I'm in my fifth month of sobriety

Alcohol is just like water. Introduce it and everything you own will be soaked sooner or later.

5 months. Just enjoy the period on the end of that sentence for a moment. No ifs, buts, future goals, things lost, nothing. 5 months; it's a serious feat. Congratulations.

Yes, you're The One To Watch in early sobriety. But this is okay; think back on all the uncertainty, disappointment and fear we caused in others when your actions weren't being accounted for. Take it with grace; people have to learn to trust you again.

Addiction is a medical issue within the brain. Not a shortcoming, not a moral failing, not a weakness, no laziness, not gluttony. It's process can be viewed and identified at all stages within both the body and the brain. You're not always going to feel like a champion when fighting this thing. You won't always want to do the work. You may relapse, and even then it's not a failing but a chance to learn more about your triggers.

I can say this: One of your fights is giving up the alcohol. The other is in curating a body, mind and soul that lives in alignment with the Universe. This is what will help you manage the triggers of the condition so your body will never have to suffer.

Congrats again, and use all those good qualities you listed to help you create the man you want to be. You won't be sorry!

I've found that it's all too easy to replace one bad habit for another bad habit in order to cope with the issues behind it. Or for other bad habits to suddenly become a bigger issue because you're stressed from tackling sobriety. And once you've fucked up, it's hard to regain ground in others' eyes. Dealing with the issues isn't easy. It's a journey. Keep at it.

Well done so far on the sobriety and working on yourself. Good luck and I wish you much strength on the path ahead of you.

It can. That's because most don't tell the actual truth about the drinking, which causes everyone to wonder about everything. That IS a hard part, but it's well worth it in the long run.

The bitterness comes from addiction whispering in your ear, "Hey, if they're not going to trust you anyway, how about a nice drink to take the edge off?"

Keep coming back to meetings and keep patience,soon there will be wonderful changes in your habits and outlook.
Congratulations and Hugs

do you cringe when you hear people make jokes constantly reminding you of that one area they just cant let go. ................wankers