Hello all. Thanks for letting me join the program. I am as much a beginner ad a beginner can be. Attended my first meeting on Monday (actually attended two the same day). I bit overwheleming and confusing.
I've only been sober for six days. As of right now, I have no desire for a drink. Reason being, I feel like SHIT. I never thought I would have any withdrawel symptoms, but maybe that's what is going on. Been vomiting for two straight days and basically feel like I've been in a car wreck. Hope it gets better.
I just really don't know how to handle myself in meetings or really how to properly get started. Advice is appreciated. TIA.
Welcome John! You say "only been sober for 6 days"...that's a miracle. Way to go my friend. I can tell you from my personal experience, it absolutely DOES get better. By following this simple program, my life got better than I ever could have wished for.
Keep going to meetings, and keep reaching out for help. That's what we alcoholics do...we help each other. The confusion will go away, and you'll start to see and feel the love and caring of the people in the rooms. Don't do what I did and "compare" yourself to others who were worse off than I was. That thinking kept out of the rooms for 5 years, and took me to a very low bottom. Look for the similarities, not the differences, and if you truly are an alcoholic you'll start to hear some of your story when others share.
AA has given us the awesome gift of being able to live one day at a time. We no longer have to wallow in the past, or worry about what's going to happen tomorrow. After a little time in the program, there are still times when I have to take one minute, or one step at a time. It's kept me sober and happy in my life today.
I remember all to well the withdraws. I was sick as a dog, and these damn bees kept me up all night landing on me and buzzing around my head. It got easier and better with time, and I learned that the bees were not actually there. I was told to get as much sleep as I could, and to drink lots of fluids (gatorade) and eat honey (maybe that's where the bees came from lol)to put some sugar back into my system. It helped with the headaches I had.
Go to meetings early and stay after. You will be surprised on how many people will try to get to know you. You don't have to do anything at first at meetings but listen with an open mind. This whole recovery is a process you don't have to get in one day. Its working on recovery one day at a time. You will see and hear things that I hope you will want. We are not a glum lot. The physical withdrawel will soon stop. Be kind to yourself!! Take Care!!!!!
welcome to Miracles in Progress! everyone of us is a miracle. Read the Big Book and go to a meeting every day whenever possible, and just listen. someone else there will tell a similar story to yours. that is the person to talk to after the meeting when you feel up to talking. you won't always feel like shit, there is a miracle unfolding in you, meetings help that spark grow. this website can help you like it helps me. take care, and hugs, jj
John, Welcome! Nice to have you here. Six days sober is a miracle! Some never reach six days. Feeling like sh*t is your body telling you what you did to it. It will pass- if you don't feed it more sh*t. From my personal experience; don't be fooled when you start to feel well again that you can go back out an drink. I was fooled by this and drank for many years and it never got any better, but things certainly got woarse.
At meetings, just bring the body and the mind will follow. Let the folks at the meeting know your new and would like some guidance. The fellowship will take over with a loving, caring and compassionate hand. We've all been in your shoes and by working this program of action our lives have changed. We have a new freedom and a new happiness.
Also, by posting here and going to meetings your helping us at the same time. That's the beauty of the program. The sober, recovering folks need the newcomer as much as the newcomer needs them.
If you want to quit drinking .... you're gonna have to quit drinking. Its that simple.
AA can help if you are willing to work the program.
Keep goin to meetings. Get a God , a sponsor , a Big Book and work the steps with your sponsor. Before ya know it, 6 days will be 60, then 6 months, then 6 yrs. And your life will be better than you could have ever imagined.
JB3: It will get better, I promise. I don't know how much you drank, but just be assured it will get better. I've seen hundreds of people just like you and me come and go through the rehab I worked at. Can tell you, you are probably in the last of the withdraw's. Keep your sight on your goal. You will make it!
Welcome JB and congrats on the six days. Don't downplay the "only" 6 days no matter how long any of us have been sober today is the most important of all. Me and a few other guys in my home group always joke whoever woke up first today has been sober the longest. Just like in walking you put one foot in front of the other in recovery you put one day in front of the other ones and it all starts with the first step whether walking or in recovery.
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Tell me and I'll forget. Teach me and I'll remember. Involve me and I'll learn.
