Well, some of you may know me from ACA board. I have decided to rid my life of alcohol. I am not sure how the program works. I love the ACA program and do not want to stray from that. I also have limited support with my children at home and they are young. HOw do I get started? Besides the will to give up drinking. I have wanted to stop drinking the last 8 years. I do not crave or drink daily. But I have come to realize, when I do drink I am powerless over the drink. I can't stop at 1,2,3 etc. I keep drinking. It is a large part of my identity. I will bring this up in my ACA meeting tomorrow. there are plenty of AAers there. Anyhow, I am reading so many things right now...if there are any tips on baby steps to read that would be great. By the way, how exactly does the sobriety calculator work? This is a first time in my life. The disease runs rampant in my family. I can't stand being around some of my siblings. Then I go and do the same thing. I witnessed my 10 year old nephew experiencing extreme anxiety from both parents who are alcoholics. It made me think deep and hard about me! Even though I am not out of control like they, I am out of control and powerless at times. My kids don't need this, I don't need this and my marriage doesn't need this. My husband is laughing. you arenot an alcoholic....but I think he is afraid to lose his party buddy. This party buddy is trying to improve her life. There is not better time then the now.
Hi SG and welcome..... You've made a life changing decision, you've made the choice to live. Good for you......Alcoholism is not defined by how often we drink, how much we drink, or what we drink, it's defined by not being able to stop once we start and how it affects us and makes us feel inside.
I was a binge drinker. It started over 25 yrs ago with once a month, then progressed quickly (women seem to progress much faster than men) to every weekend, to every 3-4 days, to finally every 2-3 days, I have a HUGE capacity for alcohol. The pain, guilt and remorse of my drinking was getting the best of me, not to mention the number of times I'd driven drunk, wrecked my car, driven drunk with my young son in the car, woke up in strange places, sometimes with strangers, just to name a few. It was no longer fun, and really hadn't been for many years. For a long time I wasn't sure if alcohol was taking me to insanity or keeping me from going. Finally, after thinking of quitting for over 5 yrs, trying to control it myself on occasion and just plain out being sick and tired of myself, I signed on here where I was quickly coaxed into going to an AA meeting. I finally did 3 days later and what a blessing it's been.....It's not been easy by any means, I've struggled, I've relapsed, but I never gave up because the desire to stop drinking was what I'd been given. It's a wonderful gift, that desire.
I hope you'll go to an AA meeting, and no matter what just don't drink TODAY.
(((Hugs)))
Jennifer
-- Edited by Doll at 20:50, 2008-07-26
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Welcome to MIP, Surfer Gurl. It's a courageous, brave & empowering decision you've made & one that will change your life. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. I love my desire not to drink. It keeps a clear purpose for me in my life to stay away from that first drink 1Day@aTime & give myself the chance to live & to keep on growing. Your journey has brought you here & your Higher Power has been looking after you already. I'm sure your recovery has been showing you & teaching you things that have helped you learn how to live & love more & more.
Attending meetings, as you know, are the great turning point for us where we can realise we are not alone in our beginnings & way of life. It is hard to change while there is so much dysfunction around us but walking a spiritual path means that we can help contribute to the light there is in the world. I'm feeling very peaceful just lately because of the work I've been putting into my program. I hope you feel optimistic that these gifts are waiting & here for you too. Make your way to some meetings, SG & let us know how you found them. I'm excited to hear your experience, strength & hope. I feel you've so much to share with us already.
Goodluck in your new beginnings, SG. Recovery love wished for you. Keep coming back ;) Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
Hello Surfergirl, It's good to see you over here and applaud your decision. There are good reasons to drink and if you're from a alcoholic family then there's a ton of reasons to abstain. google for a list of AA meetings in your area, or call the AA phone number in the phone book to ask about them. They usually have beginners meetings. I would go to one a week for a few months. Take in some speakers meetings to hear others stories about how it was, how they got sober, and how their life has changed. Get a copy of the "Big Book" and the "12 steps and 12 traditions". about $4 ea. at most meetings. Here's the big book online to read in the meantime. http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_tableofcnt.cfm Sorry I don't have an cliff notes for you lol.
Thank you for your responses. StPete, as always, your posts are inspirational. Doll, I was unaware that women progress faster then men. I can see mine progressing. Also, your description is exactly where I am at. Sobriety spell, thank you for your kind words. I am nervous and scared. I am going to my usual ACA F2F meeting tomorrow, but may try and attend an AA meeting right before then. StPete, I googled AA meetings. I will try and attend a beginners meeting this week. Funny, (not really) but I have actually attended AA with siblings when I was a pup. Monkey see Monkey do. I do want it out of my life. I do feel powerless over it. I am sick of it controlling me...or whatever it does. StPete, thanks for the flow map of how to start. I shall look these up and start planning ahead. Now is the time as I am not working. My husband will be another challenge in this. oh well. I must take care of me. Thanks all
