i know it's been a while since I've posted. I have no excuse. So, I'm not gonna try to make one. I still do check in here every few weeks, and read posts.
So...last week, I hit 4 years. I never would have thought it was possible. I've gotta say, this forum, and a few members who are regularly (or, used to be regularly) active here, helped me so much in my first year (or, 2 or 3 or 4). Just knowing that you're not alone in this, helps so much. People like Pappy and a few others are a true blessing. Well, everybody is a blessing in their own way I guess.
So, to anybody who is just starting off...my advice: keep coming here. I read this forum for 2 years before I finally decided to tackle my drinking problem. Most everybody here is truly supportive of your fight, and, they all want to see you succeed.
Go to meetings. Try not to look at anything negative in a meeting. It's easy to do that...to look at the bad side of things. But, dwelling on mishaps and drama isn't going to get you anywhere. There is so much to get out of the fellowship, if you just open yourself up, and think about all of the positive things that it's about.
Most important, you have to believe that it gets better. Because, it really does. WAY better. The first year or 2 is hard. You don't know what to do with yourself. Boredom can set in. But, if you find something, a passion, and replace the drinking with your passion, it makes it a whole lot easier. Many, many times, I found myself saying: "this sucks. I want to go out and party. I miss my party friends, and all of the reckless fun." But, if I just took a minute to reflect, it wasn't hard to remember all the bad shit that comes from drinking. And, in those moments of doubt, you have to remember: if you drink, those bad things are all going to happen again. But, this time, it's going to be worse. It's just how it is.
We cant drink responsibly. Weve tried, time and time again, with the same result: misery, problems, and trouble. And, next time we give it a whirl, it's going to be the same thing, but worse. Don't fool yourself into thinking things will be different THIS TIME. They won't. It's just not possible. Any alcoholic who manages to resume drinking, and can do so in a responsible way, will have accomplished what no person has ever accomplished. Quit thinking you're so strong and awesome, that you'll be the first one do it. Ain't gonna happen. You've got way better odds of actually quitting the booze, than you do controlling it.
So...go to meetings. Listen. Get as much out of it as it offers.
Thanx everybody!!!
-- Edited by Baba Louie on Sunday 24th of June 2018 12:19:31 AM
Wow, what a great message ... (and I am very humbled to be one of those that may have inspired you) ... oh wow, has it already been 4 years??? ... that's fantastic ...
My hope is people will read and reread your post so it sinks in ... there is a mountain of truth in your words ... and they were well said ... there will come a day when we can sit down together and share our journeys in this life together ... bet we have some good things to share in the next life, which may not be too far off ... (see'n as how fast 'time' fly's) ...
Love ya man and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
A reason people think it will be different 'this time' and decide to drink again, is because they can only see what alcohol did for them and can't recall what alcohol did to them.
One of the harsh realities now that we are on this side of the fence is accepting that there is no outside influence that will stop someone from gettin loaded. A level of desperation must be reached and can only be reached, by the person boozin it up.
This is quite literally the biggest inside job that ever existed.
Aloha Baba and welcome back our experiences are very real and it is that sameness that helps me to find confidence and hope in your share and the shares of others who come here to support other alcoholics. Four years of sobriety and abstinence from our old mind and mood altering alcohol is large and I am happy with you for it. it cannot help but remind me of all of the invitations I have had to "go back out" and did the "opposite". Keep coming back 4 years confirms that this works when we work it. (((hugs)))
