I think I've hit the bottom. I feel lousy. I drink every night. I am destroying my family. I must stop drinking and reclaim my life. I hope i have the fortitude to do this. Tonight will be the first night in many months without booze. I hope I can take it day by day and end my drinking forever. Any suggestions, help or encouragment would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Joseph, and welcome to the MIP message board. Sounds like you're ready, most of (all) have been to that point many times. Best suggestion is to call the AA phone number in your phone book and inquire about meetings in your area (or look them up online). The people that man those phones are recovering AAs and can answer you questions (you can ask them here as well) and will probably offer you (or you can ask) for someone to take you to a meeting or meet you there, to introduce you to some recovering folks so that you won't have to do it alone.
Your biggest challenge is not knowing what you're up against in terms of the pitfalls of quiting and staying sober. There are several factors working against you. That's where meetings come into play. People there sharing their experience, that you can relate to, show you the ropes kinda deal.
Glad you're her Joseph. I too hope you will get in touch with A.A. in your area and that you will check out more than a few meetings. Also hope you will keep posting and let us know how you're downing. This is a great place, but I've got to go to my meetings.
Welcome to MIP, Joseph. Call A.A. Start your story, tell them where your drink has taken you & they'll share with you where it took them too. Enjoy your first meetings. There you will get the identification to know you're in the right place & that the fellowship & the steps of the program will help you to abstain from alcohol 1Day@aTime. What's more, in time, you will learn how to live a life that will bring you the peace you seek without the heartache. Life is for the living & we do this together. You're not alone. Please post & tell us how the suggestions you have are working out for you. Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
I can't really offer any other, or better suggestions than have already been posted here but I can say that you are not alone. We know what it's like, most here are going through it or have been through it and can help. It is different here than going in person to an AA meeting, where you will find the same type of help. You will likely see that being around people in the same boat, who are getting better and happier, will offer you hope for the same. Welcome and come back often, there are some really cool people in here! No questions are dumb either.
Scott
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Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~Buddha
Welcome Joseph! Glad you found us and you certainly are in my prayers! The above suggestions worked for e and for many before me! Do the work...it is so worth it and so are U!!!!!!
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"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. "
Thank you all for the suggestions and the show of support. So far so good. I will call the local AA group today. I'm glad I found you guys/gals. Keep praying please, talk to you all later.
Joseph, you have taken the hardest step so far. Congratulations. Just start going to meetings and everything will fall into place. It sounds like you want AA and are ready for it. You are going to be fine. If you want to end this insanity bad enough AA is there to help you do it. Someone told me very early on to keep it simple. If you get through each day of these early days without drinking, you can go to bed knowing that you kicked this day's ass and feel good about yourself. Try not to harp on all the mess you think you have to clean up...it will come in time. Just don't drink. Bless you.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!