Alcoholics Anonymous
Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> I Did It!
Post Info TOPIC: I Did It!
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
I Did It!
Permalink  
 

This is Jalen again, the newcomer. I posted this 4 o 5 days ago http://aa.activeboard.com/t55838843/hi-all-im-new-here-and-need-to-ask-a-question/. I manned up, went in, and went through the detox which lasted for about 3 days. It was scary, all alone in a cold room in the back of the ward, but I hung in there. I am sober today and I feel great. I am going to follow up and absorb every positive sober avenue that I can. I just got home, but I wanted to thank each and every one of you that responded to me with love and encouragement.

You guys are truly the best. 



__________________

justadrunk


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 3726
Date:
Permalink  
 

((((((((((Jalen))))))))))) Welcome back home :)

__________________

Thanks for everything.  Peace and Love on your journey.  
Sober Strummer


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 341
Date:
Permalink  
 

Awesome! Yay You!!!

__________________

 "I spent a lifetime in hell and it only took me twelve steps to get to heaven." 

"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you."
RubyTues


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 891
Date:
Permalink  
 

Awesome, Jalen! So proud of you! This is the beginning of happiness.

__________________
Mike B.


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2520
Date:
Permalink  
 

Nice!  smile  Way to go Jalen!  Your post brought me back to my detox journey and how good it felt to have the Alcohol and physical detoxing removed from my body.  It had been years.  Remember these good feelings as you proceed forward in your recovery.  wink 

 



__________________
tomsteve


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 237
Date:
Permalink  
 

awesome!! the great news is ya don't have to do it again if ya chose to go to any lengths for victory over alcohol!

__________________
John


Admin

Status: Offline
Posts: 675
Date:
Permalink  
 

Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!  Helping a person cross the bridge from fear to faith and travelling this journey of discovery and recovery with us, one day at a time!

Welcome Home Jalen! We love you and are glad you are with us!

John



__________________

725719964.4827.1181690730.png
2granddaughters


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 417
Date:
Permalink  
 

Congrats, Jalen !

I found lasting sobriety, serenity and sanity by committing to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. Every positive sober avenue that works for me can be found in The 12 Steps.

All the best.

Bob R

__________________

Close friend of Bill W. since 1989

 
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Thanks for the good words all, I am just so happy I am beaming. (at least now that I am home, that was some scary stuff). They put me on Librium, and to be honest, the detox itself felt pretty smooth, except for some extremely high blood pressure. I probably couldn't have pulled the trigger without my best friend, and the great people here. From here out, I'm going to look for some good, solid programs to get into and turn this life of mine around.

You all have been tremendous. I hope I've found a home here. :)

__________________

StPeteDean


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 6464
Date:
Permalink  
 

Wow! what courage. If you can do that, working a 12 step program with a sponsor will be cake

__________________

 Gratitude = Happiness!





Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

I didn't really expect to be in a "facility" with people that were recovering from meth addiction, some court ordered, some people mentally unstable, etc. I mean, I just didn't really know what to expect. Was a strange and surreal experience in the "day room" watching T.V., or just sitting around, with people that just didn't talk. God bless them for being there for the same reason I was, but it was a lonely experience. To top it off, the room I was in had no T.V., no radio, AC blaring when it's 8 degrees outside with only 2 small thin blankets, just amazingly frightening.

I hung the hospital bracelet they gave me on the fridge when I got home just as a reminder of the experience and the start to my recovery. I vow to look at it everyday and realize what put me there in the first place, and motivate me to move forward to AA etc.



__________________

Philipld


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 782
Date:
Permalink  
 

Right on!



__________________
Jerry F


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 3278
Date:
Permalink  
 

 

 

Hold on to the excitement Jalen cause more is coming as a result of working a program of daily recovery.   I love the bracelet reminder idea.  Good one.   Hang with us. ((((hugs)))) smile



__________________
Mike D


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 788
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hooooooray for you Jalen!!!!!  Good beginning!  Now get to an A.A. meeting as soon as possible.  Don't wait!  Blessings Mike D.



__________________

http://mikedauthor.blogspot.com/
Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

Good for you man...Always better to play it safe. I detoxed for 5 days....And was supposed to stay in rehab after that for a month. I ended up leaving after two weeks....They were just grooming me for AA anyway...I could do that for free. I studied the book....Went to two to three meetings a day...You know why?.....I knew I wouldn't drink there....And I might learn something. It kept me busy....I hung around with the people that were serious about this program...They helped me. I got a sponsor...To guide me....And all I had to do was not drink between meetings and stay busy doing what they suggested I do. It worked. It will work for you too...All you have to do....Is do it.



__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Stepchild wrote:

Good for you man...Always better to play it safe. I detoxed for 5 days....And was supposed to stay in rehab after that for a month. I ended up leaving after two weeks....They were just grooming me for AA anyway...I could do that for free. I studied the book....Went to two to three meetings a day...You know why?.....I knew I wouldn't drink there....And I might learn something. It kept me busy....I hung around with the people that were serious about this program...They helped me. I got a sponsor...To guide me....And all I had to do was not drink between meetings and stay busy doing what they suggested I do. It worked. It will work for you too...All you have to do....Is do it.

 Thanks, Stepchild. Even after just getting out of detox today, I've already found a place where they hold AA meetings. Problem is, down here in Southwest Indiana, we're snowed in at the moment, so I doubt the meetings are taking place or I'd go tomorrow. Can't get my car dug out of the snow yet anyway, but for some reason I am so looking forward to it. I absolutely can't wait to get started.



__________________

Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

I'm sure there are people there...If you were still drinking....And needed to make a beer run...You think you'd make it? I remember walking through snow up to my neck to get beer. Give it a shot tomorrow....I think you'll like it.

__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
justadrunk


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 3726
Date:
Permalink  
 

I'm from Wisconsin and went to meetings in 20 below weather and then you see the recovery warriors"!! I love it. Last night was 5 below and about 25 still came no worries in the world. The meetings that I go to with the worst of conditions give me a real quick and easy insight into who wants it. I never miss those nights. You can do this. We're here for ya too.

__________________

Thanks for everything.  Peace and Love on your journey.  
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Stepchild wrote:

I'm sure there are people there...If you were still drinking....And needed to make a beer run...You think you'd make it? I remember walking through snow up to my neck to get beer. Give it a shot tomorrow....I think you'll like it.

 Good point, and yes, I would have made that beer run in the snow even if I would have had to walk. As a matter of fact, I've done it. Walked about a 1/4 mile in sub freezing temps for a 12 pack. Didn't even remember that until you mentioned it. 



__________________

Finn Felton


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 11
Date:
Permalink  
 

I'm very happy for you Jalen. You deserve happy life... There should be no place for alcohol, drugs, caffeine, smoking weeds etc. Congratulations and all the best for the new beginning!


__________________

The King of all coffee - Kopi Luwak

 
Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

Jalen wrote:

 Good point, and yes, I would have made that beer run in the snow even if I would have had to walk. As a matter of fact, I've done it. Walked about a 1/4 mile in sub freezing temps for a 12 pack. Didn't even remember that until you mentioned it. 

I had to take that same energy...And willingness...That I'd put into hunting down that next beer...Into my recovery. They told me that half measures wouldn't get me half better....It would get me nothing.



__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
Mike B.


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2520
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hi Jalen,

I will reiterate what's already been said.  I live in the Northeast and never seen an AA meeting cancelled.  I've been to plenty when the parking lot is not plowed.  A couple of 4 wheel drive vehicles pack it down and everyone is good.  I used to love to drive in a snow storm drinking harder than it was snowing.  The roads were empty and my impaired driving fit right in with the conditions.   biggrin  I use those memories to get me to a meeting regardless of the weather.  wink

 



__________________
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Thanks all, that's great to know and very reassuring. However, the problem is getting my car dug out and I want to go tonight for the first time. We got hit with a couple feet of snow, and I've not been able to dig out quite yet. I may recruit some help today, see what I can do. I've heard so many good things about AA on this board, I can't wait to get started. The detox is over, I'm ready for the next step.




__________________

Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

That's good...Give it all you got.

__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
betterthanyesterday52


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2134
Date:
Permalink  
 

Congratulations Jalen. Pat yourself on the back. You deserve it :)

__________________
davep12and12


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 749
Date:
Permalink  
 

Jalen wrote:

Thanks all, that's great to know and very reassuring. However, the problem is getting my car dug out and I want to go tonight for the first time. We got hit with a couple feet of snow, and I've not been able to dig out quite yet. I may recruit some help today, see what I can do. I've heard so many good things about AA on this board, I can't wait to get started. The detox is over, I'm ready for the next step.


 

 

There's a lot of symbolism in digging yourself out, and asking for the help you need to get that done. Enjoy the meetings when you get there, and welcome to AA.



__________________
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

davep12and12 wrote:
Jalen wrote:

Thanks all, that's great to know and very reassuring. However, the problem is getting my car dug out and I want to go tonight for the first time. We got hit with a couple feet of snow, and I've not been able to dig out quite yet. I may recruit some help today, see what I can do. I've heard so many good things about AA on this board, I can't wait to get started. The detox is over, I'm ready for the next step.


 

 

There's a lot of symbolism in digging yourself out, and asking for the help you need to get that done. Enjoy the meetings when you get there, and welcome to AA.

 Well put, Dave. I got the baby dug out this morning! I'm determined. :)



__________________

davep12and12


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 749
Date:
Permalink  
 

 

 Well put, Dave. I got the baby dug out this morning! I'm determined. :)

 Awesome ! After the meeting, please come back here and let us know how it went. Sometimes it can be confusing at first so if there's anything that you didn't understand feel free to ask.



__________________
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

I sure will. I'm sure I'll have tons of questions, at least in the beginning. Thanks!

__________________

Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

How you doing there bud?...You hanging in there?

__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Stepchild wrote:

How you doing there bud?...You hanging in there?

 Doin good so far, thanks. Will be going to my first AA meeting tomorrow night (have to attend daughter's middle school play tonight), but I'm hanging in there. After going through detox and just being in that environment, that was almost enough to scare me out of drinking forever. But still, I'm going to attend, I know I'll need it in the long run.

Thanks for asking. :)



__________________

Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

It's probably a good idea to attend one. Do you only have night meetings where you live?

__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
Stepchild


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 2731
Date:
Permalink  
 

I don't know if you've you've had a chance to look at that book or not...But here is one of the things that really hit me when I read it the first time....

The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.

BB pg 24

I needed to give this thing everything I had....I couldn't make it on my own will power.....No matter how bad the experience of being thrown into a detox and rehab shook me....I needed help. And as much as I didn't want to go....I found it going to my first meeting. Hope you make it tomorrow.



__________________

When all else fails...Follow the directions.
Pythonpappy


MIP Old Timer

Status: Offline
Posts: 12357
Date:
Permalink  
 

Congrats on the 'detox' thingy ... ... ... I've been through that what seems like a hundred times, never any fun, that's for sure ... thought I was go'n to die, then I was afraid I wouldn't, LOL ... deep depression always set in when I did that ... glad I made it to AA, they gave me a new 'lease on life' that is nothing short of wonderful ...

Remember ... we all stay sober just 'one day at a time' ... doesn't matter how many days you have ... days, weeks, months, or years ... we do it one day at a time ... today, I chose not to drink, tomorrow ???, who knows .... but just for today, I do not have to have a drink ... ... ...

Pappy



__________________

'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Stepchild wrote:

I don't know if you've you've had a chance to look at that book or not...But here is one of the things that really hit me when I read it the first time....

The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.

BB pg 24

I needed to give this thing everything I had....I couldn't make it on my own will power.....No matter how bad the experience of being thrown into a detox and rehab shook me....I needed help. And as much as I didn't want to go....I found it going to my first meeting. Hope you make it tomorrow.

 I do, I just went to check out the facility, just to see where to go for tomorrow night. 8 p.m. Here we go. :)



__________________

Jalen


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 43
Date:
Permalink  
 

Stepchild wrote:

I don't know if you've you've had a chance to look at that book or not...But here is one of the things that really hit me when I read it the first time....

The fact is that most alcoholics, for reasons yet obscure, have lost the power of choice in drink. Our so-called will power becomes practically nonexistent. We are unable, at certain times, to bring into our consciousness with sufficient force the memory of the suffering and humiliation of even a week or a month ago. We are without defense against the first drink.

BB pg 24

I needed to give this thing everything I had....I couldn't make it on my own will power.....No matter how bad the experience of being thrown into a detox and rehab shook me....I needed help. And as much as I didn't want to go....I found it going to my first meeting. Hope you make it tomorrow.

 I haven't seen the BB, but am really looking forward to delving into it. Thanks for the quote, very inspiring.



__________________

Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Miracles In Progress 12 Step Recovery Forums -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> Alcoholics Anonymous -> I Did It!