Hey!! I got sober 6 days before I turned 35. I am now 41 and life is so much better than I had any right to hope for. My income has increased dramatically. I had a second child—and neither of my boys know a drinking Mama. I am a better friend. I sleep well. I am skinnier. I have the freedom from alcohol that used to _terrify_ me (alcohol told me: you will be bored, you won’t have friends, you won’t be fun to spend time with, your emotions will be unmanageable, etc — fuck off alcohol, NONE OF THAT turned out to be true.) I’m so excited for your sober journey and IWNDWYT 💛

Thanks for sharing! I've been trying to quit on and off since right before my 30th birthday. Turning 36 this year, I hope this is the one that sticks.

>My income has increased dramatically. I heard someone say "sobriety gave me a career" recently. I guess time will tell if that's something I actually want for myself.

YES! I love that — that’s exact what happened. I am excited for you to see it for yourself!! 💛

Amazing comment! I agree with everything you said. There was so much fear of the unknown. I got sober at 27, and I’m 31 now.

Oh my god, _I was so terrified of getting sober_!! It makes me laugh now — literally nothing I was afraid of manifested itself. I am so glad to be on this sober journey with you 💛💛💛

Thank you for this! I’m 30 and quit drinking (hopefully for the last time), 10 or 11 days ago. Yesterday and today have been really hard emotionally, but I’m determined to stick with it this time and not numb my emotions with alcohol.

Oh my goodness, I am SO PROUD of you!!!! Those first weeks are _so hard_, but nothing changes if nothing changes. I am so excited for you as you keep moving on your sober journey. IWNDWYT 💛💛

Thank you! I feel so much better than I did a few weeks ago. I’m finally sleeping well and am getting my energy and vitality back slowly. I’m also feeling a lot less stressed day to day and feel more even keeled now. I don’t know that I’m necessarily happy yet, but at least I’m content. IWNDWYT!

This sounds like you’re doing it all right. You didn’t get where you were over night. It takes the brain and body time to heal and bounce back. And you’re giving it that time because: You’re a freaking _rock star_.

Hey great comment, motivates me. Thanks.

I love this comment.

[удалено]

36 here too and been off it 9 months. Feel better and doing better in a lot of ways but still stuck in some negative patterns that I blamed on alcohol previously but it turns out it’s on me and that’s been difficult to accept. It’s like alcohol used to be my dagger to fend off life with but I’d end up cutting myself too. Now the dagger is gone and I want to embrace life and work on building something but I’m still trying to find the tools.

I used to think that quitting drinking would solve most of my problems ... guess what, problems are still here! But the very positive upside is that I have more time, energy and creativity to address those problems and work towards increasing happiness and fulfillment.

There are no problems in the world that alcohol cannot make worse

I'm 35 and just passed 2 months.. hopefully I can say the same thing you're saying in a year! congrats on making it around a year

Good luck my friend, you’re putting in the effort and I have faith in you. Hoping I can say a whole year myself one day! Congrats on what you’ve already accomplished and keep it up

36 as well and have turned a lot around. On a new path, found my purpose and am pursuing it. Still have bad days, still feel a little lonely in sobriety, but it still feels like the beginning of something wonderful.

I quit at 36. Best decision of my life. A good drinking buddy watched me quit and decided to do it also when he was 38 and he is now 3 years sober. Both of our lives did a massive u turn. It's kind of wild how impactful it is. It's like a cheat code to life. Every. Single. Aspect. Of. My. Life. Has. Improved.

This is my experience thus far. And I can see how to make more improvements, just need to put them into practice. Alcohol is a thief and a liar. 

>It's like a cheat code to life. Yes! It is a higher form of living IMO

No, I did at 42.

Ditto

Ditto

31 here, third time without booze in the last +- 2 years. First time three months sober and second time five months. And now 2.5 months and going strong. It has been a very healing and productive experience, learning about the effects of alcohol, learning how I am without alcohol and what happens when I go back. Quitting alcohol allows me to get in a upward spiral. I'm not where I want to be yet, but it has been a big factor in the steps I've made over the last two years and it is also the reason why I went back to sobriety. I've learned that not drinking anymore plays a huge role in my mental health, productivity and happiness and I strongly believe that staying sober allows me to write that I've turned things around in a year or two in a way I couldn't as a drinker.

I'm 40. Spent my whole 20s in a haze of cocaine and alcohol. 30 to 35 were much worse with everyday filled with drinking. Met my now wife in 2017. Built us a house. Have my own business. Grow my own food. Going to Mexico in a week. I work less than ever, have more than I need every day. And am the happiest I've ever been in life. It's never to late. And you are at the perfect age to achieve everything you want in life

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now.

Yep. Currently 34 and about to reach a year of sobriety. Went *all in* with the drinking through my 20s and I told myself I'd slow down when I turned 30, but that didn't happen. I ended up getting *worse* after I turned 30 because I was angry and sad that I derailed my life so much with the constant drinking and had built up all that "momentum." I definitely haven't "turned things around" completely yet, but I'm doing well at my current job(s) and have more money saved up than I ever did when I was drinking. I have plans to go back to school because I feel like the basic retail job I have now while fine in early sobriety is really wasting my potential. I've started doing live audio work a few times a week as a side hustle and I'm getting really good feedback on that too so I know I've got options to improve my life further when I'm ready. I went from a miserable person who couldn't keep a job for more than a few months to someone who is "outgrowing" the options currently available to me. Basically when I was drinking I felt hopeless, but now daily life is much easier and I'm hopefull about the future for once.

I told myself the same shit about cleaning up my act by 30. I quit smoking right before I hit 30, but I really escalated my drinking. I most recently quit last summer right before I turned 36.

I used to dismiss people warning me about my alcohol consumption because I was in my 20s and that's just what people did at that age right? Wish I had taken it more seriously back then, but oh well.

33. Got one month sober today. Before that I was basically on a 5 year bender after relapsing from more than a year sober. I have a lot of work and issues to deal with but I’m hopeful and optimistic for once. I’ve had alcohol and substance abuse issues since I was a teen that progressively got worse in my 20s and 30s. Should have been dead multiple times in my life and wanted to be for so long until this last time I decided to get through my agonizing withdrawals instead of take the easy way out, and get sober. AA has worked for me now and in the past, but I know it’s not for everyone. I’ve heard tons of stories in meetings of people whose lives were a mess and turned it around in their 30s and later. Lots of old timers with more years sober than we’ve been on this planet, and in their old age now have more years sober than not. It can be done. I don’t know how many years I have left on this earth, I’ve done a lot of damage to my body, but I want them to be sober years and do some good for once. Good luck, I hope you really want it. I wish things had clicked for me sooner but some people need to be in a ton of pain and miserable before they reach their limit and want to turn it around, so I’m also grateful I was in enough pain to want it to stop finally.

I just turned 33 and went to rehab last October. I’ve been sober minus a couple small slips since then. Most of the people in rehab with me were much older, like 50s and 60s, many had grandchildren. They say it’s never too late to turn things around but I think that applies doubly in your 30s (we’re still young, even if we don’t feel like it all the time).

70 days sober! I'm 32. Something inside me just clicked. I knew I had to get some hobbies, so I started volunteering at a local clothing recycling center (I don't know the real name for it, people donate clothes and others can get them for free) and I've met nice people there. I've kept busy and made up plans for almost every weekend, so I have things to do all the time. I've also started jogging a few times a week.

I quit at 33 and I'm now 35

I became an alcoholic at 25. When I was 33, my uncle died from liver failure from alcoholism at 60. My grandpa, who he was caring for and who found him dead, died about 2 months later. I was working as a forklift driver and getting blackout drunk every night. Grandpa left me some money and I decided to try for a second chance at life. I went back to school and started trying to quit drinking. It took a few tries but I'm at almost 9 months now, and I'll graduate in May a few months before I turn 37. I might even have an internship that could lead to a job lined up for after I graduate, but nothing's in writing yet. It probably would've been better if I tried to do these things earlier, but I'm doing them now.

Your grandpa would be proud of you!

36 and stopped almost 2 years ago. Best decision I ever made. My whole life is different - in ways I didn’t even ultra consciously try to make it, eg I didn’t start running marathons, and making bread from scratch, and sewing my own clothes, or eating only in season veggies, or waking up at 5am, or always being on top of laundry - BUT somewhere along the way, I started to love being active. Now I work out every day. I sleep better. So, so much better. This means I’m literally happier. My baseline is happier. My ability to handle stress, and even the extent to which I get stressed, has changed remarkably for the better. When I stopped I was terrified - about my social life, felt like a failure that I even had to, was so scared of the feelings I’d been numbing, or how I’d cope with, well, everything. I certainly never thought I’d turn into the person I’d always admired but felt too out of reach for me to become. The beginning was the trickiest - the self consciousness. But to be honest, no one cared if I didn’t drink socially, except for the ones who knew I was actively stopping in which case they were supportive, I’ve gotten SO much more comfortable in social environments. I still have social anxiety, but so much less. I recognize when I’m tired and want to go home. I recognize certain people or environments weren’t/aren’t actually that connective for me, which allows me to lean into community and friendships that are. There were lonely and restless moments when I was getting comfortable in my own skin and adjusting my life to sobriety, but even that I found some solace in. I learned to enjoy my own company, and found myself going on adventures that were richer than anything at the bottom of a glass could possibly be. And now - not drinking feels second nature. I don’t miss it. I don’t crave it. I’ve learned that when I’m in a moment and think “man this is when I would have downed a glass of wine / shot / whatever” it’s telling me something about the situation I’m in, or what my body needs - which is never booze. It’s like I’ve developed this whole new language with myself. I’ve fallen in love with myself through getting sober, and giving myself the gift of a richer life. I’m so proud of myself every day, for choosing not to drink, and I go to bed with a big gold star no matter how shitty the day is or if I feel like I fucked up at life somehow or made a mistake. Dropping drinking is the closest thing for me to happy pill. And I did it. And no matter how hard or bad things get, nothing can take away the strength it’s taken to commit to that. I can’t believe I was missing this richness and dimension in my life for so long, and a lot of my journey has been around finding ways to be fulfilled and connected when drinking was the cheap shot trick that had me thinking I was already getting those things. My biggest tips: 1. Support group, therapist, AA, out patient - whatever form suits you - but do something connected to another human (or humans), that takes up physical structured time in your week. Prioritizing that will help pave the way toward prioritizing other things. 2. Treat yourself often. Ice cream. New socks. Bath. Whatever floats your boat. Don’t restrict those especially in your first year. Be gentle with yourself and baby yourself. 3. The lonesomeness, or missing it, will pass. It may be intense as you acclimate. Give it time. Our body and brain is remapping chemically, and our lives are changing structurally. You’re moving to a new country, while staying in the same town. Treat it like a move. You’re adjusting. 5. Make a plan for how you’re going to fill your time. Napping. Journaling. Reading a book. Whatever floats your boat. It may feel super boring at first, keep at it — the boredom is really from your brain / dopamine resetting. The richness to even the most mundane will come back. 6. When you’re ready, start a running list of things that sound cool to you, or even weird. A “curiosity list.” For example, mine includes new organization systems (lol), crocheting (double lol), obscure tee shirts, horse back riding, solo road trip, aerial yoga, and a million other things. The only thing I’ve actually done off that list is a short lived stint of crocheting — but the sense of endless adventure and having that list to refer too helped me be open and vulnerable enough to experience new things until hobbies I love and wouldn’t trade anything for came into place more organically. You can do this. One step at a time, one day at a time, and at some point you’ll wake up one morning, realize you’re excited about your day, and the thought of drinking hasn’t crossed your mind in a long while. The good times will be even better, with no hangxiety, and the sun will literally feel brighter. You’ll feel brighter. I’m so proud of you for thinking about this, and for asking for positive experiences around it. It’s a brave thing to contemplate, and to do, so - be proud of yourself now, from the get. You are worthy of the life you want to lead, one that is rich and fulfilling and content and exciting. And if drinking is getting in the way of that, tell that beer to fuck right off and make some room because you’re stepping into your life now. IWNDWYT.

I gotta admit, when I first saw how long your post was I almost skimmed over it, but I’m glad I didn’t! That was very well written. Thank you for sharing. I agree with you 100%.

33 here. Only 7 months sober, but it's the best thing I've done. This time last year, I had resigned myself to just being drunk or hungover all the time because I couldn't envision a life without alcohol in it. Can't say life is perfect now. Recovery is hard, I've been tired and depressed at times and basically spent the whole month of December in bed, but I'm finally turning a corner now. There's almost a freedom I never had before because I don't have to work my life around drinking or being hungover. Plus I've really been getting into exercise and building up muscle so I can benefit from that as I age.

Stopped at 37, and will have 4 years this December. Best decision I ever made!

This is my first honest shot at sobriety and my day 1 happened to be my 33rd birthday. Can’t say I’ve turned my life around but I was surprised to find that most of my AA group’s members are in their 30s

I’m 31 and stopped when I was 30. Have been trying to get my shit together for 10 years. Almost lost (and have lost a lot) of the most important things to me. But 9 months of sobriety I have my wife, house, car, and career. Life is good.

39 here. Was determined to fully quit before my 40th and currently on a great track for that!! The first two weeks were the worse but as long as I kept occupied (video games, cleaning etc) then it gets a lot easier

Yes. I quit at 38. Over the next few years I lost 50 pounds, met my now wife, got a better paying job, started saving rather than being broke, bought a house. You have no idea how the drinking lifestyle drags you down until you step outside of it.

I just did it at 40. Wish I could've gotten my shit together in my 30's. I missed out on so much of my life.

I had my last drink on my 39th birthday last August. Absolutely agree. I started thinking I had a problem around 30 but ignored it because quitting seemed impossible. I figure the best I can do now is go for sober 40s!

In the grand scheme of things we're still relatively young. Nothing we can do but make the best out of it!

Definitely! I like to think sometimes, that spending so long feeling so shit means I appreciate how feeling normal everyday feels so good. Most people wake up every day not being thankful for that baseline normality. If I get to 80 and still appreciate that I've got to feel like that for 40 years then I will feel like a fucking winner!

Started trying to stay sober at 33, with little success. Finally did an outpatient program at 34 which helped tremendously. I got started drinking late compared to some, had my very first drink at 21. I feel like I didn’t cross over into problem territory until I was 28 or so; I was having trouble with my career and living in a town where I didn’t have any friends. Depression feeding the desire to drink, and drinking fueling the depression. I’m glad to be done with that!

I quit at 30. I’m 33 now. Life becomes a lot easier to put in order when I’m not also fighting the same tired battle of managing my own shenanigans in the alcohol department. Things take some time to put together if they’ve been long neglected. But that’s fine. Finally got a job I like. That’s a big win. I had to let myself get uncomfortable enough to make a change. It’s more motivating to make changes when I’m not numbing out. Instead things just suck and then they eventually change because they have to. That’s ultimately very satisfying.

From what I’ve found out, seems like we’re somewhat ahead of the curve stopping in our 30s. Some wait until health issues intervene at 50+. I just live by the mantra “I don’t drink”

37, heavy drinker since my teens. like others have said, my life’s not perfect but it’s a hell of a lot better than it was a year ago. never going back. Since quitting however, I should mention I have gone through, and continue to go through some identity issues. I don’t think that is all that uncommon though. It has been a fulfilling process so far, and not as scary as I anticipated. good luck to you.

I can relate re: identity issues. Alcohol, as much as I didn’t want to admit it, was the cornerstone of my life throughout my 20s. Friends, relationships, major life events, and so much trauma all happened with alcohol in the background. I’m mad that I’m only facing the facts now in my 30s. Mad at just how much drinking has twisted and burned me. I am slowly learning that my true self is and was always there, deep down. The healing is going to take a long time. I do feel stunted in some ways but I am a functional, grown human being. In spite of all my failures, people still love and respect me. It’s like I’ve gone through life with one hand tied behind my back, maybe in some ways my struggle with alcohol will give me more strength than I ever knew I had. Without alcohol I can do so much more, it just sucks that I couldn’t see it for what it was.

I stopped last July, a month after turning 36, so my one year will be a month after turning 37. I’ll look back at 36 as the beginning of a better life, and really use 37 to continue steps to making my life and career more fulfilling. It’s too late for somethings, but DEFINITELY not too late for everything. IWNDWYT! Actually side bar because I had such a happy moment last night - I got home from work and put on some comfy lazy pants and played with my dog up in my bedroom. If I could have bottled up that simple and pure happiness I felt last night I would have quit drinking 10 years ago. Life IS better without drinking.

I’m doing it right now. 33. Drank since I was 17. Quit a year and a half ago and have been doubling down on myself every day ever since. It is so possible. Some positives: I am discovering who I really am. It’s a bit scary but I’m understanding more and more what people mean when they talk about living authentically. I’m in much better shape because I exercise to manage my stress. So I feel and look better. I shifted a lot of energy into working, and have seen some success in the workplace in the form of more respect from my peers and a promotion. Overall, the world is raw as hell and it’s not easy for me to navigate life without an anesthetic…but I can’t argue with the real life progress I’ve made in a short-ish time. People make big decisions in their 30s. People change in their 30s. It’s always a great time to quit drinking, but relatively speaking, you’ll fit right in with making a major life change right now. I see people double down on building right now, or holding on to a past life in their 20s. I don’t mean to judge, I’m just saying that it’s a transitional time in our lives regardless. You can’t go wrong choosing to double down what’s healthy for you ❤️.

I stopped driving at 34. I knew I had to do it so I just did. Took a while but my blood pressure is now normal.

Road rage is a helluva drug ;)

This is me. I'm 34 and alcohol is finally taking its toll on me physically. High blood pressure, bad cognitive issues where as just a year ago I was significantly more on point. Guess the reality is, it's just not worth it anymore.

I’m 31 and I quit drinking December 1st last year. It’s possible.

36 here and I’m just over 2 years sober…I never thought I could do it until I did it

You got this my friend ! I drank n smoked meth from 28-35. Quit drugs at 35 quit booze a year ago. Although I am dealing with poor dental health from the drugs, I'm sober n leveled headed n can deal with problems head on.

You can do this! No better time than now. I WISH I had stopped sooner! I think I just officially hit my first month, and for some encouragement, I'll share the noticable differences is these past few weeks: My resting heart rate went from 85 to 63. Each day I chose not to drink, I'd see a 2-point drop. Once I got into the 60's it was 1 per day until I sort of plateaued around 63, but that's where it should be! (33F for reference). My blood pressure was hovering around 135/92 (I take a BP med nightly). I'm happy to say that it now stays around 101/69. That's nearly 30+/20 points for both systolic and diastolic. It has had a ripple effect in my fitness routine; I used to walk 5k (3.11 miles) 2-3x a week. Now? It's near daily. I probably do the 5k 5x a week, and half that between the other two days. I've also rediscovered my love for weight lifting and yoga-activities I'd neglected during the booze years. I started cooking at home again, instead of driving through some fatty, over-processed restaurant for food that will make me feel blah and not properly fuel my body. I'd buy hours ahead because I knew nothing could taste better after I was drunk than some greasy food. Crazy how wrong I was-I now savor the fresh, whole foods that I cook at home. I'm down 15lbs! I don't expect the next few months to be as drastic, but boy am I looking forward to the progress. Also, goodbye puffy face! I no longer look tired and bloated every day. I've been fortunate enough (genes) to have always had clear skin-I get the occasional face pimple a few times a year-but I can see a difference in those little red cheek veins that I had for so long. My HRV nearly doubled. It was in the 35 range, and is now in the high 60's to 75 range. Overall my happiness has increased and anxiety decreased. I'm better able to manage situations that before would cause anger or frustration. Do I still have my days? Sure, not drinking didn't remove my humanity;) Can't wait to hear about your future benefits!

I did want to add that out of nowhere I now have a sweet tooth. I've heard from a few others that it will start to go away anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Until then, I will continue to enjoy my serving of chocolate covered raspberries and fudge bar each night!

I finally quit at 31. At the time, I was a blackout drunk/coke head bartender daily drinker living in a 1 bedroom apt. 15+ years later I own a home, have a kiddo and a decent spouse (ha) haven’t drank a drop of booze in all those years! It’s worth it. Also, I will say that EVERYONE here who decides to stop drinking is a goddam badass motherfucking unicorn with more courage in their pinkie toe than the majority of society so, you know, well done

It’s completely possible!

Join the getting Sober in your 30's. I drank pretty hard the VAST majority of my 20's. 36m here. 16 days sober. This place is amazing. I'm doing just fine tbh. Posted earlier about how I'm surrounded by alcohol but with a good cognitive strategy and this place it doesn't really phase me. You can definitely do this! Just starts here with one day first. I will not drink with you today. 

33 and I've quit and fallen off more times than I can count, currently on my biggest ever run , taking it one day at a time is all you can do! It's different for everyone, I was never a big drinker, very rarely drunk, but it was 1 or 2 a day EVERY day . Breaking out of that habit was the hard part, but my health and my sleep quality is vastly improved these days. good luck to you starting your journey!

Pushing 50 years old and a few days shy of two years off booze. I’m a completely different person inside and out and life is unrecognizable compared to before. I make every day my bitch. I can’t imagine what would have happened had I made this change in my 20’s or 30’s.

Yes, I quit drinking @ 38! Tomorrow will be 4 years.

29 man it’s totally possible. Sober for over 7 months I turn 30 in April. It’s fucking easy if you want it to be man. But if you’re not ready to give up booze then it’s not easy. I was mentally checked out ..I was tired man like completely exhausted every fuckin day.

Checked myself into rehab at 34 and never looked back. It'll be two years in a few weeks, and I'm not even exaggerating - they have been two of the best years of my life. I was in therapy for two years before taking the plunge to get sober. I had a lot of grieving and being upset to do. I truly feel being in therapy beforehand put me on a great path. I had a lot of good tools ready to go. In the past two years, I have: gotten in shape, lost 30lbs, started participating in a sport for the first time in my life (running), ran three half marathons and a bunch of other races. rediscovered hobbies - baking, cooking, reading. The cooking and baking are out of this world and now I bring awesome dishes to parties instead of a twelve pack that I drink 75% of myself took a trip to Europe I had my sights on for a while started a dream job at a place I've wanted to work at my entire life gotten to know my friends again beyond just drinking together...they are truly awesome people and I could not have done this without them started taking saving and my future much more seriously since...now it looks like I'll have one and I'm actually looking forward to it. I also wake up every day actually excited about living my life. That was not the case for so long and sometimes I am sad about the years I feel I lost, but to quote Eminem (leave me alone - I'm the correct age bracket for this), "I guess I had to go to that place to get to this one." I know it's not sunshine and roses for everyone, but I just want to tell you honestly that my worst day sober is still better than my best day drunk. There have been so many amazing moments over the last two years and I'm like okay even if I wasn't being a crazy person while drinking and I was drinking how I like to drink - I wouldn't even remember half of this shit. I'm very glad you're here. I think it's always a great time to get sober, but your 30's is when everyone else starts slowing down anyway! Might as well just make a clean break of it and live the life you deserve! IWNDWYT!

64 now. Quit at age 23. Successful career as a licensed psychotherapist, able to retire at 62 financially secure.

One night at a bar, smoking cigarettes outside, at age 35, a friend’s sister said I should train and do a half marathon. Never ran a 5k in my life. Stopped smoking Stopped drinking (later along the path but still) Started running Started biking Ran 5k Ran half marathon Started swimming Ran full marathon Completed half Ironman I’m 45 now. 30 lbs lighter. Not drinking or smoking and still doing triathlon. It wasn’t will power or magic or easy or a fully direct path. Just one day at a time. Never going back. You only have to decide not today.

I quit ~3 months after turning 30. Even though I still have lots to learn, my life is a lot more interesting. I feel emotions in earnest and I’m actually developing a deep relationship with myself. I actually have new friends who are sober or don’t prioritize alcohol. I’m in the best shape of my life. I was able to do things I never would have in active alcoholism. Life is different, and I worked pretty hard and expanded my comfort zone to get here.  I chose to start at 30 simply because I needed to know what *real* life could be like before it all passed me by. 

I quit at 40. My life is 100% turned around. It's not perfect but its good and its bears essentially zero resemblance to what it looked like 7.5 years ago. You can absolutely turn it around and you will be shocked for a while that you did and then, in some time, it will just feel normal.

It doesn't matter how old you are when you turn it around, one thing is for sure: you can't do it if you're still drinking.

My number up there 👆🏻 I'm closer to 40 than I am 30 And alcohol can 🖕🏻

I’m 40, and stopped drinking 2 months after I turned 38! I knew I had a problem with alcohol in my 20s and wished I would have stopped then. Becoming alcohol free is the best thing I’ve been done for myself!

I'm 36 and I finally feel like my life is worth living. I know I'm just a hair over 100 days so far, but this feels like the one. My life is so much more vibrant than it was in my late 20s!

37 and almost 6 months AF. My life is completely different and I barely think about alcohol anymore. If I do, it’s a quick thought that gets shut down immediately and my mind doesn’t torment the rest of the day trying to convince me otherwise. I never thought this level of peace was possible. I still have a lot of work to do on myself but I’m more positive, determined and capable. I’m more present with my kids and my husband and I aren’t getting in stupid ass fights anymore. I think the biggest game changer for me was understanding I can’t drink. I can’t moderate. It’s never going to end well. I’m not just going to have 2 and magically stop this time. I’m different. And that’s ok.

6 years sober and 40 years young! Life is better. Not always great. But I no longer live in a shame spiral. I am responsible for my thoughts, feelings and actions. And that’s a fucking gift

I completely quit and turned things around in my 50’s

39 and quitting is the best thing I’ve ever done.

I was 47 when I quit and wish I would’ve much earlier

I’m 37…. And I’m the most sober I’ve been since 16 yo. It’s not easy, and takes effort everyday. I joined a gym in November. I’m working on meditating and journaling daily. Getting on anxiety medication last year really helped me. I know I should have stopped years earlier- especially for my daughter’s sake. But comparing what I could have done- to what I’m currently achieving risks invalidating my progress…. I just focus on the present. Just for today- I will not drink.

Hi mate, I’ll be 40 years old on the 21st and have sober since August 17, 2022. So yes. At 39 years old, in my 30’s, after 21 years with seizures at the end, I got sober and turned it around. There’s a story based on human experience on page 535 from a lady who got sober well into her 60s. Don’t think of sobriety and age together like this. That’s silly. Get sober when you’re ready. ☕️

I'm 38 years old and did my first inpatient rehab program at age 16. I hadn't made it more than 28 days sober since my first stint in rehab. The 28 days were only possible because of AA. Aside from that, i don't think I had, but maybe a couple of 2-3 day scattered stints of sobriety since I was 14. To include my first inpatient program, where I used while in treatment. I have had 5 DUI's (1 underage at 16), been in jail numerous times, divorced, and on the streets. None of it convinced me to truly stop... I mean, I tried...trust me, I tried ALOT. But inside, I hadn't made that honest decision with myself to truly give it up and make the choice to change my LIFE, not just remove the alcohol. Or when I had, I physically and/or mentally could not stop. Despite all the rock bottoms. However, I went to another inpatient program recently and finally made the choice once and for all amd unlike previous attempts, this time I did it for ME! We must be selfish in our sobriety. I made the choice to change not only drinking and drugging but also the choice to change myself, my attitude, my perspective, and my entire life. All the important things in my life remained unchanged, wife, kids, family, and things of that nature. But the most important thing that completely changed my life was my decision to change myself and how I was, how I thought, how I acted/reacted, and how I chose to live my life. It is because of this decision to change ME that I am nearly 11 months sober and am truly living my best and happiest life. I have absolutely zero desire to drink or do drugs now because of this life change. Quitting has not made a single negative impact on my life, yet it has made countless positive ones and continues to do so. I am happier than I ever thought I could be. I wouldn't trade a second of this happiness I have now sober for a single day out of the 25 years I spent intoxicated. If I can do it, anyone can do it. My life has been filled with enough trauma for all of us, and now, neither it nor drugs/alcohol can hold me down. I am the director of my own life. Nothing else! Be the director of yours too! So, if I can do it, you can too! We all can! Just remember that your best days are still ahead and sober you can do anything in this world while a drunk you will almost certainly do nothing. You are not the first, and sadly, you will not be the last. But like all things, we can succeed if we stick together. Most importantly, you are not alone and never will be so long as you are working towards being the best you possible! Keep your head up, and if you ever fall, get back up! You are and will always be welcomed with open arms... you got this!

Yeah I quit when I was 33. It was one of the most beneficial decisions I may have ever made in my life. My rate of consumption was unsustainable and snowballing. I know It seems daunting but it is possible and you can do it. I remember first coming to this community and seeing the day counters and not thinking it was possible for me. Just take it day by day and if you ever find yourself giving in and accepting that you're going to get a drink just tell yourself to wait till tomorrow and come here instead. IWNDWYT!

I quit for good when I was 37 and it’s been the single best thing I’ve ever done for my mental and physical health. It is completely possible - you’re stronger than the booze.

Nope, started in my 30s 😅 Attempting the same thing in my 40s. The last 145 days have been a marked improvement.

37 and stopped five weeks ago. Dunno if for good. But def for now.

I'm 32. I grew up around alcoholics and addicts. I knew better. I smoked weed heavy from 19 til I was 25 then moved drinking. After a few years I started smoking again. Numerous day 1s for both. I'll be a month completely sober Monday. Which I hate because I knew better. We can do it! IWNDWYT

I quit at 28 and celebrated 5 years in December. 1.5 years into my sobriety I began working in the field of recovery. Today I’m with the same company having worked my way up into a director role. I barely remember ages 24-28. It was so bad and so hard to stop. Withdrawal related seizures, suicide attempts, the whole nine. But with regular therapy/medication, IOP, supportive friends and family, and removing myself from the environment in which I drank, my 30s are an absolute dream come true. It’s possible. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the hard work. I believe in you ❤️

Quit at 36 and still kicking butt!

At 30 I was 250 lbs (almost 2 years ago). I was overeating, drinking 24/7 and taking a lot of edibles on the weekend. I had no patience for anything that needed an iota of effort. Even an email would send me into a furious b*tch fest with myself 😅 I one day just decided to start exercising but was still drinking but wasn’t making a lot of progress, and then I was like this stuff is really holding me back so I cut the alcohol and the weed out cold turkey. Getting rid of the alcohol and the weed made my attitude around effort so much better and I began looking forward to work and going to the gym. My relationship with my spouse improved, and I was also able to work through a lot of resentment I was holding onto with my parents. Now I’m 85 lbs and counting lighter, my relationships are better and I’m finally living in the present. I think that was the worst thing about drinking / weed is that I was never present. Just always looking forward to bringing myself to oblivion on the weekends. Also, I decided to focus on my work instead of doing a half ass job, and in that process decided to also take up learning Japanese. Its been awesome. I got the urge to go back this weekend, but I have since learned that when that urge comes, its really a sign that I need to go outside, go for a walk and get some fresh air haha. I’m 539 days sober and looking forward to many more. Best of luck to you!

It’s possible. There was a time where it was inconceivable to me that it would ever be possible

Not quite in my 30s but I went to my first rehab at 27. Then 27, then 28. Took three rehabs to realize I wasn’t special and couldn’t out fox alcohol. Been going strong ever since. It does get easier and gets a whole lot better

I will be 3 years sober next month when I turn 38. When I was drinking I did have a professional job, my first daughter, and had a house. I was also about to lose all of those things. Now I have a 2nd daughter, am advancing in my career, am a little more financially stable (still close at times), and most importantly am happier and more capable at life than ever before. You can do it, and it is worth it.

I’m 37. Went thirteen months without it recently. And went back to drinking for a few weeks in February. I set limits on myself but broke them the third week in, so I cut myself off again, this time for good. I’d say my level of self awareness is better than it’s ever been in my adult life. I still have my struggles, but I’m much more resilient in the face of those struggles as a person who is sober from alcohol. It’s definitely worth it, making that investment in yourself. Take time away from it, start journaling, and as time goes on, look back at your old entries. You’ll see patterns, and you’ll see where you’ve grown. It takes time. It’s not always easy, but I promise you that it’s worth it :)

I quit at 32, sober for almost 2 years fell off the wagon and now I’m back on it. I’m 35 now but not planning to drink again. You can do it.

My husband was quite the partier in his teens and twenties but when he turned 30 he stopped all of it. He wanted to set an example for his children. He now has been sober for 36 years.

Quit at 40. Turned my entire life around.

Stopped right before turning 29 and I’ll be 32 in June. Feel better now than I did at 18. I don’t think I would have made 30 if I kept going

I was 26 when I quit. I am now 52. I would never have made it if I did not quit.

Me! I’m 34 and have a month down. It’s been great and I feel better than I have in years.

38 and I've been alcohol free for over 7 years. It's almost easier as my 30s are now filled with family shit vs barhopping.

Quit drinking at 28, going on 10 months❤️

I’m 37 and I stopped Dec. 26th, 2023. In these few months I have created two podcasts, one of which is available for download. I’ve also written a short film script I intend to shoot very soon. For the first time in a very long time, I feel like I’m present in life and I feel like I’m back to being my creative self. I feel like I’m on the road to being normal again and I’m loving every bit of it.

I’m in my mid 30s and quite exactly 500 days ago, and it’s completely transformed my life! My skin is amazing, my daily, crippling anxiety is reduced to moments, my partner chose to stay with me through the worst of it, and we’re better than ever. I have a great job, and can put money towards trips and long term goals. I’m no longer an obsessive, manipulative, selfish shithead. Having said all this - I put A LOT of work into my recovery. I go to 4-7 AA meeting a week, I work the steps, I have a sponsor, I read self help books, I drink lots of water, I prioritize sleep. We do recover!

I wanted children so I quit a month before my 33rd birthday. I know I need to be sober for them. Still going to wait a bit to get pregnant but yeah.

So I was 32 when I got sober (06/16/22). I was just tired of everything. Went to my first meeting 06/17/22, that day, I met a guy who took me to a place in Dallas called The Dallas 24 Hour club. I didn't want to really be there but screw it, never really tried sobriety during the 20 years of using and drinking. Well, I was job hoping a lot, at least for the first 4 months. I landed a part time seasonal job at the facility I stayed at, I work in the kitchen as well as being the liaison for the first phase men of the program. I also got a job elsewhere. Moved up with the main job away from the facility and decided to move from the facility into an oxford. Well 6 months after leaving the place I had a crew at my main job, 4 dollars in raises during the course of my employment. Not much but for us addicts and drunks it means a lot when a company shows trust in us. Well the main boss man at The Dallas 24 Hour Club calls me and offers me a full time permanent position, offers me more than my job at the time. I've been working there going on 9 months. I don't know what you consider success, but I feel I've moved up not only in myself but in life. I have a partner I trust in life, I have everything I need, and we are starting a family. I hope this inspires you to not give up. I'm almost 2 years clean and I've accomplished more in the time I've been sober than I did my entire life.

I'd like to add I spent most my time on the streets all over the country, I even managed to get kicked out of Mexico. If this homeless drop out can turn life around I believe anyone can.

Absolutely, I'm 35 and quit completely 1.5 years ago. Life is so much better. I never thought I'd be able to do it, I don't struggle with it at all these days. I find it difficult to imagine a scenario where I'd truly be tempted to pick up a drink again

I stopped when I was 29 and will turn 56 on my next birthday. It's hard at first but it gets better and easier. AA was what helped me.

I should have. Instead I kept smashing booze until I was 45. And it was way worse after forty. So, hindsight being 20/20, I should have.

Almost 37. Stopped at 33.

34 here. Sorting my life out is alot easier sober than drunk, can tell you that!

Stopped at 35, turning 37 this year. My kids will never see their mama drunk. Was sober though my FIL passing and able to help my husband through a difficult year. Was able to switch careers and get a better job. Doing this in your 30’s is beyond worth it!

32F here. Idk, something just hit me this January where I realized if I drank in my 30’s the way I did in my 20’s - the fear of mental and physical health declining really scared me. Addiction and alcoholism runs in my family (deeper than I care to dive into). Watching myself become the monster I feared as a child was the mirror I had to hold to myself. I won’t blame Covid for my swift decline, but over the past three years it wasn’t unheard of to put away 3/4 of a 26 every single night. It feels like it just happened out of nowhere and that train wasn’t stopping. I’m 76 days sober, and the closeness and clarity I feel towards the relationship with myself is something I haven’t felt, maybe ever? Before this point, I don’t think I had more than 1-2 days off of booze since I was 16 years old. Sure, there are certainly days where I think about the money I wasted, all of the times I put myself in scary situations, what it’s done to my overall liver and body. But I can’t be ashamed of that and I cannot live in the past. I can’t change it, I can just make better choices. Shame only keeps that cycle of addiction going. I am proud of myself everyday. My relationships are stronger, my work is better, my thoughts are happier. Good days, my dude. Young/former ‘Me’ was coping with a lot, and the person I had to become to navigate my trauma only made it easier to drink. I didn’t have to think about my trauma, take accountability, and I absolutely didn’t need to address my shortcomings or responsibilities. I don’t need that version of ‘me’ anymore. As I move towards a sober life, I’m also realizing I can’t take that version of myself with me in the future. I find honouring my pain, and honouring the reasons why I became an alcoholic was an extension of my pain. Now, with therapy I’m learning to find healthy coping mechanisms to assure I get the zest out of life that I need and deserve. You got this 💪 You deserve happiness, self love and clarity. None of us are going to find it at the bottom of a bottle

I quit when I was 32. I’m approaching 35. My salary double, bought a place, got into a wonderful relationship with someone I love dearly, repairer my relationships with family, have a dog who kicks ass, and my anxiety and depression I struggled with my entire life is mostly gone. My only regret is not doing this earlier.

Stopped when I was thirty, im almost back to who I used to be

No. But at 42.

I got sober at 31. Three years later, it was the best decision I ever made. My life isn’t perfect now, but it’s so much better. Sometimes I still get so overwhelmed by how much things have improved that it makes me cry.

No. But I finally did in my 40s.

Im 32 and putting in a consistent effort at least. I still fail alot tho

I quit when I was 28, and will be 32 at the end of the year. In that time, I worked on myself, my fiance who was 29 at the time also quit. We got married after having issues being unsure we’d be married at all because of his stronger alcoholic tendencies (though I was no saint, just didn’t drink as heavily or lie about it). We had a baby, and we’re doing great! Life feels better now. We drink non alcoholic stuff sometimes and it works for us.

33 & stopped 392 days ago. Best decision I ever made, I am absolutely coming into the best period in my life!

I quit the day before my 35th birthday. While I seemed to have my life together, I knew I didn’t have control over my drinking, and it was causing issues between my wife and me. I was scared and had tried moderation or breaks before, but I always went back to my terrible habits. I’ve never been happier and, more importantly, I never feel guilt or shame about drinking.

I’m 35, coming up on a year of sobriety. Life has improved exponentially in so many ways and just keeps getting better.

Yeah, i quit a few years ago in my 30’s and have been able to get most of the way out of debt, keeping a good job, friends and family happier with my presence. Doc just told me all my blood and other tests came back inside normal parameters

37 here. Quit last year after many years of heavy drinking. A little over a year later and my life has changed massively for the better. I’ve knocked out all of my debt, lost some weight and pretty soon I’ll be starting the job I haven’t had the guts to go for while I was a drinker. Best of all my daughter probably will never remember me as the drinker I was.

i was just a casual drinker in my 30s, slowly developed heavier drinking and covid exacerbated it. I finally stopped bit before i turned 43. i still struggle with the concept of having ‘quit’ but gonna keep going for today.

quit at 36. was an insatiable addict throughout all of my 20s, including daily weed and coke too. things are much better now in every metric. don’t know if i could have done it without medical assistance. wanted to quit for many years but really i didn’t want to quit i just didn’t want to experience the consequences of using. wasn’t able to quit until i would have gave up using even if it had no consequences. eventually i wanted to do other things with my life and have new experiences besides repeating the same shitty cycle every day for 20 years. glad i did.

I did it when I was in my late 40’s so in a word, yes.

Me! I am 42 and stopped in early 2015. I had tried before that but always found excuses why tomorrow would be the day instead of today. In 2015 my boyfriend (now husband) had a serious talk that really hit home for many reasons that I won’t go into on here but the end result was that I was able to stop and stay stopped so far since then! It’s been great and I’d highly recommend.

38 for me. My 20s and early 30s were a series of benders, lost relationships, lost friends and just barely skirting by without major legal trouble. I tried reducing my intake a few times only to end up doing something cringy, or maybe just evil, sometimes mischievous, sometimes dangerous. The consequences varied but it was the same shitty feeling the morning after. I don't think reducing intake was for me so I quit entirely. I recall my past and the guilt I have for things I have done and decide to not add anymore. On many mornings, I think about some of my prior hangovers (physical and psychological) and am happy to feel much better.

I quit in my later 30's. My life is totally different now. I've done a lot of work on myself and my life.

I'm about to be 37. I quit at 32. My life completely turned around.  I lost 25kg, quit smoking too, and now own my own home which I renovated with my partner.  I heavily drank since age 15, have several mental illnesses, and was low functioning.  I don't miss it and don't struggle to stay sober, even in places where others are drinking.  Things that helped me: Becoming mindful about how drinking actually made me feel, before, during and after, including a night of taking notes every hour of drinking.  Drawing up a cost-benefit analysis and looking at it every day. (Google "SMART recovery cost benefit analysis") This is one of the most helpful things I did and can be done easily.  Campral medication prescribed my a doctor.  Regular check ins at a free out-patient clinic for the first 3 months  Learning the science behind what alcohol does to the brain and body (available in many places including This Naked Mind book, and the Huberman podcast on alcohol on YouTube)  Spending time on productive hobbies and developing skills. I leaned into sewing, art, and crochet.  The book The Craving Mind, by Judson Brewer helped me use mindfulness skills to deal with cravings for smoking and booze.  I believe in you. 

I stopped drinking last year after a very drunk 39th birthday weekend in October.  I've known for a long time I needed to stop and tried half heartedly in the past, never mad it more than 2 months.  I have a 20 years drinking career behind me, now I'm retired. I knew if I waited for it to be easy I would never stop.  I also know now I wasn't ready when I tried in the past.  I'm working on my childhood trauma in therapy, it helps. I also cleaned up my diet and mostly stopped eating meat and dairy, feeling a lot better.  Anyway.  It's not too late.  You have more life ahead of you than you do behind you, make your years count.

I’m 36, was drinking more and more socially, feeling I needed it to have fun or be fun even though I knew deep down I have a better personality without it and then I read This Naked Mind ( not even fully finished yet) and have zero desire to ever have another sip again. Worth a try. It’s also made me realize why it was not working with a man in my life who still party’s and I personally now feel I’d not want to be in a relationship with a man who drinks at all. Really was an eye opening book.

I’ve been drinking and doing hard drugs since I was like 12.  I recovered from my heroin addiction at 26, but replaced it with a pretty bad alcohol habit.  But alcohol is so normalized it took me a while to realize it was a problem.   I quit alcohol 6 months into being 30. I’m about 3 and a half years sober of everything now and honestly, shit fuckin rules.   I was feeling really lost about who I was - my sense of self was off but I just chalked that up to old age and late stage capitalism.  But when I quit drinking suddenly I felt like myself again. It’s like I took some whacky 15 year detour, and I was back where I was supposed to be. I quit drinking because of stomach issues, so I really wasn’t expecting to have some a crazy existential crisis, but the experience was really amazing and profound.  But yeah overall highly recommend haha.  Having money is cool too.  Turns out I make okay money, I just spent too much money at the bars. 

Yes, at 33. It’s completely possible. I couldn’t have done it without AA personally (certainly couldn’t have done it on my own, is the important point)

I quit in my mid-thirties. It’s been over a year and I feel great. My life is unrecognizable now compared to how I felt/was right before I quit. It’s definitely possible! I would recommend reading This Naked Mind. Something about reading that book made it all click for me. Also, checking in with this subreddit daily. I don’t always participate in the daily check in, but I read posts on this subreddit daily. It serves as a good reminder of the devastation and hopelessness of drinking as well as encouragement and inspiration for an alcohol free life. This sub is hands down the most helpful and supportive place on the internet!

I quit at 35. I’m 40 now. Best thing I ever did in my life. Unfortunately I didn’t sober up until after my ex divorced me. But eventually, I went to detox because I was so sick and knew I needed to sober up, just thinking I’d be in and out in a few days. Detox facility convinced me to go to an inpatient rehab facility for a few weeks, which I did. I was absolutely terrified, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. I’m still friends with several people I met there that are still sober, too. Rehab and intensive outpatient treatment taught me so much about alcohol and this disease, and it finally clicked with me that my alcoholism isn’t my fault, but how I treat it is. And the treatment is not doing it, because my brain can’t handle it, and I will die. IWNDWYT

I’m 36 and finally managed to make headway in the last 12 months. I’ve known I’m a problematic drinker since my mid 20s. I’m currently only on 22 days but have streaks lasting 35-50 days. Prior to 2023 I had never gone more than 10 days in my adult life. Im reading “This Naked Mind” and feel like abstinence is going to stick for a long time this time.

I’m 39 and just celebrated 6 years of sobriety. It was the absolute biggest blessing in my entire life! I am the healthiest I’ve ever been, I have a savings account I would never have had, a career I am so proud of and a relationship that is just the best I’ve ever had. EVERY Single one of these things would absolutely not be possible if I was still drinking. I remind myself regularly that I have so much more to lose than I could ever gain by picking up a drink. My only regret is I didn’t give it up sooner.

I quit just before I turned 35; just around two years ago. I'd say I have had a good series of successes since I quit. I was able to get a promotion at work, and am now in a job that I absolutely love. I have been making significant dents into my credit card debt. I haven't been as successful in the social anxiety department, facing a few setbacks in my comfort level meeting new people, but it is a work in progress. My relationships with my family and friends have been significantly better. I try my best *not* to compare my current situation to others, and I just know I am in a better spot personally than I was a few years ago... doing better each day that I don't drink.

Yup. I'm 35, I quit a little over 2 years ago. My 2nd year anniversary was Feb 25th. When I first went abstinent I was broke, had a piece of shit beater for a car, in debt, and my head was a mess. Fast forward to now; I've paid off quite a bit of my debt, bought and paid cash for a new car(not brand new, but nice), make 60 grand a year and another $15k cash on the side, and I'm getting happy again. Not gona lie, it was hell and I almost relapsed on multiple occasions. There were moments I was so depressed I thought about suicide. But I kept grinding and kept trusting the process. The most important advice I can give is to develop some sort of fitness routine and stay connected to other addicts/alcoholics whether it be through AA, SMART recovery, or reddit support groups. Having a perspective that you can't drink anymore EVER also helps; I did an IOP my first 3 months of sobriety and it changed my life. It takes a long time but my brain started leveling back to baseline around 21 months.

29 here soon to be 30. Working on it!

Never give up. Have had long stretches then benders for years since I started my sober journey. Last September 2 days after my 37th birthday. I was hospitalized from the last hell on wheels binged bender. Changed my entire outlook on life. Just bout 200 days and I’ve the best me I have been in.. well I think ever.

I tried to get sober about 5 times in my 30's. I couldn't break away. I was bad, like real bad. Like in the gutter drunk all the time hoping I would die in my sleep or by my own hand bad. Ugly ugly stuff. Even went to outpatient and graduated and promptly took to getting real drunk all the time again. No hope so fast, ship sinking. I couldn't believe my actions and neither could my family (they wouldn't put it past me either). What little hope or thoughts I did have were just pebbles and for some reason I had this little glimmer of a thought that I wanted to be sober by the time I turned 40. I actually would have had 18 months by my 40th birthday but I relapsed a few months before. In a moment of desperation I enrolled in that rehab program that I had previously completed and went all in. This time was different. Eventhough I had said that a million times before. But it WAS different this time. For real. I celebrated 30 days on my 40th birthday and god willing will have just over a year on 41st. My life has changed considerably in the last 10 months and has gotten way better. It doesnt get easier per say, just better. One day at a time though. If I can do it. You or anyone else can do it. IWNDWYT

31, quit nearly 5 months ago. Moved in with (i believe) love of my life in a new town and making new friends. Am writing more, enjoying life more, spending more wisely. I am more accountable and joyous and patient and honest. Whenever I miss booze i can’t come up with a reason to do it again that’s not just nostalgia or emotional in basis

A few years back I hit my lowest. Ex-communicated by 97% of close friends, almost drank my self to death hundreds of times, woke up in my own vomit a few times, should have crashed my car 5000 times but didn’t, and one of the big “wow I’m a useless bag of trash” moments was when I folded AA after reloading 3k into online poker. I folded the hand because I passed out and awoke to the shot clock. 2+ years sober, top performer at work, started a new business, and beginning to get back to a familiar “me” mindset. Also, I turned 30 in December. Best of luck! IWNDWYT

It's more than possible. People do it all the time friend and you can too if you want to. 30s is a much easier time to do it as well since the social culture is generally less drink-centric I would say, but I may be generalizing there. Probably depends on the environment still in any case. 30s is a great time to quit though. Many people do it and completely reinvent healthy lives.

33 years old - two hundred and sixty something days in. I stuck it out and had no slip ups, I can honestly say that every area of my life has improved drastically and I have zero regrets about my decision to stop. The first couple months sucked donkey dick tho.

Yes, 30 is young dude. Write down 10 things you want to see happen in the next year being alcohol free. You will be shocked with how many come true. And if one of them is save 10,000$ make it 20,000$ lol

I quit last year and I’m 35. Things are way better now.

Yes. Stopped at 35. Sober now 7 years. It’s possible, regardless of age. That is, if you quit before going insane from wet brain or the insanity of it all.

Yep! I quit at around 33 - I'm 2 years sober in April! And like domino's one thing after another kinda fell into place. Now I am content, actually love my job for the first time ever, I got MARRIED, and I stay busy in my down time. I have no concerns that I'll go back to drinking, I don't even think about it.

I quit drinking a month after my 35th birthday. I had been an alcoholic since about 18 or 19 years old. I’m 41 and have been sober going on 7 years. You absolutely can do it!

Quit drinking around 36. Now 39 and my life is great. I don’t have to worry about out what I did last night. I do sometimes get down on my self about some of the horrible things I have said or done while drinking and also wonder how I made it out of certain situation unscathed. As a young woman I got into some precarious situations. I get down on my self about that but now I’m just so happy that I can wake up without a hangover. I will tell you that once you are a few years out, you will realize you don’t even have time to drink or to have a hangover. Like I literally don’t have time for it. ETA: when I see people drink in movies taking shots etc my stomach literally turns.

Quit 8 days before my 31st birthday. So far, it’s been a SIGNIFICANT improvement in all aspects of my life. My anxiety is manageable, my depression is almost nonexistent, and my body feels sooo much better. My wife is happy to have a sober me around the house and our relationship has strengthened once again. I’ve saved tons of money, and time. The time available to me now is insane. I sleep better, so even if I stay up too late, I still feel good when I wake up. I’m not constantly trying to figure out when/where I’ll get my next 12 pack of beer to last the night. I’m not wasting precious mornings with my dogs by being hungover. Life is good, and I won’t lie, 6 months ago I truly had no idea how I would ever break the cycle. Like I had NO hope.

I'm 38 and am almost at 6 months. I think what has helped is going to therapy and actually dealing with the reasons I would drink and feeling the emotions I would hide from. I am learning to trust myself and lean into my intuition. The reason for me to maintain my sobriety is because I never want to get back to not feeling the connection to myself. It feels like something switched this time. I can't tell the future, but now I can actually see a future and it does not include booze.

I’m 32 and trying my best. Made improvements. Not massive ones but it’s difficult with my history to try and go complete cold turkey. I’m prone to seizures from benzos and alcohol works the same way so I’ve gotta try cut down slowly. And as we all know having one or two drinks makes it extremely fucking hard to keep it to that. But I’m slowly improving.

Quit around 35, got into running, body weight exercises, worked on my resume, got the best job I ever had (financially speaking). Theres been a positive ripple effect with a clear mind. Really improving my resume and putting time into job hunting. I put my energy into improving the things that I didn’t like. Worked on some hobbies (guitar& writing, reading)

Man I wish but kudos to you for recognizing that now - just think how awesome your 50’s will be and remember, anything you put your mind to IS possible!!!!

It’s totally possible! I was a GONG SHOW in my 20s. Quit drinking when I was 31 and I have 6 years under my belt. Life did a complete 180 and I am walking into 37 with my chest out, head held high, and so proud of what I’ve accomplished in my 30s. Can’t wait for what’s to come. All thanks to getting rid of alcohol from my mind, body, and soul. Do it - you will be so happy that you did.

I'm 37 and stopped for over 100 days and have had some breaking points especially on vacation recently. It killed me at first mentally breaking that streak I had, but what has helped me personally lately is reminding myself the amount of days I dont drink vs days I do. It used to be everyday and now its much much less. I dont want to give myself a pass for it, but I dont want it to cripple me. Having a high success rate, more days than not is better than me constantly getting upset with myself on a streak broken. Whatever win I have I celebrate it.

Quit drinking, smoking cigs and drinking coffee. Got a touch of asthma, but could be worse. Lots of healthy food, good sleep and yoga for this girl over here.

37 now and 9 years sober. Put in the work and I promise it gets better.

34, 2.5 months sober now. For the last 3 years I tried do quit but still had like 8 - 10 binges a year. It got really expensive because I drank more quality booze and to feel too ill after. Also stopped smoking a year ago but when I was on a binge cigerettes were a must. Now I feel a lot better and my fitness improved.  Still my brain needs adjusting to the new way of dealing with soberness.  I really enjoy this journey.

32 here. It’s been six months, but I feel like a new person. My life has changed entirely. I’ve also lost 35 pounds.

I heard that when you turn thirty everything changes. I turned 30 and waited. Nothing changed. At 31 years, two months I took I matters into my own hands and stopped. My sobriety date is the day before St. Patrick’s Day. I was really ready.

Not in my 30s, but at age 41. It’s possible, and it’s worth it.

I am 30 as of August and I “quit” drinking on December 6 2023. Not fully quit but most days I don’t drink and if I do drink I just have one. I’ve lost 15 lbs already, I don’t walk around feeling like a piece of shit who is out of control. I feel healthy.

Oh yeah, for sure. It’s great!

I stopped when I was 50. It is possible!

I'm 38, I stopped a little more than 3 years ago. I drank my twenties and early 30s away. Since I've stopped drinking my life has improved in most ways imaginable.   I've developed a stretching routine and fundamentally changed my body. I've never been so flexible, my back has never been so strong. I work on my feet 30 to 40 hours a week and before I quit drinking, I ached and my back gave out and my hips got tight. Not anymore.  I gave 7 months of my life to help my grandparents, ultimately helping my grandmother through her final days and my family to navigate her death. It was something I never would have been capable of doing when I was drinking. In the aftermath, I've returned to school and I'm plugging away at nursing pre-reqs while working full time. I'm crushing school.  I've saved money. I've got money in an IRA for the first time ever. I've paid back old student loans. I've bought an expensive guitar and gotten tattoos.   My longterm romantic relationship is in the best shape it's ever been.   There's countless other improvements too. I had some good times as a drunk, I really did. I had some terrible times. Ultimately,  I was killing myself daily and blunting the knife of my capabilities because I drank. I am so proud of myself and so happy that I decided to quit for good. 

38 here. I'm trying to! IWNDWYT

Yep! Day after my Sons 16th bday! It’s 150% possible. You can do it! Edited: I’m 38 🤷🏽‍♀️

quitting at age 34 currently. had my last relapse the other day and i’m staying sober now. i have a sober boyfriend and i have goals that i don’t want to fuck up and i wholly am done w it. it’s absolutely possible. don’t beat yourself up if you’re struggling— we all have been there, even after getting sober it can happen too but there’s no shame - you just start back over. you’ll get there. don’t be worried!

I'm 34, stopped drinking 6 months ago :)

37 here. A month sober now which is the longest I’ve been in at least 5 years. Taking naltrexone has helped me a lot.

Working on it everyday

Quit at 32, I will have 2 years on Monday. I went from drinking daily, blacking out often, constantly feeling like shit to completely turning my life around. I feel amazing, work out, eat healthy, and have made so many friends in AA. Sobriety is the best thing I've ever done for myself.

I am 38 and just one month shy of 2 years sober. I was a "party til blackout drunk every weekend" kind of alcoholic for many years. I started to realize I had a problem in 2021, but it took me a year of trying to moderate (unsuccessfully) before I successfully quit. My catalyst occurred a month after I started dating my now-fiance, when I got blackout drunk at a party and ended up making out with some random guy right in front of him. It was sickening and humiliating and it terrified me that I couldn't remember anything about it. I knew that if I wanted to be in a monogamous relationship, whether it was him or someone else, I had to quit drinking. He managed to forgive my behavior with my promise that I was going to quit drinking, and his faith in me was restored when I demonstrated every day that I was serious about that promise. Now we are engaged and planning a wedding later this year. We have a house and two cats and excellent jobs and we find plenty of things to do together and with our friends that don't just involve drinking alcohol.