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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> So what's different about this time?
Post Info TOPIC: So what's different about this time?
mnstar


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So what's different about this time?
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What's different about this time? That's what my CD counselor said to me as I graduated from my third CD treatment several weeks ago.

Good question, said I. So I took a look back at my struggles with alcohol and my relapses. Had 13 years at one point, relapsed. Had 5 years, relapsed. This time I've been sober since Feb 8th.

Both periods of recovery were going really well as long as I kept going to AA. I feel I relapsed because I not only quit going to AA, but when I did go I wasn't really working the steps. Didn't have a sponsor. For a long time it was enough to hang out with other people who were in recovery. Both times I felt I had done enough and didn't need to make my recovery program a priority anymore. I thought I could work on this alone and be in recovery. I was very wrong about that.

A little older this time around, don't think hanging out is going to be enough. So I have started to work the steps. Started to read and study the Big Book (never did that before either). Working on getting a sponsor, although after two tries it ain't working out so well.

(BTW, if you don't want to do the work and put in the time to be a sponsor please don't offer to be one.)

Going to lots of AA meetings, right now at least four a week. I'd go more if I were single but I feel I need to spend some time with my wife too.

Working on that turning over control thing especially. So far, it's all been worthwhile and I am reaping some benefits. Most importantly I am sober.

Got a new job, didn't end up in jail or get a DWI. Didn't have to hassle with the legal system like a lot of my buddies in treatment. I was very lucky.

And so it goes.......

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Larry M

Grateful in Recovery
StPeteDean


MIP Old Timer

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Hey Larry,

Some of the things that I enjoyed, that helped me improve my program (beside working steps 4-7 that I'd previously avoided) was going to two step study meetings a week. I went to one on Mondays to get my head right for the week, and one on Fridays to get my head right for the weekend. I also enjoyed going to moring meetings and noon meetings. I got to see some dedicated folks in all three of those, and it rubbed off on me.

Dean

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Sobrietyspell


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Welcome to MIP, Mnstar. I'm glad you're ready to take onto the next level. I hope you enjoy your new challenges & the sobriety they bring you. Please share with us as you go. I bet you've got lots of great ES&H. Fantastic to have you here. Have a peaceful & sober day, Danielle x

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jonijoni


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Larry, your experiences sound a lot like mine. The slacking part, namely! That is the biggest battle I STILL have. I would get some years behind me, and no longer felt ACTIVITY in the program was a neccesity. A lot of folks here have kicked me in the butt when I have been humble enough to admit that I was slacking. I love this group, and am so glad you are here to join us!!

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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
Quetzal


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Hi Larry,

Thanks for your share. You remind me of myself in not always working the program properly. But, this is my second time in AA and I really do try to work hard at my sobriety every day. Thanks for reminding me how important it is.

Take care,

Carol

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seeking serenity


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i have been in and out for ten years. i had a year once, a year and a half after that, and three years last time around... i know for myself - i failed to enlarge, and that is why i started drinking again...well that and not being 100% convinced i was really an alcoholic... im still not, but more so than ever before...

best of luck to you!

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