Reaching Out - You're Never Alone!

This is a post for Over The Influence community members - people who we cannot thank enough for their support! If you can't see this post, it's because you're either not signed up or not logged in... So get signing or logging!

We get a lot of messages at OTI. Messages about the pod. Messages about the community and messages seeking support. How do I stop drinking? Every single message, DM or email is welcome and every single one is answered.

It's worth saying again that we're not professionals at this 'stop drinking' lark. We're not qualified in anything. We cannot and will not offer counselling because we're not trained to do so. We are not experts. We are, however, expert ex-drinkers. We will always listen. We will always (over) share our own experiences. We will always guide someone to further help and support should it be beyond the remit of what we do at Over The Influence. If people want to join our community but are really finding it difficult to get started and may need further support we politely decline their request and ask them to consider joining us at a later date. This is because we want the best for those struggling - and for some that's not OTI right now.

We're not a 'stop drinking' programme and we can't make your problems go away overnight or fix what might be behind your reasons for drinking alcohol.

But we've been where you are and we know how it feels. It's lonely in the beginning. You think you can't do it. You think you're the only person in your friendship group who might 'have a problem'. You think you can't do it. You think you're the only one who's f@cked up time and time again. You think you can't do it. You think you're a loser for sliding back to Day 1 again. You think you can't do it. You think those boring booze-free tossers who bang on about the joys of sobriety on a weekly podcast are actually talking out of their arse... it can't possibly be true. Can it?

Yes, it can be true. Yes, you CAN do it.

But it takes work. It takes more effort than you thought. It's tough. It's emotional. It's hard. It's shit. It's brilliant. Then it's a bit shit again. It's funny. It's surprising. Then it's slightly less shit than the last shit bit. It's glorious. It's ever changing. It's life changing.

You're never alone. Reach out when you're struggling. Share the joy when you're winning.

This community is about connection, support, motivation, inspiration and friendship.

It makes no difference to us in here of you're on Day 1 or Day 1000. Those further ahead have got SO much to offer those just starting out. And those just starting out can reach out for an ear to chew or some advice from a seasoned AF legend who's been doing it a while.

These people started at Day 1 - we all did - so never, ever feel like you're alone.

Join an OTI group, don't be afraid to comment on other peoples posts and don't be shy when it comes to starting your own thread.

The more you put into the community the more you will get out of it - and as you know one of my absolute fave sayings...

THE OPPOSITE OF ADDICTION IS CONNECTION

Have an amazing AF Sunday and message anytime!

Shaz x