ocho rico you are either a smart man or have an unnending supply of "double bubble" bubblegum wrappers at your disposal to draw wisdom from. You are correct stating willpower is essential to any success or lack of it. and the biggest hurdle we face in this war is alcohol's inate ability to absolutely destroy any semblence of willpower. One beer and willpower is relegated to 9 meaningless letters. That is why one beer almost always sets the stage for more. i look at willpower a little differently as well. I believe willpower is the manifestation of deep rooted desire and unyielding commitment. sometimes an honest effort is not enough, to fail is unnaceptable. but what do i know?
stay strong

Bingo Dano

Great post Rick!!!!!

Without willpower - nothing will work, you are absolutely correct Rick!

So true. Willpower is something we all have, the difficulty is activating it on a consistant basis. We are not powerless. You might say our willpower is our power.

Yes. Seems a lot of people don't like that word willpower and prefer powerless? That's why I can't do the AA thing! To admit I am powerless? HMM! Nope I chose to be POWERFUL to use my will to get what I want which is to be free of alcohol.

I know what arguments are coming and i have already heard them. I've read all the books so if you think you have to tell me again go ahead! =)

Yes. Alcohol is POWERFUL! But so is my will and intention. No one can pick up or put down the glass but ME!

Hey newbie (beiceth)! Just kidding. You're getting your boards confused...LOL. Pretty much everyone who has been here a while believes the power within plays as important a role as other powers. I do like your spunk though!:)

You won't be getting any arguments from me. The only time I am powerless over alcohol is after I take that first drink. Then I have given my power to the booze.

Ha ha Rick! Nope! Not confusing my boards! I am sober and I totally realize which board I am on! Just agreeing with you in a REALLY big way!

Also even though we are on the recovery without the 12 steps board I still here some things being voiced from time to time that sound a little 12 steppy to me!

And THANKS. I suppose I am feeling a little spunky this morning. Must be all that nasty old booze seeping out of my personality!

The monster does not want ot die so he is trying his best to get even with me this morning! But I have my cape and sword at the ready!

DIE you Mutha!

Hi Rick; Yes I agree,you need willpower. But without the aid of strong surport what ever you choose that to be,willpower alone would not be enough. I think thats what is meant when people talk about willpower. I know I have tried it that way.I did last 18 months but I was not a happy camper... Thanks for reminding me of the frist time I trid to get sober... Take care John

Mandoman...you struck a cord with me...the only time i am powerless over alcohol is when i take that 1st drink...HOW true....I am so glad i found this group............;)...I know that determination is important...I thought all morning about this post & willpower...I really feel in my heart I have made my decision...I wasn't a daily drinker...nor did I always get drunk when drinking...am not a social drinker...was just me & my wine....as I said the catalyst for me was hurting my friend...I have been wearing sack cloth & ashes since then...but decided just a little bit ago to take them off and be me...yeah i f***ed up...Yeah...I am sorry...I don't know...am still trying to work things out in my head...but...just decided to jump in here...and do what I have to for me...for my success...

No arguments here John. I did mention a plan and support are essential, however you know what they say about the best laid plans. Without the willpower to see them through they are useless.

As far as support, you and everyone on here are my support and I seriously don't think my willpower would be nearly as powerful as it is without you.

beiceth, you must be talking about me, my middle name happens to be 12 steppy LOL Like Broncodan, Ocho Ricardo, and Mandoman I am only powerless after the first drink. Will power comes from me relying on my higher power. What ever it takes to kill the monster is whatever it takes.