So how are you doing? You've been having a tough time and you broke down and had a drink. Is it out of your system now?

Bob -- I so hope that what is going through your head is along the lines of -- "Well that wasn't worth it. I don't need to do THAT again!"

Don't get too down on yourself -- use this as an opportunity to recommit to your sobriety -- you know it is the right path for you.

Bob, do ya really think those "triggers" made you have that drink or something a little deeper?

As far as the x wife deal time to move on maybe?

bob, do not be hard on yourself!

slips are planned occurrences....we let something go....time to redouble efforts with the newcomers.....hugs bill

we are all here for you. just stop, take a deep breath, and move on. we all love you dearly.

It isn't things that happen that cause us to drink it is our ability, or lack of ability, to deal with those things that makes the difference.

When I am in fit internal condition anything can happen and I wont deal with it by drinking. When I am not in fit internal condition nothing needs to happen and I will eventually find some reason to drink.

Guess from your mention of a sponsor that you are in AA? Where are you with the steps. They are the only way that I found to get myself into a position where I could live life sober regardless of what happens.

bob, BBH is right. I needed AA & outside help to change that THINKING problem. I had always used alcohol to cope with life. There is a better way to live. I found that better life in AA.

I was in mental relapse in 2002. It's a miracle that I didn't drink. It was only through inventory that I discovered that, once again, I wasn't a victim of anyone or anything. I had stopped doing the do things. Today I'm more involved than ever in AA. I have 2 meetings that I'm honored to open the doors to, make the coffee and scour the bathrooms if needed. I work with newcomers, earnestly seek God's will for me and live to the best of my ability by spiritual principles. That's not a brag. I don't deserve a pat on the back for any of it. I'm just trying to give back what was so freely given to me. For me, it's vital to stay grounded with God.

I'm sorry that you considered a drink as the only way to deal with the pain. Unfortunately, too many good people, such as yourself, fall by the wayside. I'm sending prayers your way. Are you going to re-establish at a meeting soon? I hope you jump back into AA with both feet. There's a better way to deal with life that doesn't include alcohol.

Bob, I've been following some of your posts about your living situation and I think you need to get the heck out of there. If you can't afford it, find a sober roommate. Your trigger is living in the same house as your recently ex-wife and her new boyfriend. That is a VERY difficult and unhealthy circumstance. Get out of there and move into a new phase of life. Sorry if I sound blunt, but I think you will be happier if you move on with your life, and let them move on (or let them deal) with theirs.

I commend you for getting on and posting instead of getting drunk. Tomorrow, you'll have the same sobriety we all do. One gloriuos day. Remember HALT, hungry , angry, lonley, tired. All normal life situations but we alcoholics have to be carefull not to let them get too extreme.

I too am glad that you came here and posted. I can't really add to what others have said here - just that I'm pulling for you and hope that you find peace with those things that bring you pain and unease.

Hope you hit a meeting today :)

Paul

Sorry to hear it, Bob. Guard your sobriety and cut the ex loose for good.

Good for you for telling us - but I'm so sorry that you drank.

You had some pretty solid sobriety - at least you sure sounded like you did. You can do this.

I find that the best thing for me - when I'm lonely, frightened, or irritable is to get myself to a meeting, immediately.

Nothing outside of you is to blame bob.

I think you are pissed off-am I right? Of course you may have a gazillion reasons for this, and to feel resentment too-but where does that get us, ever?

Can you perhaps attend a group for recently divorced men-to get through this in one peice? Resentments, anger, lonliness-all a part of divorce for many. But for us it can be deadly. Go see if you can find a group for divorced men.

I had just one drink. I wished I didn't but I did. Not a full blown relapse but it could have been.

I know what caused it and I know how to avoid it in the future.

My ex and her boyfriend are in Florida. God Bless them, I hope they are happy and I mean that, not being sarcastic. I have no anger in my emotional make up. I am different in that respect, I know because many times, anger is one of the first negative emotions alkies talk about at meetings.

I am actually pretty happy. Just me and the dog and I can do what I want, when I want. Like Sunday for example, I pulled the chair in front of the tv, watched my patriots, and I was in heaven :)

Alot of good suggestions here and the time you guys take to reply means alot to me! Thanks!

God Bless!

You are brave to put your recent slip on here, but you know you have a huge support system.

How about a free dating site where you could meet someone in your area who might have similar interests. There is nothing like watching a ball game with a friend, eating special snacks and just plain relaxing.

Hope you are doing great in Maine - it is getting chilly in MD!