here's my story

struggling · Newbie

here's my story

Toad · Senior Member

Just to say Hello.
Meetings were good for me. I found out I was not at all alone or unique with my issues.
People said " Keep coming back. It will get better "
I did and it did.
Hope is nice.

mikef · MIP Old Timer

Yes God can do what we can't do for ourselves,but we'll also have to take action,make the admission(check) reach N emotional acceptance of utter defeat? Realization that "we" just can't pick up,STAY AWAY FROM THE 1ST ONE.. ?,simple but not easy....Only can suggest making some meetings,listen to learn,be honest ,open minded and willinging and keep coming back.WE are here for each other,no big I's or little U's just one reaching out to another in identification.Our message is hope and our promise is freedom from a life of devastation by learning to shift into the solution"our steps" guided by a Power greater than yourself,a sponsor and others working an honest program...Welcome, hope to hear more from ya.There is truly another way to live no matter what life on lifes terms throw at us ,we dont have to pickup..... smile

happycamper · MIP Old Timer

If you dont drink, keep that faith in God, and work the AA program, you will be fine!

Welcome!

rrib · Senior Member

Welcome to the board!

Believe me, there is life after drinking.

Here's the phone #'s listed on the aa.org web site for TN. They can help you find meetings close to you.

Local/Central Offices, Intergroups and Answering Services Contact the one closest to where you are looking for an A.A. Meeting

Chattanooga
Chattanooga Area Central Offic
Main: (423)499-6003

Jackson
Jackson / West Tennessee Intergroup
24 Hr Toll Free: (877)426-8330

Knoxville
East Tennessee Intergroup
24 Hr Answering Svc: (865)522-9667
Main: (865)974-9888
Site: www.discoveret.org/etaa

Memphis
Memphis Area Intergroup
24 Hr Answering Svc: (901)726-6750
FAX: (901)726-6790
Site: www.memphis-aa.org

Nashville
Middle Tennessee Central Office
Hotline: (615)831-1050
FAX: (615)834-5982, Toll Free: (800)559-2252
Site: www.aanashville.org

Jerry F · MIP Old Timer

Aloha Struggling...Most all of us have been in that condition ourselves before finding and accepting the sober condition. I resisted the sober condition because I wasn't convinced "I" had a problem. It was my alcoholic/addict wife who had the problem and still I stopped drinking rather than having it around so that she could drink and she drank anyways. I found the 12steps and 12traditions of AA thru the Al-Anon Family Groups which eventually led me into active AA participation also. I didn't have as clear a vision about what alcohol was doing to my life and to the lives of others around me as you do...it's called denial however I came to understand and have complete the work on that with the help of the fellowship.

You came here looking for help and we can support your attempt and efforts to get and stay sober and rrib has done a huge service locating the numbers in your state that will get you into the face to face meeting groups of AA in your area. That is where you can sit and listen and learn and then practice, practice, practice.

That is what was suggested to me and what I did and what has worked so well that this afternoon after a bit of commiseration with the drunks that reside in my head still, I gave away a case plus of "cold ones" of various labels and descriptions. I was alone...cleaning out a fridge after some guys left a rental I manage. The guy I gave them to was delighted getting the loot. He knows I will not drink and why and didn't offer. Without the program of AA and it's fellowship I don't think the day would have come out the way it has and I certainly wouldn't be on the keyboard at this site.

Come join us and get sober with us. ((((hugs)))) smile

Mr_David · MIP Old Timer

Hi struggling,

thanks for your story. You made the only decision that makes sense heather, bar none. You can now begin the process of sobering up and reclaim the life you once knew. I hope you take full advantage of the opportunites sobriety has to offer, with the hopes of gaining some greater perspective and purpose in life and how that can eventually unfold. The first step is crucial my dear, so don't hesitate; let "AA", this forum and almighty God lead you to that tranquil place called lasting sobriety, one day at a time.

~God bless~

-- Edited by Mr_David on Friday 23rd of September 2011 03:40:44 AM

pinkchip · MIP Old Timer

Struggling, your story rings true for me and others here I think. I was also at the cusp of "losing it all" as you stated and I remember days 1, 2, and 3 because they were that pivotal in my sobriety and they were really emotionally painful. The good thing is that you are doing something about this now.

If you stay this course you will later look upon this period as when you actually stopped struggling, admitted powerlessness (step 1) and started living in the solution.

Prayers for you. - It does sound like you are taking the right steps even though it's difficult. Just do the next right thing.

Mark

P.S. - I would utilize AA and the numbers Rrib posted. A counselor will help you deal with that long list of life stressors and the emotions that went with them. But your alcoholism has taken on a life of it's own and that does need to be treated with AA. A therapist won't be enough to make you stay sober.

-- Edited by pinkchip on Friday 23rd of September 2011 10:27:23 AM

turninggrey · MIP Old Timer

Hey Struggling.
Welcome! Hey, thumb through this:
http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_tableofcnt.cfm

I am sure you will see yourself in there somewhere. It is a whole new way of life!

Tom