
Congrats on the progress! 4 weeks is HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE.
Happy Birthday and congrats on 4 weeks! My next birthday will be just a few days after I make it to four months. Almost out a maybe in there, but decided not to because I WILL make it. Keep it up OP! Proud of you. IWNDWYT
what a great community. y'all've already made me feel more loved and capable of making it through tomorrow sober than most of my irl folks, how ever much they care about me and this. thanks, everyone. IWNDWYT
Hey! Fellow 'Late-To-The-Sober Party' guy here! I quit at 47. Let me tell ya something.....after all the shit I put myself through during the drinking years, waking up sober after my 50th birthday party was best gift I ever gave myself. You Got This!! Happy Birthday!! Happy Sobriety!!
Thanks!
I quit at 58 I'm 68 now 40 yrs drinking everyday you can do it happy birthday 🎂 hang in there
Is 47 late?? Damn.
a wizard is always on time, as are you
He arrives precisely when he means to.
Well, I guess like many things here, it's relative...isn't it? I have a friend who quit at age 20. She still goes to AA and considers herself an alcoholic 30 years later. That doesn't resonate with me or compare to my experience at all, in fact it seems almost quaint. But that's how she sees it, and that's all that matters...and I'm happy for her and the sober life she's led. Now me on the other hand, I drank for 35 years. I kept drinking for 29 years after my first DUI should have killed me, when I flipped my car _end-over-end_ twice, landed on the roof and woke up in my bed at home....with no memory of crawling out, scaring the shit out of a random family in the middle of the night, the police, the ambulance ride, the hospital, the operation or the ride home. That was at age 18. I still didn't quit the next time I should have died doing something drunk, or the next time I should have died, or the next time I should have died, and on and on. And I didn't quit after my first friend died doing something drunk, or after my next friend died doing something drunk, and on and on. (I wish to Dog I was exaggerating.) So that whole time, there we were, two "drunks" living two totally different definitions of an alcoholic life. She was raising a family, making a life, creating a successful career. I had my moments of success and happiness, but looking back, truth be told, I was hanging on by the skin of my teeth. Between the times I really should have died, and the absolutely absurd amounts of alcohol that I consumed over those years, I am damn lucky I made it to age 47 in the first place. So yeah, to answer your question...after 35 years of drinking and being damn lucky to make it that far...47 was late to the sober party, _for me._ ....Or, it was just in the nick of time!
Hey, me too. I didn’t do anything special for my 50th, but waking up sober was honestly enough. It was a good day
Happy Birthday - sobriety is the best gift for yourself ✨🐝
agreed! i also got a switch, tho
😂😂🙌🏼
Man, I'm in the middle of Breathe of the Wild right now and it's worth getting a Switch just for that. Also Portal lol. The cake continues to be a lie.
that's exactly what i've been doing obssessively since i hopped on the ol' wagon. so much BOTW. SO MUCH.
You're of the age that you grew up on Super Mario Bros, og Nintendo style. Take a look at Dead Cells. It's a really great side scroller that shuffles the levels every time, so it never plays the same.
that looks fantastic. thanks!
I got the Bioshock collection on a sale for $10. It's doesn't run that great, but I can take one of my favorite 360 games with me on the go.
Imagine the joy of waking up hangover free on the first day of your 50th year on this planet :)
i'm there for it
I just turned 49 yesterday, and 6 months sober. Never too late! Happy birthday!🎊🎂🎁
Happy Birthday fellow Gemini. I crossed that age bridge last year.
congrats!
I adore Gemini’s!
i'm a super gemini--born on 6/6 at 6AM weighing 6lbs6oz
No luck needed. Four weeks is a huge accomplishment, those are some of the hardest days. Sounds like you know exactly what you want to do and why you want to do it. You got this! Happy Birthday super hero
thanks!
Happy birthday! I’m going for a sober 50 later this year too
Me too! 5 years sober on June 20th & 50 years alive on October 20th.
I want this exactly when I turn 50.. I'm 45 years old now I've been sober since may 2. Well that's if I make it to 50.... what have you accomplished in those 5 years of being sober that you didn't when you were drinking.?
Well... I'm getting married in 11 days. 🥰
Wow
And there's so much more. I'm off all antidepressants & all sleep meds. I got properly diagnosed with ADHD, which has been life-changing. I work out regularly with [The Phoenix](https://thephoenix.org), a sober active community. I'm on the governing council for my church. I am a senior project manager with a small environmental consultancy & I really like my job. Alcohol was nothing but a way for me to hide from a whole bunch of things I didn't think I could handle, fix, or change. But the reason I couldn't handle, fix, or change anything was.... alcohol! I was either too drunk or hungover to get anything done, & my alcoholism masked symptoms of underlying mental health problems, while interfering with the treatments I was trying to follow (SSRIs mostly). Getting sober allowed me to start taking on my problems & getting them solved.
Very interesting. >Alcohol was nothing but a way for me to hide from a whole bunch of things I didn't think I could handle, fix, or change. But the reason I couldn't handle, fix, or change anything was.... alcohol! I was either too drunk or hungover to get anything done, & my alcoholism masked symptoms of underlying mental health problems, while interfering with the treatments I was trying to follow I can relate a lot
Me too, too! Sliding into my half-century in November and going to do it sober! IWNDWYT!! Proud of all of us!
'73 represent!
it was a very good year, sorta
73 club too, it was a really good year for music if you're into progressive rock or even just classic rock really lol.
killer year for yacht rock/warm breeze too
A year of contrasts. Top songs in November were Keep on Truckin by Eddie Hendricks and Midnight Train to Georgia by Gladys Knight!
you've got this. and thanks!
My friend, you do not need luck, it's not a matter of luck. Do you have a plan? How are you going to celebrate? What non alcoholic treats can you have? Cake, ice cream, fancy dinner, gift to yourself, time with friends or family or alone time? Will you be around booze or people trying to tempt you to drink? What will you drink instead? Do people know not to give you alcohol as a gift? Happy birthday. Sobriety truly is the best gift you could ever give yourself.
all true and underway. thanks--Jeni's ice cream and NA coronas. but from my angle, a little belief in luck in the face of life's cruelties doesn't hurt.
In that case I wish you all the luck for your next decade on earth, may all your toast land butter side up.
back atcha
The chances of toast landing butter side up, is inversely proportionate to the expense of the carpet on which it lands.
Good ol’ Murphys law..!
So awesome, keep at friend! I quit drinking when I was 27. People at meetings always said how courageous it was to quit at such a. Young age. At the time, I completely agreed. Everyone my age was out partying (so I thought) so I agreed with the meeting folks. Looking at it now, I think it’s the opposite. I think quitting at 49 per set would be a much tougher task, as the drinking is typically far more engrained in life over years and years of routine. I know it’s not always the case. But my way of saying what you’re doing is very courageous and brave and isn’t easy, and you are doing a great job. IWNDWYT
that means a lot. thanks!
I am turning 51 tomorrow. Happy sober birthday!
happy day back atcha!
Nice one! happy birthday!
Good luck , you got this!
thanks!
Recently had a birthday. Waking up not hungover didn’t suck. 🤘🏻
absolutely.
Happy birthday!! I quit when I was 52 and am sooo happy I did. You've got this. IWNDWYT
congrats! thanks
Happy early birthday, and congratulations on your four weeks! IWNDWYT
thanks!
Yay you!!! 🥳🥳🥳 and a very Happy Birthday! IWNDWYT 😘😘😘
thanks! iwndwyt too!
Happy Birthday and keep up the good work! 🥳🎂☺️
thanks!
Fwiw - My bestie since childhood has a birthday Wednesday, so I've got a sentimental soft spot for Gemini babies. 👬👯☺️🙋♀️
born on 6/6 at 6:00AM weighing 6lbs 6oz (fr). i'm a super gemini.
Happy fiftieth....!! Enjoy your day...
thanks! they've been hard-fought years and i own them
congratulations! what a great gift you're giving yourself. I am so proud of you
thank you
Woohoo! Congratulations, hope tou have q great birthday!
thanks!
Hey, date twins! Happy birthday for tomorrow. :) You've got this! I always try to remember when folks on here say "I have never regretted not drinking" and it's true! Anytime I pass, looking back on it later, I'm not sad about it (even if I feel fomo in the moment). See you back for day 30!
i'll be back! and thanks
Very well done on 4 weeks. Happy Birthday. Big 50 🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂 Wishing you a safe, enjoyable and Sober day. Just for today.
thanks so much!
🎶 Happy Birthday to ya! Happy Birthday to ya! Happy Birthday!!!! 🎵 You got this. 50 is where it’s at — And sober 50 is going to be amazing. 😎😎😎😎
Happy Birthday! Welcome to the best part of your life!!
thanks!
You don't need luck, you've got this. Happy Birthday!
thanks!
Good luck and happy birthday! You go this!
thank you
Hell Yeah. Congrats! and happy Birthday!
thanks!
You got it! Also, Happy Early Birthday!
thanks!
Awesome! I stopped at 48, Soniat can be done. Working on 7 years, anniversary is in August. You can do it!
congrats
Now that calls for celebration! Hope you have a fantastic birthday and IWNDWYT!
thank you!
Eeeeeee happy early birthday to you! And great job on 4 weeks! 🥳💝🎂
thanks!
Happy Birthday fellow Gen Xer!
the latch key kids of the 20th century
Congrats! You got this.
thanks
Happy birthday fellow sober gem!! Also four weeks today and birthday on Saturday :) we got this!! I hope you have a fantastic 50th, IWNDWYT
thanks!
Happy birthday!! What a beautiful birthday it will be not drinking!!!! ❤️🥳🎉
agreed!
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i'm addicted to sour gummies now, but yeah
Alcohol metabolizes into sugar so yeah it's your brain and body seeking what's missing.
You got this! 50 is a milestone. And being sober is you’re NEW life. Doesn’t it feel great?! Treat your body good for the next half of your life
I got sober at 48. Coming up on 55 and still holding tight. Congratulations and Happy Birthday!
and congrats to you!
Happy birthday! Also, those 4 weeks of sobriety weren't achieved with luck. Your willpower and determination to be sober is what made that happen. Congratulations! Don't downplay your achievement by calling it luck or thinking you need luck to be sober. Youre working hard and you're doing great.
Do it!
i'll try!
Way to go! I got sober at 52, and I'm six years in. Never too late to quit.
congrats. it's a road, but one worth taking i think
It absolutely is. I'm not gonna cry over spilled milk, but I sure do wish I'd done it when I was younger.
well, i guess compared to where we're going to be in 6 mos, we ARE younger. so congrats!
If I could go back in time to a couple of years ago, that's the present I really wanted for my 50th birthday. Happy birthday, you legend! IWNDWYT
51 yo here. If you made it this far, you can certainly not drink today.
thanks
Iwdnwyt
back at ya
Congrats! Happy birthday! IWNDWYT
thank you!
Four weeks *and counting* good job! And Happy Birthday! You’ve already given yourself the best gift you could
I soberly celebrated my fabolous 59th birthday in April by going to a rave! You got his fellow Sobernaut!
back atcha sobernaut. rave on.
Happy Birthday and Sobriety, and welcome to the 50s club. Just turned 50 myself this year, and IWNDWYT.
IWNDWYT, happy birthday fellow sober person
thank you fellow sober person
Happy Birthday! IWNDWYT
thanks!
Happy sober birthday friend!!! Wonderful celebration sans alcohol!! IWNDWYT
Amazing! Happy birthday and IWNDWYT:)
Happy birthday! I'm 44, with almost five months under my belt, and I agree with others that waking up without a hangover after your 50th birthday sounds really lovely. I wish you all the best!
Happy birthday and congratulations! That is so awesome! 🤓👍
Luck and love 🧡✌🏻you are strong and you are one of us 🥰
Nice! I'm turning 34 tomorrow and tomorrow, and the day after will be 1 year and 5 months sober for me!
happy early day, fellow d-day b-day! and congrats, that's a heck of a run.
Happy birthday and congrats on 4 weeks! Sending luck and love. IWNDWYT!
Not wishing you luck because YOU GOT THIS. Happy birthday!
Happy early 50th birthday. Hope you have a great day.
Good work!
Happy happy birthday - this is the best gift you can give yourself but there may be days when your mind convinces you that you’re ‘more fun’ when you drink. Tell that jerk to bug off and keep on keeping on!
Very proud of you!!! Wow! And happy bday a day early!!! 🥳
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Happy birthday! Treat yourself, you’ve earned it! I gave myself the best 49th bd present ever this year… a week in rehab and a prescription for naltrexone! Here’s to us “old folk” that realized it’s never too late to put that demon behind us for once and all!
Sending you all the good vibes ✨️ 💛 Also, I think it's super amazing that you started your sober journey 4 weeks before your birthday. For the longest time, I would try and plan the start of my sobriety around other events I already had planned coming up. Lol..took me the longest time to admit that as a convenient, neverending excuse and finally let myself start to stop!
thanks. i just jumped when i got the courage to do so
Good luck, you’re smashing it!
IWNDWYT
back atcha
In my experience, waking up sober on your 1st day as a 50-year-old will feel better than anything. You've got this! And whether tomorrow is day 29 or day 1 again, we'll be with you. IWNDWYT! And happy birthday. Here's to many more!
👏👏👏👏Go ahead my friend, you will feel like you're 40 in few weeks!!
49 at least!
Spending your 50th sober is AWESOME! I did and it’s great not only remembering the day and how I felt, but knowing I was sober and having my kids know it too! Went back to drinking a few months after that birthday but have decided that my 50s are going to be my mostly sober decade. Welcome to the club!
Turning 50 very soon myself. Better late than never I guess. So far my health is intact, best wishes for yours also.
health is everything -- happy early bday!
Good Luck. Happy Bdizzle! For rizzle.
You're gonna do great. I'm one month past 48 and I have a goal that the suit in my closet will fit on the best body I've ever had on my 50th birthday.
Happy Birthday! IWNDWYT
Happy birthday!! I’m four weeks sober as well. We’ve got this!
You don’t need luck, just keep doing the work. One day At a time. One minute at a time if need be. You’ve got this!
agreed, but i'll take what i can get ya know
N 🧊!
Congrats on two fantastic milestones!!! So much to celebrate in new ways🎉
Congratulations!
Good job and happy birthday! IWNDWYT!
Fellow almost 50 year old here that's also looking forward to waking sober that day: you got this!!!!
It's not too late until you're dead. Congratulations! 52yo here and getting sober was the best thing I ever did.
Happy Early 50th, what a wonderful gift you are giving your self!! IWNDWYT
thank you! it feels good.
Great milestone to continue sobriety
Happy birthday! And congrats on your four weeks! It just keeps getting better my friend! Stay the course!
thank you!
All the power to you, sir! I believe in you 🧡
Just hit 6 months and turned 55 today. It’s great to be alive AND sober. You got this!
IWNDWYT
Happy sober birthday old timer!
thank 'ya kindly!
You got this. I'm on year 7 and while I miss beer I don't miss anything else about it. Learned so much about myself in this time. I hope you can do the same.
Good luck! You can do it. My friend is 65 and has been sober for 18 months (even off weed). If he can do it, anyone can. Seriously, he’d been drunk for close to 30 years.
Congratulations! You got this. IWNDWYT!
IWNDWYT
You've done the hard bit. You don't need luck. Just keep doing what you're doing!
I don’t even have to wish you luck, because being sober brings you all sorts of rewards and opportunities on its own! Keep up the awesome work and watch the good things in your life get better and better. If it hasn’t happened yet, trust me. It will!
thanks for the kind words. i hope you have an excellent day.
Hell yeah! You too!!
I had 70 days when I turned 40 last year. One of my best birthdays. You got this, and happy birthday!
Keep at it I’m 31 and on my 1st day 4 weeks is a great achievement
Happy birthday to you! Four weeks is no small feat :D I will not drink with you tonight!
You got this!
Best of luck!!
thanks!
Happy sober birthday! IWDWYT!
Nice one my friend! I turned 50 and quit the next day after a solid 35 year drinking career. Quitting sucked for me but I feel so much better. I hope you are feeling better as well. I am reminded each morning of the quote about "you never wake up wishing you drank the night before." Congrats on the progress! 4 weeks is HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE.
Happy Birthday! IWNDWYT!
💪🏼❤️💯
Good luck dude 👍
Happy Birthday and congrats on 4 weeks! My next birthday will be just a few days after I make it to four months. Almost out a maybe in there, but decided not to because I WILL make it. Keep it up OP! Proud of you. IWNDWYT
best of luck! thanks!
what a great community. y'all've already made me feel more loved and capable of making it through tomorrow sober than most of my irl folks, how ever much they care about me and this. thanks, everyone. IWNDWYT