A Few Mocktails, a Million Lemonades, And a Lot of Self Restraint Later...

I just wanted to say just a little about myself, and the experience I've had with this site so far.

I'm a student, in a relationship, living at home with my mum and twin younger brothers. For various reasons, I couldn't leave the drink alone for years. I took social drinking to stupid levels, and as a result got in quite a bit of trouble at points.

Even when I had matured a little, alcohol would still cause arguments between me and my girlfriend, and has almost got me kicked out of my house a couple of times. One time, I was in magistrates court for something silly I did whilst drunk. (This was about two years ago.) If I had been sentenced, I don't even want to imagine what kind of impact it would have had upon my life.

I'm nowhere near that point now, haven't been for a while. Worst thing that happens when I go out now is that I waste money, miss seminars the next day and get in an argument with mum or girlfriend. But it still isn't good. I needed a change, just didn't know how to make one.

Now I write pony stories, and I'm six weeks sober. When I'm finished at uni for the day, instead of going to the pub with my friends or coursemates, I go home and write, or study for my course. Now, I'm not saying that Fimfiction saved me or anything, but the structure the writing has given my life has definitely helped, and it's given me something better to do with my time than go out with my mates and get wrecked all the time.

It's all very positive, and I'm glad to have swapped a vice for this, just as I'm extremely grateful to the creators and moderators of this site, and the members that have engaged with me! This site has been a great hobby, creative venture, emotional outlet, motivational tool, and chance to de-stress, as well as network with others.

So, many thanks to everyone! If anyone has had a similar experience, please do share!

AAIQU