I’ve spent the last 10 years of my life either stoned, high or drunk. Last summer I started making some steps toward sobriety and gratefully have been substance free since mid Nov. It’s taken a long time and many attempts to get here but I’m actually enjoying being more clear headed and generally feeling better about myself, the world, and life.

With the extra time and ability to focus I’ve started enjoying exercising and cooking again. However one of the things I’d really like to do is make more friends and fwb in the sober world. I’m 51 now and, while I know it’s not entirely true, I feel like I’ve wasted the last ten years or so. I’m kinda starting a new life which is both exciting and intimidating.

For those of you who started over later in life, what things did you do to get back out into the world? I’m still a little scared that something is going to happen to send me back into old habits. I’m kinda protective of my mind and my sobriety, I don’t want to fuck this up like I’ve done multiple times in the past. I guess what I’m asking is tips to stay on a good path, find meaning and figure out who I even am now without the drugs