I decided recently to shore up my support system by adding an online element. While I feel it is no subsitute for a face to face meeting, I feel it will help me with those difficult times at 3:00 am, etc. Or like now. :) It's before 8:00 am and I would not feel right calling someone this early.
Anyway, my point....I searched for forums, and explored the first hits. They shall remain nameless, but after reading these very extensive (huge) sites for a day (not really even that long) I became uncomfortable.
Lots of negative talk about other programs (AA of course) by people who admitted they had not ever been to a meeting. Lots of references to other sites that charge for their services. And lots of pain present.....many many people struggling with, in my opinion, the first step. Looking for "an easier, softer way". Some even came back and said they tried moderation and it had not worked. But still many new posters being encouraged to give it a try.
Lots of misinformation, or information that was not backed up by evidence or personal experience. Basically, not my kind of party!
So, i decided to look deeper....and I found this site. So far, it's starting to feel like an AA meeting I would choose. A little on the smaller side, not so overwhelming, with friendly people.
And, it appears to be based upon something I know works for me if I practice it. In ALL my affairs, as they say. :)
Glad you're here too! I also looked at a lot of recovery related sites, and also found this one to be to my liking!
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"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguements and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance-that principle is contempt prior to investigation."
~Herbert Spencer
Hi Larry Can identify with what you said ! Whilst this should not be a sustitute for meetings ( unless one is somewhere out in the sticks and cannot get to one ) it does supplement nicely at those "odd" or "alone " times. I also get the "AA feel" reading the posts , mainly unconditional love , same basic point of departure and the programme. Initially I checked other recovery sites from a curiosity and learning point of view. Stayed with this one for same basic reasons you did . Thanks to all who render service here, its great !
Well Larry and Eugene, I'm glad that both of you are here. This place is like a cozy little home group. Glad you two made it here. Hang out for awhile.
I'm familiar with a couple of those other sites you mentioned. (I feel sure they're the same). I found LOTS of drama. LOTS of pple going in and out and out and in. Lots of 13th stepping, etc. So, MIP is the place for me, too, when I can't get to a F2F.
I'm glad you're here.
~Jen
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Another welcome to MIP, Larry & thanks for sharing the results of your research with us. I found this one & felt compelled to stay close & bed in. It is like a home group for me & works the principles of the program & carries a strong message. Of course, this is cuz of everyone who posts here & contributes to its unity. I feel honoured to be a part of our circle here & there are many times when our MIPers have helped me out of spiritual scrapes.
Sometimes even more so than a meeting when it's meetings I'm having trouble with! MIP helps me with my stickability & helps me stay sober on a daily basis. I've got a real honest strong desire to stop drinking & stay stopped & I know I can't always take this for granted. My default was to drink & AA & MIP help me to nurture this desire when my head's looking for a way out. I love it here. I hope you find as much joy & fulfillment too, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Before I found this site, I checked out other ones and they were mostly along the lines of what you outlined. But, this one has always felt special and I felt at home as soon as I started posting.
It's great that it is here twenty-four hours a day for when I need a little extra support.
Take care,
Carol
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
That's great, Dean. I'll be staying in Bethesda MD. Any meetings you can recommend?
That's a nice area, and I'm sure that you'll find some great meetings there. Unfortunately I only went to a couple up there. I mostly went to meetings in VA and DC. I worked in Bethesda on the Bethesda Metro center. That's 5 buildings built on top of the Subway station. I spent a lot of time at the Bethesda Naval hospital and NIH across the street.
Wow... small world. My husband is leaving for Baltimore, MD in the morning for work. :o) (We live in Ohio near Cleveland/Akron/Canton)
I too love this site. I have been here, on and off, for several years, and it just keeps getting better. We have had some goofy times, and some difficult ones here too, but all in all this site has kept going in the right direction.
Not only does this provide day-to-day support for me to supplement my own meetings and step work with my sponsor, but people here give me a real good kick in the butt here when I need it, and AA-Style. I have heard the words spake here, "Get over yourself and get to a dang meeting, Joni!!!!!!!!!!" many a time. EXACTLY what I have needed at those times. :o)
I also think it is wonderful that we can share our AA experiences from around the world here, and we come to realize that AA is AA, wherever you are. Awesome stuff, and I love my MIP!!!!!
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~~"It's hard to be hateful when you're grateful."~~
