Steering clear of alcohol takes work, but for Molly the payoffs have been life-changing
By Molly Flynn
April 27, 2021I never thought I would say these words: I am five years sober. Five whole years of sobriety! When I checked myself into outpatient rehab all those years ago, it was because I honestly didn’t know how to function anymore without alcohol. I didn’t think I could survive a single day without it, yet my doctor told me if I didn’t quit drinking, I would die. Alcohol ruled (and ruined) my life, every waking and sleeping moment. I was a prisoner.
I won’t lie: Getting sober was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Being sober, however, is hands down the most amazing, rewarding, thrilling, life-giving gift I have ever given myself. If I had to go through rehab all over again to stay sober, I’d do it in a heartbeat. Through the support of my friends, family and the staff at my rehab center, I liberated myself from the shackles of addiction. I’m free!
The friendships I have now are built on the mutual goal of lifting each other up. I have a beautiful relationship with my partner, and I know it’s only possible because I’ve made room for him by ditching the booze.”
There isn’t enough room on this website to cite all the ways my life is better now without alcohol, but a few aspects of sobriety that I’m particularly grateful for are:
- My relationships, which are able to flourish now because I am present. I have far fewer regrets to atone for, and I can actually remember and own the mistakes I make now. Sure, I lost a few “friends” when I quit drinking, but the friendships I have now are built on the mutual goal of lifting each other up. I have a beautiful relationship with my partner, and I know it’s only possible because I’ve made room for him by ditching the booze.
- My health, which isn’t perfect, but Wow!, it’s better than it was when I drank. Moreover, I have the time and energy to devote to caring for my health because I’m not consumed by my addiction.
- My projects, which give me the ability to impact other people’s lives for the better. Since going sober, I was able to found a project called #coffeetoo, which was devoted to combating discrimination and harassment in the coffee industry. I have also since created my sober drinks Instagram account called @mollymakesdrinks, which enables me to connect with other sober people who are as curious and passionate as I am about a diverse sober toolkit.
Yes, sobriety takes work to maintain, but I find joy in that work. No one’s sobriety is perfect, and sobriety itself is often not linear, but it’s good. It’s worth it. And I’m worth it. Through discovering these truths, I’ve made it to five years of sobriety, and I’m looking forward to another five and more.
