First of all, I wish you the best of luck, and like you said...to each his own. But two things come to mind when i read this post...
1. I am finding that by going to AA the easiest thing so far is actually putting down the drink and drugs...the hard part is learing how to "live" in every other aspect of my life without them. Meaning, if life was good, I drank and used. If life was bad, I drank or used. If life was indiffernt I, and of course I am only speaking for myself, I drank or used. So for me, its a learning process, I use the rooms of AA as a means to better my life, besides the obvious reason for wanting to stay sober.
2. Someday I may be able to help someone that was in my shoes 60 days ago. I was homeless, helpless, and hopeless, and I never want to feel like that again. I was suicidal, and under the right conditions, homicidal. When I went to rehab, someone told me, I dont ever have to feel like I did at that moment ever again. I go to meeting to see newcomers, as a reminder of a time in my life I never want to revisit, and also to be able to help someone who may need me. I reached out for help and AA reached back, and I never want to forget that.
Like you said, we are all different, and simply by not drinking I am able to do the things you suggest, I currently am employable again and I am doing things I have wanted to do while talking about them at bars or alone in my room. I can actually make plans and follow through with them instead of just talking about them in a drunken stooper. I currently am back in the gym and enjoying sports again, just to name a few. Its not just about putting down the poison for me, its about a whole change in every aspect of my life. And I learn these things from the ppl in AA. I would have it no other way, cause it just works for me, as other things may just work for you. Again, either way, gl to us both and live in today!!
1. I am finding that by going to AA the easiest thing so far is actually putting down the drink and drugs...the hard part is learing how to "live" in every other aspect of my life without them. Meaning, if life was good, I drank and used. If life was bad, I drank or used. If life was indiffernt I, and of course I am only speaking for myself, I drank or used. So for me, its a learning process, I use the rooms of AA as a means to better my life, besides the obvious reason for wanting to stay sober.
2. Someday I may be able to help someone that was in my shoes 60 days ago. I was homeless, helpless, and hopeless, and I never want to feel like that again. I was suicidal, and under the right conditions, homicidal. When I went to rehab, someone told me, I dont ever have to feel like I did at that moment ever again. I go to meeting to see newcomers, as a reminder of a time in my life I never want to revisit, and also to be able to help someone who may need me. I reached out for help and AA reached back, and I never want to forget that.
Like you said, we are all different, and simply by not drinking I am able to do the things you suggest, I currently am employable again and I am doing things I have wanted to do while talking about them at bars or alone in my room. I can actually make plans and follow through with them instead of just talking about them in a drunken stooper. I currently am back in the gym and enjoying sports again, just to name a few. Its not just about putting down the poison for me, its about a whole change in every aspect of my life. And I learn these things from the ppl in AA. I would have it no other way, cause it just works for me, as other things may just work for you. Again, either way, gl to us both and live in today!!
Your advice goes without saying...but I didnt post it for them, I posted it for two reasons. To hopefully meet some ppl on the board who are recovering and there may be one person out there who reads this thread and entertains the thought of getting help. I appreciate your encouragement, thanks!!
Glad it has all turned around for you, i can understand your past, as i was there for the most part, minus the suicidal part...It is good to know, that i can be counted on finally if i make plans, save money, and enjoy life without the drugs that once got me through daily...The onlything i got out of my 10 months in rehab was "1 day at a time", the rest to me was minumiul in info, as all it took was my committement to finally wanna go, and that was dragged out for years and years before it happened... Glad all is going well sir, enjoy the "new" life, its like your starting from day 1 again...
I just re-read this whole thread and literally sit here with the chills. The words of engouragement and outpour of support proves to me there are more good ppl on this site than there are mindless nitwits!!
Good question Ralph, and I too, being brutaly honest, question if gambling affect my quality of sobriety. I think it does on a spirtual aspect, and justify my actions on many different levels. However, your post does make me stop and think. I really enjoy capping more than gambling. I am a numbers person, and love doing research on games of hockey, which is my true passion in life. It is something I will address down the road if I feel it is affecting my life as a whole, but for now, it is a hobby and my unit size is small enough that win or lose, it dosent affect my financial life. But it is another form of addiction, replacing the D & A. I will remain vigilant and appreciate your view on this subject. Thanks...
I am enjoying day #61 of being clean and sober, and thanks again for the food for thought and your concern through total honesty!!
To veryone else, I am honestly touched by your support...knowing that I am sober, and proud to honestly say I am, if someone ever needs help in this area, know that I am here.
Good question Ralph, and I too, being brutaly honest, question if gambling affect my quality of sobriety. I think it does on a spirtual aspect, and justify my actions on many different levels. However, your post does make me stop and think. I really enjoy capping more than gambling. I am a numbers person, and love doing research on games of hockey, which is my true passion in life. It is something I will address down the road if I feel it is affecting my life as a whole, but for now, it is a hobby and my unit size is small enough that win or lose, it dosent affect my financial life. But it is another form of addiction, replacing the D & A. I will remain vigilant and appreciate your view on this subject. Thanks...
I am enjoying day #61 of being clean and sober, and thanks again for the food for thought and your concern through total honesty!!
To veryone else, I am honestly touched by your support...knowing that I am sober, and proud to honestly say I am, if someone ever needs help in this area, know that I am here.
