I work with people who take rx drugs. Today I stole six pills. I took them home. Today I saw my sponsor (who's alcoholism is specific to alcohol, where mine is more drugs with a side of alcohol). I handed her my pills. And admitted that I have a problem with stealing.
At first, it seemed as if it never occured to her that I had any intention of taking them. So I brought it up, I stole them with every intention of using them. And that is when it became about steps and promises and consequences and a threat of black belt ass kicking.
My grandsponsor is an AA but recognizes herself as a garbage head.
My question is: is there a difference between an addict and an alcoholic?up until today I told myself it wasn't about who we knew what we used how much or how long, it was about feelings, identification not segregation.
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
To me alcoholism is a form of addiction, whether it be the feeling you get or taste or whatever. As far as stealing the pills (assuming you subconsciously did that) could just be out of habit. It shows a lot of progress giving them to your sponsor. Habits are hard to break. That's my two cents.
Thanks Nick. I guess it days something about my progress getting rid of them. But I know that there is definitely a conscience thought process when I'm stealing especially pills. I'm frustrated that I even took them way more than focusing on any progress ivseem to have shown.
Thanks for helping me articulate my actual problem, not deflecting on differences.
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
Older and wiser heads will have a better stab at it than me, but I guess it's all chasing rainbows that give you short term pleasure and long term pain. I'm glad you were honest about it. That is progress, as stated.
Your impulse is much different than normie's - just something to come to terms with. I don't think it matters what our drug of choice is so much... but I could be wrong. There are people around here who only attend NA, and some only AA, but both, have done both... I suppose they go where they feel they fit in more. I personally would probably be an addict had I been more courageous and ambitious about it. Alcohol was just easier to find for me. Not sure though, and will never know hopefully.
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
For me, they're one in the same. Whatever took me out of self, quieted my head and provided me with relief. My obession became alcohol, only because it was easy to get, cheap and was socially accepted. Although, I was not always socially accepted.
I could've done the same with the dry goods. I actually had a bout with Percocet after an accident. Ran out and could'nt get anymore. Went on line to research where I could get them. Same thoughts, feelings and behavoirs. Obessesed over it for days. Ended up back to my first love Alcohol.
You are to be commended for your show of honesty and action buy use of your 12 step program. And that is what I have today, whatever the addiction maybe for anyone, If there is a 12 step program its there to make us far better people. It helps me become a better part of the world community.
Drinking took me to steeling it matters not if its large or small, what is not mine is not mine.
I see it that my addiction is an illness of the mind and if I feed it, my addiction will over take me ! Today I have had to change my attitude and thinking of my mind.
I am grateful that today I do not have obsessive thoughts and that I am able to look upon my thoughts as fleeting thoughts that I am able with the help of my program and my higher power remain in control.
I have to for my own good because if not I would be dead ! Keep working at it, and keep coming back.
Thanks for your ESH guys. Brought me into a more focused non-deflective thinking. And for telling me that even if I did fall short, that I took (some sort of action) to correct it.
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sober: showing no excessive or extreme qualities of fancy, emotion, or prejudice
I work with people who take rx drugs. Today I stole six pills. I took them home. Today I saw my sponsor (who's alcoholism is specific to alcohol, where mine is more drugs with a side of alcohol). I handed her my pills. And admitted that I have a problem with stealing. At first, it seemed as if it never occured to her that I had any intention of taking them. So I brought it up, I stole them with every intention of using them. And that is when it became about steps and promises and consequences and a threat of black belt ass kicking. My grandsponsor is an AA but recognizes herself as a garbage head. My question is: is there a difference between an addict and an alcoholic?up until today I told myself it wasn't about who we knew what we used how much or how long, it was about feelings, identification not segregation.
Hey Ruhig, ... I think you did good in the end ... It shows that you're starting to use the 'NEW' way of thinking instead of the old ... that's definitely progress ...
Addict -vs- alcoholic ??? ... ... ... For me? .... an alcoholic is an ADDICT that chooses alcohol over other substances ... An ADDICT comes to a point where they must, or think they must, indulge in an activity on a regular basis even if it is harmful to their physical and/or mental 'well-being' ... When we get to the point that we will go to any length to participate in our harmful activity, and we suffer any type withdrawal symtoms if we don't get our desires, then we've crossed over the point that it is no mere habit, it's an addiction ... as in smoking, over-eating, sexual promisquity, etc.
God Bless,
Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Making amends involves reimbursing those we harmed with what-ever it was we robbed them of ... In the case of 'pills', I guess the way they were 'handled' and stored would be a factor in whether or not they could be returned for use ... in this case, I'm guessing that a monetary value would have to be established and repaid to those from whom the drugs were lifted ... along with a "I wasn't thinking clearly" apology ... chances are they aren't even aware of the missing pills and will be thankful to you for being honest, even if it's an afterthought ...
Good Luck, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Amends calls for a cool head, which is why it is the ninth step and not the second. Seek the counsel of your sponsor on how to make amends.
On your original question, alcohol wasn't my drug of choice, it chose me. I had no choice in the matter, I lost that power, if I ever had it in the first place. I don't know if an alcholic is different to an addict because I don't understand the first thing about addicts or the whys and wherefores of problems other than alcohol. I know some addicts in recovery and they have patiently tried to explain to me why they did what they did and used what they used and, while I can follow in an a intellectual sense, I don't relate at all.
However, the long version of AA's trad 3 says "Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism". regardless of sex, race. religion etc, or other addictions.
Same thoughts, feelings and behavoirs. Obessesed over it for days. Ended up back to my first love Alcohol.