I live in a small town(aprox 600 people)and have bin thinking about going to a local AA meeting. Im just worried that if I do go someone will see my truck there, or someone will spread rumors around town. If things do get around town I could loose my job. My question is , is it as productive to be at AA meetings on here or do you sugest that I take the risk.
I agree with Phil, try a meeting, at least then your dealing with the problem, your boss shouldn't have a problem with that!
Best wishes.
Chris.
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"Computer games don't affect kids; I mean if Pac-Man affected us as kids, we'd all be running around in darkened rooms, munching magic pills and listening to repetitive electronic music." -- Kristian Wilson, Nintendo, Inc, 1989"
I have taken your advice and talked a friend into coming with me to a meeting next monday. I guess its the fear of the unknown. I run an in-home daycare, personally i dont know how i would feel leaving my own kids with somone that has a drinking issue. Thats why i am so concerned about loosing my job. I dont feel comfortable discussing this with the parents. im not shure i ever will. Its such a personal thing, also its new to me talking about having a problem. I know i come first. Thanks for helping me to see that
Your drinking problem is your business. You need not discuss it with anybody, unless you choose too.
In your situation, you have to decide if you want to take the local risk. I and most of the people on the on the board , think more of you for addressing your problem.
Some of the normals just may not understand, thay may be a problem. We had a family business, and i did alot of meetings in my home town. This is enterly up to you. You could always start with an out of town meeting if your in doubt. And may I suggest you do it as soon as possible, before you change your mind.
Hi Shelly, Welcome to the board, glad you found us!!!
It surely can't hurt to try a meeting. If you think you have a problem, then you probably do. Now its time to help yourself!!! As for your job- look at it from this way.. I have 6 kids, and if I found out my childcare provider was drinking- I definitly would not take my children there. BUT, If I found out my provider has a drinking problem and is getting help for herself, and is staying sober then I WOULD take my kids there. I surely would not want to put my children in harms way. Just like I wouldn't want to be around someone that is actively drinking and drugging. As for your job- this is my story. I am an RN and was caught stealing and using drugs. I did NOT lose my job-they sent me to a treatment program. See, they tell us, you have to want it to get better. and boy was I ready, I was tired of lying and stealing and using. I knew my life was on the line and I was ready to turn my life around. I was unable to go back to hospital nursing right away. I did advice nursing (computer and phones) for 3 years, until the state found me ready to go back to hospital work. I had to do a lot of work on myself too. BY all means I am not "cured", I never will be. BUT I am now working back in the hospital doing the same job I did before. And I am back at a hospital I used to work at. It was pretty awkward going back at first, cause just about everyone knew about my "problem". But you know what? I was welcomed back with open arms. No one has said anything ugly to my face, I get questions, and thats okay. My anonymity is broken at work, but instead of being angry about it, I use it to educate. Because I know damn well that there are addicts there too. Maybe one day they will hear the message. No, I don't preach to them, I wait for them to come to me. I know people do look at me differently, but I am proud of what I have accomplished in the last 3 1/2 years. I still have rough times. My marriage failed, I met someone in the program, we have 2 kids together, and it hasn't been easy. Nothing we truly want can come easy. Just have to do the next right thing. Which for me, is not picking up that first drug or drink.
I wish you good luck, if you ever have need to talk. lemme know. I am online a lot during the week. take care kim