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Ms London · Veteran Member

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StPeteDean · MIP Old Timer

Hello Ms. London, and a warm welcome back under any circumstances.

AGO · MIP Old Timer

Ms London wrote:

Hi folks, I'm back. Wish it was under better circumstances.

If the circumstances are "Hi, I need help and support with my drinking problem because I can't stop on my own and what I have been doing doesn't seem to be working so I am ready to try something different" the circumstances couldn't be more promising smile

Sid · Senior Member

Hi Ms. London. Happy you are here.

Larry_H · MIP Old Timer

Wecome back Ms London to a place called hope.

Larry,
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"Happiness is not a place you arrive at, it is a way you travel."

jonijoni1 · MIP Old Timer

Hi Ms London,
and welcome back..... and I too, am "back". And the circumstances are this: we are "back, still sucking air, and apparently we both have the luxury of having access to a computer and the internet..... so there is a whole host of things that are a blessing, and good circumstances!

Try to smile today and know that it will get better, as I know it will too. We who have been out and now back in have a wealth of experience we can share with others to help them understand that picking up is not the answer. Lets use it! I see no better way to crawl out of my own dark hole, than to shed the light on this disease, and I can feel good about myself too, for doing that.

Take care and sending hugs,
Joni

Ellen E · Senior Member

The key word there is "back". You did come back and that's what counts. Always come back. There may be that point where you're unable to come back anymore. For now, you did get back and therefore there's great hope.

SteveP · MIP Old Timer

Hi Ms London -- don't believe that we've "met" on here before, but welcome back.

Steve

mikef · MIP Old Timer

If you are here,then this is the best circumstance! Welcome,we have been waiting for ya!!!

Ms London · Veteran Member

Thank you for the warm welcome, everyone.

Jerry F · MIP Old Timer

In support as I've been supported...Welcome and Aloha (((hugs))) smile

Sobrietyspell · MIP Old Timer

Welcome back, Ms London. Saddle up & do whatever it takes as suggested.. Big Book, Meetings, Sponsor, Fellowship, Sober Friends & a continuing hope for many new beginnings 1Day@aTime alcohol-free.

If you're as seriously alcoholic as I was (as it's written in the Big Book & what took me awhile to identify with myself) I conceded to my innermost self that I was alcoholic & that I couldn't manage my own life. It was humbling but I found it to be true that when I surrender, as you may be willing & able to do right now, victory over alcohol became possible.

I needed the 12steps to help me recover from the obsession I was in around alcohol. It not only helped me break free but also made an alcohol-free life worth living. I went through some serious emotional withdrawals & began to develop a stamina & resilience to continue facing reality & overcome my fears & limits.

This is ongoing & I no longer need alcohol to help me with anything. I have my Higher Power & you to help. Thank you for coming back here & trusting us. We keep each other sober by giving ourselves to this simple program & all it involves. Half measures availed us nothing. Keep coming back & share with us how it's going.

Never alone again ;) Recovery Love & Fellowship from my heart to yours, Danielle x

Avril G · Senior Member

HI THERE - it's good to have another Brit on board. I guess you went out to do more research right? I have never yet seen anyone who did that come back to a meeting and say they quite enjoyed it, and the reason I still attend meetings regularly is because 'people who don't go to meetings never get to hear about those who don't go to meetings'

Good to see you back, no matter what circumstances.

Ms London · Veteran Member

Thanks everyone. My screen-name isn't really relevant anymore, as I'm now based back in Canada, but I was a temporary Brit for a number of years!

It's great to see so many wonderful people on these boards. I will keep coming back. The last few days I've been struggling with the post-binge deep depression (that lovely shame and fear cocktail), but I'm trying my best to pull out of it. Onwards and upwards, right?

Larry_H · MIP Old Timer

Ms London wrote:

Thanks everyone. My screen-name isn't really relevant anymore, as I'm now based back in Canada, but I was a temporary Brit for a number of years!

It's great to see so many wonderful people on these boards. I will keep coming back. The last few days I've been struggling with the post-binge deep depression (that lovely shame and fear cocktail), but I'm trying my best to pull out of it. Onwards and upwards, right?

Welcome Back to AA

Now down to the Basics of AA. I don't need to know your answers but you do

1. Did you pray to God on the day you slipped and ask for his help in not drinking?
I never slipped but I have taked to hundreds that did. If they were honest most said they did not pray that day.

2. Do you have a sponsor of the same sex, one with significant sobriety who has worked all of the steps? Absolutly vital to have one. By the way it does not have to be someone you like.

3. How many meetings have you been attending? For the first 90 days I attended two and sometimes three meeting a day. Sound excessive? Look at #1 above, I have not slipped. The first 90 days start again after a relapse past history no longer counts.

4. What step are you on? During the first 90 days I had completed, with my sponsor's guidance steps 4 and 5 and we went straight into steps 6 and 7. Step 4 is the beginning of the action steps. Until then all we have done is make some decisions. It takes action to stay sober. No amount of deciding to stay sober no matter how honest the attempt will work. We have an AA Waltz 1,2,3, slip, 1,2,3, slip.

5. Did you call anyone for help BEFORE you drank? The telephone is very difficult for Alcoholics to pick up but those that do call someone usually do not drink.

6. Did you get too Hungry Angry, Lonely or Tired, HALT and call someone immediatly

7. Do you really, I mean more than anything in world really want to get sober?
If not it just won't work. Alcoholism is a Chronic, Progressive, Terminal illness. Chronic, it can't be cured. But all symptoms go away over time as a result of not drinking and working the steps. Progressive, it gets worse, if you live long enough you will want to quit more than you wan't anything in the world. Terminal, We all die with Alcoholism but those that continue to drink die from it in addition to with it. My Brotherin-law died from it. Not a nice way to go.

Bottom line is if you want what we have and are ready to go to any lengths we in AA have your solution.

Larry,
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"It's not what I know in recovery that keeps me sober. It's what I Do that keeps me sober."