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Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> re: all suggestions welcome
Post Info TOPIC: re: all suggestions welcome
alas


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re: all suggestions welcome
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Here is a quick synopsis:


I have known for years I am an alcoholic. Ten years ago a miracle happened and I found myself surrounded by an AA family. I joined and barely worked the program. I did not remain sober but I learned what was possible. Since then I have experienced all that one can imagine. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on one looks at it), I have remained a functioning alcoholic - as much as one can function. I have made promises to myself and others. I will only drink on the weekends. I will not drink for such and such a period of time. Needless to say this did not work. As of today I have 17 days clean. My desire to be sober is unfaltering but I am wise to know how my brain functions. I have been reading these posts daily. I have my big book and 12 and 12. I am seeing a therapist weekly. I have not attended any AA meetings because of my profression. I work as a probation officer in a city where I would be recognized at meetings. I can go to meetings under the guise of checking on clients but that is not working a program. I respect and honor the anonymity of the program but I also understand the reality. With that said, I also know the professionals I with which I work and how 90% do not understand addiction. Thanks for letting me post and I would appreciate any and all suggestions.

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Dave Harm


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I can remember going to my early meetings and meeting a police officer there that was an alcoholic... it really made me appreciate him so much more knowing he went through what I was going through... you might be surprised how welcomed you are just being yourself...

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"A busy mind is a sick mind.  A slow mind, is a healthy mind.  A still mind, is a divine mind." - Native American Centerness

Creating Dreams, from the nightmares of hell...
AmyWillWin


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I think you should trust the group. Sounds like you are uniquely qualified to be a probation officer! Don't be ashamed of your illness...you can't do it alone, you NEED these people, it's call Anonymous for a reason. The support of these folks could very well be what's going to make the difference for you.

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"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle."
~Anonymous
Klaatu


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Hi Kim, and welcome to MIP. I was told very early on that AA isn't the only way to get sober, but found it's the only way that finally worked for me. Our BB says we have to become WILLING to go to any length to get it (sober). That was a hard pill for me to swallow, but in the end that's what I had to do. I came to realize that without sobriety I would lose everything anyhow, so I may as well at least hang on to myself. So what have I become willing to lose? Everything but my sobriety. Everything. If I had to make a choice between being drunk and having nothing, or being sober and having nothing, the choice would be easy for me. I want and NEED my sobriety more than anything else today. When I was struggling with the thought of going to 4-5 meetings a week, my sponsor reminded me that AA starts with the meetings. The meetings are the most important part of my "medicine" for me today. I know I have to take my medicine today or I will die. I guess what you need to decide is what's most important to you, and how bad you want it. I've seen many try the easier, softer ways, and none of them were successful.

K.....

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Halfwolf


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If you go to meetings , you may find a new relationship with your Clients on Probation, one of mutual respect. You may find you can all help each other.
I'll be willing to bet there are really ANONYMOUS meetings in your area for Professionals like yourself.
I had a similar problem as I was a Security Officer at the only Hospital in the area that has a detox program and I was worried about the same thing, but I never had any problems. I actually got the job after Detoxing there twice. I believe GOD arranged that.

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The smallest of good deeds is greater than the best of intentions. Anonymous
Mike B.


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Welcome, Kim.  Alcoholism doesn't exclude Probation Officers nor does the recovery from it.  biggrin

Part of the recovery process is face to face meetings and the Fellowship.  Hoping you give it a try.



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mikef


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Welcome,glad you stopped in!My thoughts here are, you can rationalize about why you cant make meetings but if you continue on ,possibly jails ,institutions,deriliction or death  through this disease,cause it don't play, and will wait for you,being a probation officer may not be in the long term cards anyway!!We are a rough mixture of people from all avenues of life working a day at a time,through spiritual principles to help ourselves not only with putting down the juice but learning to live with  shortcomings ,character defects and humaness!!I can only suggest trying meetings,be honest with yourself,Like it was said there are many roads to recovery but for this juicer,the fellowship works!,BUT I  ALSO HAVE TO DO THE WORK!! tHERE IS NO SHAME IN ADMITTING YOU ARE ALCOHOLIC.You have to make decision how to "arrest this beast"!!You have the tools,build a foundation!!! congrats on 17 days ,a miracle in itself......Hope to hear back from you..smile

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Rainspa


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I suggest going to the AA website, and/or calling the local AA number.

Look for and ask about "Meetings for Professionals"

There are people in law enforcement, the judicial system and public office in AA.

Find them, go to their meetings, and work the steps.

If you can't find them, go to any meeting and work the steps anyway.


If you're an Alcoholic like me, it won't take too much more drinking and the job will be the least of your worries.

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Rob84


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Hi Alas,

Welcome to the forum. I can understand your feelings about anonymity, it is key that you find some groups that can can feel comfortable in.

If your desire to stay sober is unfaltering,  you will find meetings that will work.

I would take a look at meetings in neighboring cities or another area of your city if it is large.

Look for "closed" meetings,  they may be a little smaller and be attended by those also concerned about anonymity.

"Big Book" study meetings are also usually smaller and usually attract those who are really focused on soberiety.

I hope this will help!

 

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Rob

"There ain't no Coupe DeVille hiding in the bottom of a Cracker Jack Box."
alas


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Just wanted to share that today I have 35 days sober -

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Mike B.


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Alas,
Nice!  Can you share your experience with us on how you got to 35 days?  How are things going?

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