Hey All,
So... just a quick check-in while I have a brief chunk of Internet. I wanted to share that for the past seven days I have been in Italy with my in-laws and my wife, sober. This is my first time in Italy (first time in Europe in 9 years, actually). As a gift to us, my wife's parents told us we could tag along on a trip they already had planned. As lovely of an opportunity as it is, however, my in-laws are HUGE drinkers and alcohol has always been a major source of bonding for us. Right before the trip my wife told them that I am no longer drinking, and for the most part they have been respectful. What's been tough is my own temptation - coupled with having virtually no access to the Internet, my sponsor, or meetings. Oh my lord. The wine here flows, and the drinking age is sixteen so it is all around. Between the culture of alcohol here and my in-laws, I can honestly say this has been the hardest of my 11 weeks. I'm good, though, and I'm going home Sunday. I've been finding strength in reading AA literature and taking time to step away and be alone. I've also been eating a lot of candy bars. Anyway, aside from the brutal cravings, the trip has been great. It's been a lot of art and history - today we spent the day at the Vatican! I'm looking forward to getting home soon, though, and soon also to be celebrating 90 days. Hope you're all doing well :)
-Adam
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When every situation which life can offer is turned to the profit of spiritual growth, no situation can really be a bad one.-Paul Brunton
Good Lord Adam, ... You'll have a special place in my prayers tonight for sure ... ... I'm encouraged by your abstinence ... and proud of you ... takes a lot of moxy to get through what you're going through ... Enjoy your trip ... you know if you drink, you'll likely not remember you had fun ... LOL ... keep doin' what your doin' ... ... ... Good Job!!!
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
So glad you checked in Adam, I had to do that too on vacations - this forum was and is an important part of my sobriety, because I can take it anywhere on my phone. When things are rough - I just log on and read for a few minutes and it helps me get back my balance. So glad you're part of the family : )
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
Nice one Adam. Last time I was in Italy was pre-sobriety. Was blessed by the last Pope, while I had the biggest hangover ever. I could barely even stand in the Square and felt like puking the whole time, lol.
Soooooo, that is a big congrats from this recovering alike!
BTW, you know that there are lots of English speaking meetings in Rome?
Steve
-- Edited by SteveP on Sunday 28th of April 2013 11:58:06 AM
Ugh - tough situation. If I had a sponsee with less than 90 days that wanted to go to Italy, I would have said, "STAY HOME!!!!"
Once you start practicing the steps, the brutal cravings disappear and alcohol loses its enticement. But at this stage you're in a pickle.
Ask God for help - constantly, all day, every minute of the day. It's your only hope.
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The sway of alcohol over mankind is unquestionably due to its power to stimulate the mystical faculties of human nature, usually crushed to earth by the cold facts and dry criticisms of the sober hour. ---William James
