I found that eventually i had to fly on my own. I still see my sponsor each day but dont call if im going to see him.
Just keep trying, the maladay is presenting you with reasons to stop going and then we all know what many ppl do next.
I also have found about 5 other alchys that I can call/text and this helps to lessen the need to have to call my sponsor. Because my sponsor has a s ton of guys he helps. I dont see how he can handle all the issues but I guess you dont get 15 yrs by not staying busy. busy helps me
How many ppl are you sponsoring? I get more actually from helping others and when i see their struggles i fell like dam Im not doing THAT bad... Bill was at like a year sober and was all upset that he couldnt keep these other ppl he was helping sober. His wife looks at him and says... Well you are staying sober... Thats the true gift is when you can give back. Keep on the path!!
1-2

I've never had that experience but that's BS. I don't call my sponsor very often. I'm shocked about their unwillingness to return your calls. Also disappointed in the others who won't take you on as a sponsor.

This is not the program that I know.

I also fly like 1is2 does.

I guess the honest question you need to ask yourself is, are you a bad sponsee? Are you taking direction? Are you too needy? You obviously have some time now. I'm troubled seeing this.

I hope you continue on your path. In sorry to hear this not working out.

I've a;ways sought out what I needed outside of meetings. I was urged early on to talk to someone I identified with when they shared! That in itself can create a very open ended conversation and tons of new friends all with their story as a background! When it came to sponsorship and sponsoring I formally took the steps with a sponsor Who had something I wanted....and as the steps were taken I got a much better idea How Alcoholism had shaped my life and felt much more comfortable with where I was at. And was willing to take on more responsibility as a sponsor , group member and began taking service positions other than just coffee maker and chairing meetings.

Butt for Me I've always loved the one on ones after the meeting I found thats were the magic really lies.Trust is created by disclosing and engaging in open ended conversations that can be had at any times especially if I value others inputs:))) Fellowship is the grass roots of growth I Think:))

Billy

Thanks for your input guys. Much appreciated.

Yes, I think this may be part of the danger of placing all your eggs in one basket with AA and your sponsor. Although, maybe it is good that you have the opportunity to "fly solo" and test your personal guidance system too. I presume it is the goal of all of us to eventually learn how to live a life of sobriety without a safety net, or maybe AA suggests you need to stay tethered to the mother ship from here on out?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LlBQaTyG-c :))

Hope you got what you needed kookoo...I'd echo okiyoe...reaching out to lots of people in AA stopped me becoming too reliant on 1 person or just a fixed format meeting, and over time I've found lots of other things that supplement recovery and add to it without necessarily taking anything away. Hope you find the same :)

P

Sorry to hear about the lack of support in your local AA group. Have you tried another AA location? Sometimes it takes a couple tries to find the right fit and needed support. SMART Recovery also has online and local meetings. You might check them online.

Sounds like your willpower is pretty strong and that your committed to your sobriety, and it's a good idea to continue the work of resolving the underlying triggers that led to your drinking to begin with. For me, that's meditation and reading the Dharma on a daily basis. For others, it could be prayer, their faith or counseling.

AA provides a proven formula for those who don't have one. I believe a motivated person can bring these elements of recovery together on their own. Of course, the support of your DS community is always here as well!

Peace

When tried AA I was turned down in numerous attempts to get a sponsor. It took me awhile to realize that I could do it alone.

As I was recovering after they took me off the respirator in the hospital, a nurse told me that I was an independent person. This was an epiphany. It was after I got out of the hospital that my sobriety began. I did not need anyone. I could do it myself.

I like DS because, unlike a live group, I don't have to listen to everyone. I have made friends. We have cross talks in our Journal entries.

Maybe you need a beginners meeting!

When I went to a beginners meeting, people were throwing their numbers at me from throughout the hall! There was no shortage of possible sponsers. I still retain 3 today who I talk to on a regular basis. We are close friends. Sponsers and sponsees' ARE AA and I don't feel tethered to them in any way but it's nice to have friends when you need them!

God Bless!

I've got a lot of connections in the rooms, active here on D.S., and chair a meeting. Sponsorship is a major part of the 12 step program and since thats lacking in my personal program I feel that I am doing a great job staying sober but a mediocre job at this program. Alcohol and drugs ruined my life and I'm not about to distance myself from my own recovery but I do want to see what else is out there recovery wise. Thanks everyone for your insights and input. Much appreciated.

Hello kookoobrutus,

Maybe if you tried a few different meetings that there would be more potential sponsors available. I can certainly understand where your sponsor is at as I have found myself in a similar situation of not wanting to let people down but taking on too much and being unable to deliver what was promised.

Hopefully you will find something that works for you and as long as you are staying sober, other things will follow in due course whether through AA or some other alternative. If you are interested in learning more about the AA programme of recovery I would recommend watching the Joe McQuany Twelve Step videos. Some of them are available online (the first two at least) at the link below but you may need to buy the DVDs to get the rest. The complete set cost approximately $60 about five years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pVBDQPC2XQ

Joe and Charlies interpretation is only their opinion of AAs books and literature . No one speaks for AA and likewise the cost they charge makes AAs message through their participation look Institutional or like professional services offered..AA does not endorse or receive any of the monies connected with their tapes etc and are not allied, accept as a individual member of AA...

I found so many things to pursue other than characterizing AA as my only means of growth and support in my life from Zen to art appreciation etcccc Don't short change yourself explore other things and enrich your life in Body , mind and spirit:))) Be it through therapy work or in meditation Participate in your life and receive all the benefits you can muster:))))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lyve_egY8o

Billy

Does anyone remember Rich Man, Poor Man, with the good guy Rudy Jordache and the evil Anthony Falconetti with his dark clothes and eye patch? No matter where poor old Rudy went, there was the wicked Falconetti, lurking in the shadows. If Rudy had posted on DS, its a fair bet that Falconetti would have followed.

Dont know why I thought about that but there must have been a trigger somewhere.

I loved that show too Pj!! I think the eye patch falconetti had came from a fight he'd had with Rudi when they were merchant marines.
Billy

haha #13 I thought I was the trigger man !

Sorry, I just had to say it :)