Hi, @hopeful33250 – I think that members such as @jim1208 @luckonetj @johnwhitfield @trellg132 @stsopoci may also have some thoughts on the concept you have brought up about not only surviving, but thriving. Hoping that if they feel they've turned the corner from just surviving to actually thriving they can share what may have made the difference.

Its still a battle but I found that keeping busy faith and prayer works wonders

Thank you for the encouraging words. Appreciated.

I appreciate your sharing, @tdonoho. If you are comfortable sharing more, are you "surviving" or have you turned the corner to "thriving?"

Hi – a couple of you were talking about how to not just survive in sobriety, but thrive in this new life. Wondering how things are going for you lately.

@trellg132, are you finding that staying sober still feels like a battle?

@tdonoho – how are you doing?

I wanted to ask @stsopoci @elwooodsdad @trellg132 @gman007 @nanners012910 @logansnana to join this discussion about whether one's sobriety can mean one thrives in life or if you feel as though you are just surviving.

@hopeful33250 talked about reading how the first few months of sobriety feel like you are just "surviving" and that it's possible to turn the corner from just surviving to actually thriving. Wondering if you feel you have made that switch, and if so, what did it take to make the difference? Any special activities or thoughts?

For me I've been sober a year now and thriving its the thought of knowing that I'm doing this and not looking back when you notice your doing it you feel wonderful prayer and faith

Hi, @trellg132 – wondering if what you are saying feels wonderful is that your body literally feels better without alcohol, or if the mastery over what had been a strong pull is now what feels wonderful?

Its both no alcohol or drugs in over a year I even quit smoking cigarettes

Hello. Can anybody direct me to a thread where blood test results are discussed, in relation to alcoholism? I have been sober for seven months and just got a lab result that I have questions about. Thank you.

Hi, @dandnate – is this the topic you were looking for? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/can-failed-peth-test-for-alchohol-abuse-be-caused-by-physical-conditio

Thanks, but no. My ammonia level came out as 75 umol/L, with 72 umol/L or below being normal. I looked online to see if I could find how significant 75 is, but couldn't find anything that was specific enough. Thanks for trying, though.

Hi Everyone. I am married to someone who has recently relapsed. I'm wondering what resources are available in our community here in Rochester. How can I help him?

Hello @designerjulie,

I am sorry to hear that your spouse has relapsed. That must be very disappointing for you both.

I'm not sure how you can help him. Does he ask for your help? How long had he been sober prior to this relapse? As you are probably well aware, a person can only be helped if they recognize they have a problem and seek help.

I'm sure you must know about AL-ANON groups for the family members of alcoholics. If you get connected with a group you will get some great support and good ideas for taking care of yourself during this time. Here is their website where you can find out about phone meetings, https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings. (Given the COVID-19 situation they will probably not be having in-person meetings.)

I would also like to invite @jim1208 @luckonetj @johnwhitfield @trellg132 @stsopoci @dandnate to this discussion. Perhaps they can share something that someone has done that was helpful to them.

Have you attended an AL-ANON meeting previously?

Hello @designerjulie,

As it has been a few weeks since you last posted, I was wondering how you and your husband are doing.

Did you find some resources to help you during this time of your husband's relapse?