Is Counting Sober Days Helpful or Hinderful? Insights from 500 Days
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Chapter 1: The Journey to Sobriety
Reflecting on my 500 days of sobriety, I feel a sense of gratitude, but I also recognize that it’s not the sole measure of my progress.
“Your best days are ahead of you. The movie starts when the guy gets sober and puts his life back together; it doesn’t end there.” - Bucky Sinister
For those who stop drinking, do you keep track of your sober days? This practice is common in Alcoholics Anonymous, where marking milestones can foster motivation and instill a sense of pride over time. I utilize an app named “I Am Sober.”
The app's simplicity appealed to me; it tracks sober days, celebrates achievements, and even calculates the money saved from not drinking. When I set it up, I estimated my daily alcohol expense at $10, which might seem low for someone with an addiction, but I didn’t drink every day. There were stretches when I went weeks without a drink, yet when I did indulge, I overindulged significantly.
To break it down, I figured I might spend around $70 on drinks over a weekend, which felt accurate enough. Recently, I received a notification celebrating my 500 days of sobriety. That figure looks impressive, and I’m also proud to see I’ve saved $5,000!
Why Track Sobriety Days?
Keeping track of sober days proved beneficial, especially during the challenging initial months. As I distanced myself from my last drink, I began to feel better. When I chose sobriety in January 2021, I had no specific goals in mind; I just wanted my family to be happy, to feel healthy, and to regain restful sleep—something that alcohol had disrupted.
Having attempted to quit drinking multiple times before, each milestone fills me with pride. Alcohol had a strong hold on my life for far too long, and counting these days allows me to appreciate my journey. As I accumulate more sober days, I become increasingly reluctant to lose them; starting over isn’t something I want.
Milestone Celebrations in AA
In Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, participants receive chips for various lengths of sobriety. For instance, a newcomer chip is awarded for 29 days or less, with additional chips for 30 days, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 18 months. Celebrating yearly anniversaries is significant in AA, symbolizing a “rebirth” into a sober lifestyle.
For me, that date represents a turning point where I decided to mature. Alcohol had kept me stagnant, but now I relish each sober day as a step forward.
The Downsides of Counting Days
Of course, there are drawbacks to counting sober days. Relapse is common among addicts, with statistics suggesting that 40–60% may relapse after treatment. The fear of a slip—drinking for just one day—can feel devastating, making some hesitant to return to sobriety due to feelings of shame.
Even if a slip occurs, I don’t believe that all progress is lost. Every sober day contributes to personal growth. A minor setback shouldn’t derail someone focused on their sobriety journey. Ultimately, whether or not to track sober days is a personal choice. If it motivates you, it can be a positive aspect of recovery.
Beyond Counting Days: The Bigger Picture
While I enjoy tracking my sobriety, I understand that it’s merely a number. What truly matters is my personal evolution throughout this journey. A high sober day count holds little value if I remain negative or unfulfilled—what some refer to as a “dry drunk.” My sobriety isn’t just about counting days; it’s about maturing, addressing the trauma that led to my addiction, and rebuilding authentic relationships.
I occasionally check my sober calculator and feel a sense of achievement as the number rises, but it doesn’t define my sobriety’s worth. Even if I were to slip, those 500 days would still represent valuable lessons learned. Ultimately, I’m healthier and happier without substances in my life, and I’m committed to staying on this path.
To remind myself of my progress, I occasionally revisit old, embarrassing photos that serve as a stark contrast to who I am today.
If my story resonates with you, consider joining Medium to explore more articles like this. Thank you for reading!
Much love, Michele
Chapter 2: Should You Count Sober Days?
Reflecting on the significance of counting sober days, it's essential to understand its implications on recovery.
This video discusses the potential consequences of obsessively counting sober days and reflects on how it can impact recovery.
In this video, the speaker shares personal experiences about why they stopped counting sober days, offering valuable insights for others on similar journeys.