First thing I guess I should say is I'm a vet and deal with ptsd I tried meds from the doctor but it only made things worse so I started self medication with vodka first and added marijuana later. This cost me my second wife and child. im now married a third time to my high school sweetheart and we share everything but I can't talk about the things I need toO she wouldn't understand. I started aa today and I am worried I will have the same problem trying to find a sponsor that I can speak to without judgement. I know I need a sponsor but people look at vets differently if they say they don't they are lying lol. so my question is there a maybe a online chat or something specifically for veterans or atleast some thing I can do when I'm setting at the house fighting these cravings that I'm used to just giving into. I've hit my bottom I just need a someone or something to help show me there is still hope.............because mine is gone
-- Edited by Lm on Sunday 7th of May 2017 08:51:14 PM
I am also a Veteran (Viet Nam era) ... 1st off, go to meetings and look for someone who shares their story that you can relate to, someone you feel you could open up to in private, someone you feel you can trust ... this will take a few times to build your confidence ... then ask them to be your sponsor ... ALSO, they should have a pamphlet on choosing a sponsor on a table with other AA books and stuff, ... get one and read it ...
Biggest accomplishment for you right now is realizing that you HAVE a problem ... that's step one ... good job ... now take the action to get help and learn to live life as we were meant to ...
Feel free to come here and ask questions or for help in dealing with different issues ... it's why we're here to start with ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Good decision. Maybe you can post about your experience at the meeting.
I was pretty much in a fog at my second meeting. I only knew that I wanted to be sober and there were people there who knew how to do it. I decided to try to be like them. So I kept going.
I just need something to help show me there is still hope............
-- Edited by Lm on Sunday 7th of May 2017 08:51:14 PM
we have a resident here that uses the handle MarcL who was sent to us via tractor beams. He wanted me to remind you that hope is not microwavable; action carries hope on its shoulders. Once he puts his corn husk down me thinks he will be here to check on ya.
I have PTSD also, but mine isn't military-related. I isolate myself, have anxiety, depression and anger issues I'm working through. I feel alone. Overwhelmingly sad sometimes. Like no one understands me because I'm not like them. Something happened to me that makes me different, not abnormal or mental or at least I don't consider myself to be mental, just different from other people. I numb myself to deal with it all. I used to use alcohol for that numbness. I'm learning not to do that anymore.
Keep the faith! Go to the meetings! If I can do it, so can you! Heck, I love to drink! But I'm not going to do it, by God, I will never take another drink as long as I live! Only thing worse than having PTSD is drinking and having PTSD! I read that on the PTSD forum online and i fully believe it to be true.
Kumbaya and all that rot!
-- Edited by Non Blonde on Thursday 25th of May 2017 10:14:10 PM
Non Blonde wrote:...I isolate myself, have anxiety, depression and anger issues I'm working through. I feel alone. Overwhelmingly sad sometimes. Like no one understands me because I'm not like them. Something happened to me that makes me different, not abnormal or mental or at least I don't consider myself to be mental, just different from other people. I numb myself to deal with it all. I used to use alcohol for that numbness...
-- Edited by Non Blonde on Thursday 25th of May 2017 10:14:10 PM
Wow you are going to fit in perfectly here in AA
Alot of us are/were JUST like that!
-- Edited by jhamlett on Monday 29th of May 2017 11:49:44 AM
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"God can move mountains but it helps to bring a shovel!"
I am a peace time vet, but have never seen an issue because somone is a vet. Some times we need help with issues outside the scope of the A.A. program. I might suggest you look into the VA, they have a special program just for PTSD.