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It's a really special day for me; I just celebrated 13 years of sobriety today!

I'm feeling really happy and grateful, not only because I was able to celebrate the occasion with friends who know how important this is to me, but also because this last year has been especially tough romantically, financially, and professionally. Even so, all the trials and tribulations this last year have reinforced the one thing that I have come to believe more and more as time passes: it is 100% possible to stay sober no matter what life hands you. Takes a little faith and a lot of work, but it can be done.

One of the cool things that has really seen me through was hearing something from one of the men who has asked me to help him in his journey -- a guy who, in more ways than one, was just like me when I got clean... 21 years old, gay, smarter-than-the-average-bear, and angry as hell about having to deal with a drinking problem when it was finally legal for him to drink in this country. He told me he had been watching me carefully for a while, and that one of the reasons he asked for my help was because he had never seen or heard of anyone staying sober through the stuff I am going through, and that it was really giving him hope and encouragement as he made the initial steps. I'm here to tell you, that kid's words have gotten me through more of the rough patches in the last few months than anything else. Knowing that I have the opportunity to be a good example.... Jeez, that's the best gift of all! It was worth staying sober just to hear that

Good Job! You did something good for yourself and the people around you.

There are some people in my life now that I wish could get sober .. when they drink they are sloppy and hard to talk to .. when they try to get sober they are angry jackasses .. It wears me out!

So yeah, thanks for showing other people sobriety is possible!

More congratulations! Shows that you are a very strong man, and have a lot of inner strength. Regardless of anything else, that will serve you well in the future (and be attractive to other men!)

Congrats, Adam! WELL DONE!!

Adam, that's wonderful, and happy anniversary! I hope the year-to-come is the best yet for you in all areas of your life...

Congratulations, my friend.

Congratulations! Your persistence is truly impressive.

Wait a minute. You celebrate 13 years of sobriety the same day you get an apology on facebook from a guy who harassed you in middle school?

You ARE having quite a day.

congrats adam

you should be very proud

Congratulations Adam. No doubt, you're a great inspiration to a whole lot of guys - - you've set the example on how to get through tough times in love, life, career, and you're even excelling in sobriety! Good things are coming your way - I can tell! You truly deserve the best of the best.

Gregg

That's incredible. Yes, I definitely know some people who I wish would go sober. That is an incredible accomplishment. Good for you for grabbing life by the horns.

Congrats, Sahem! Keep it up!

Congratulations Sahem. I am sure some days are not easy, but look at your accomplishment!

Good on ya mate, well done.

Hero of the day in my book! Simply the best!

Good for you!

Congrats.

ADAM

CONGRATS!!!!

i'm happy for you, buddy

awesome

CONGRATS ! KEEP IT UP !!

Congrats, Adam!

Oh and Hi, my name is Eric and I'm... just kidding.

Seriously, congrats!

CONGRATS ADAM! BIG HUG AND A KISS!

Congratulations

Wow! Congrats Adam!!!

Congratulations, Kawaii ne (Adam)!

You're a wonderful man and an inspiration for those of us

seeking maturity and wisdom.

OUTSTANDING! I join everyone in celebrating the YOU that sobriety allows you to be!

Congratulations!

Wow, your character (again) and determination are exemplary. To continued success in battling this demon of addiction and for the leadership you have shown.

Congrats!! You are a living example that anyone can do it!

Congrats! 13 years is huge!

Awesome!

Once again, Adam, you are an inspiration to many. Congratulations and well done!

Adam,
Thanks for sharing this with us. It sounds like your friend has put his trust and faith in the right man. Congrats on showing that you not only have stayed sober, but that you handle your problems in a way that
should be an example to others.

Congrats to you my friend.

Congrats!! Now go celebrate with some great sex!!!!

Congratulations and keep it up. It is so nice to hear of a success story. How about sharing with us some of what you learned and techniques you used to stay sober.

This topic is one of interest for me as my mom struggled with alcohol. It wasn't until she had a sever stroke that she quit completely. It left me with a lasting impression that at everyone falls off the wagon. I love to be proven wrong on this notion.

Fortunately none of her children inherited her problem but we are all acutely aware if the drama and destruction alcohol can cause. While I drink a good beer and occasional wine with a meal I quit getting drunk a long time ago.

For those who still have a problem with drinking I'd like to add some points that I expect to op has already learned. First, alcohol is a poison so the alcoholic should ask why the feel the need to poison his body. Second, it is a depressant. It may feel like it is helping your depression when you reach for a drink but it is only making it worse. It disturbs your sleep. Even if you fall right to sleep you are not getting quality sleep so the next day it is even harder to get up a face your problems. People who say they don't get hangovers may not be considering what their day would feel like had that not drank so much the night before.

Finally I'd liked to add that there are natural highs you can give your body. Being a fitness site I'm sure many here know about the high one feels after a good work out. If you need a harder natural drug try adrenaline sports.

So tell me, do you ever watch with horror as others slide down this slipper slope? It starts with just going out a lot and getting drunk nearly every night. You don't get a drinking problem over night it has to be nurtured like a needy friend that won't go away. Have you faced any pressure from piers that wanted you to drink with them? Some people feel guilty about having alcohol with someone who is recovering. Have you had to address that issue?

THAT'S GREAT BRO !

Congratulations! See, 13 can be a good thing. Just stay away from a1972guy. HA!