This will be my 3RD attempt at permanent sobriety. First two times I tried to do it myself without telling anyone. Failed miserably. the drinking got worse and worse after each try.
Yesterday had a close friend who doesn't drink come over and told him everything. He pledged to see me through this.
Told my wife, she had no idea how much I was drinking. She is proud, pleased and supportive.
Told my other very close friend who is recovering himself, one year sober now, and he jumped in his truck and drove 3 hours to be with me for a few days.
Told my Mom and she said she'll do anything I need including eliminating all booze from her house from here on.
I've known all along that God has been telling me that when I am serious he will bless me beyond all belief. I had to swallow my pride and let everyone in to help.
Many, many alcoholics in my family. It ends with me. Right here, right now. My children will know the evils of booze and will not follow the paths of our previous generations.
I've been on this board before, then slipped and left. I guess I'll have to prove it to you all this time.
Outstanding. I would suggest you need to immerse yourself into the AA program and understand how it works. Have you done that in your past? The folks who are going to see you through this should understand the program as well through Al Anon. Good Luck! Tom
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"You're in the right place. That's the door right there. Turn around."
Welcome Back. I too had to find my way to AA and Boards by the way of hard knocks.
I did the yo-yo routine for a number of years from 1984 to 2002 when I finally hit the Real Bottom. There were times months or even 2 to 3 years in between. Usually restarted because of problems with work, family or friends.
Have 7 1/2 years sober now and they have been the best.
Got rid of friends who would bug me into going out with them, and then get into some trouble either at the bar or someones house and not remember it.
Found a great guy, and we plan on getting married sometime soon.
So, I have found by clearing all the garbage out of one's life helps also. Get a good sponsor and work the steps, plus get to as many meetings as possible, and a high power helps.
Having that close friend or friends that you can really talk to makes a big difference also.
Something I said to friend who was down at a restaurant-- In AA we take it One Day At A Time, but in your case take it One Second At A Time, do not sweat the bad stuff and things will work out.
Day 4. It's been many years I've gone 4 days sober. Feeling a little strange but slept well last night to my surprise. Friends and family are being very supportive. Made an appt. with a counselor to help me deal with stress/anxiety in different ways. Going to AA meeting tonight. Satan is very pissed off right now!
Don't beat yourself up too much about trying unsuccessfully before. Most of us have done that. I've done it more than most-- for the last 25 years! I slipped and fell for a variety of reasons, but the common denominator every time was that I stopped going to AA meetings.
2 weeks sober today. I've lost weight and feel better. Mornings are good but evenings are hard. I have to do many different distracting activities to keep my mind off of grabbing a bottle. A part of me is trying to con me into thinking its ok to still drink on certain occasions if nobody knows about it. Good luck to all of you, I respect you all very much. I know how difficult and valient this undertaking is.
StPete, For the last 2 weeks i've surronded myself with friends and family and have been seeing a therapist to work on stress issues. Tonight I'll go to my first AA meeting and find a sponser and begin to work the steps. I have been reading the AA book and praying alot.
Thanks for your interest and support, I'll update again later.
