Alcoholism Support Group
Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.
"These men had found something brand new in life. Though they knew they must help other alcoholics if they would remain sober, that motive became secondary. It was transcended by the happiness they found in giving themselves for others."
~Alcoholics Anonymous, "Big Book", 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 159~ {5-2015}
~Alcoholics Anonymous, "Big Book", 4th Edition, A Vision For You, pg. 159~ {5-2015}
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Dick Van Dyke’s path to sobriety was a turning point in his life and career. Here’s what happened:How He Got SoberStruggles and Realization: Van Dyke began drinking as a teenager, largely to cope with shyness and social anxiety. Alcohol made him feel more comfortable in social settings, but over time, his drinking spiraled out of control. By his mid-40s, he recognized that he had an addictive...
This is very confusing when you just post certain passages. What I think would be more impressive would be your own experience, strength and hope. Maybe you could consider that?
My sponsor once said to me, the only way if you have something is to give it away, because you can not give away what you do not have.
It has been my experience when I have a meeting with a sponsee and have thought I would much rather out there catching squid or watching football, I have gone to the meeting with resistance.
Not once have I left the meeting not feeling buoyed, I have a natural high with an inner glow that no man made chemical could make me feel.
G8
On that note though, just came back from a meeting me and some friends started a year back. It's grown from 4/5 to 19 people and we like to think it has a real welcoming feel. Lots of laughter, not so many opinions and experts...just a safe and attractive place for people to come and be with like minded people :)
P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Y3Q7H2urto&list=PL9285D44ED7F7B18B
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtN1YnoL46Q
My disease is only at bay. I find that by seeing new recruits at my meeting I don't want to get back in the ring.
I try to reach out my hand and help.
It helps me ultimately
1-2
Newcomers at meetings have names, histories, emotions...there is so much more on offer I think when we learn to look past the label and realise (again) there is a whole other person over there.
Like Billy says emotional vampirism gets really stale and isn't helpful for either party in the long run..."come here and let me help you....please!!"
Nothing personal, no attacks just there is so much more depth on offer I think...
P
I am greatful that I was welcomed in and try to pass along the news that things can get better.
See the first time I went to AA i was a real mess, I had just returned from a trip, and had gone on one of those prodigious benders and needed to hear there was something better. I only went to one meeting that time , but I remember seeing a guy dressed nicely and leave the meeting and get in his car. We never spoke, but I saw that sober could be good.
Maybe recruit is not the right word, but the chatting with a newbie and being able to see the ruin that has been booze helps me to stay sober.
1is2many
For sure the most dramatic change is in the early weeks but there have been so many more periods for me of more letting go, looking beyond the surface to the depth and weight of a life lived on completely different terms...outside of my own warped perspective and dis-ease. Honestly at times recovery-speak has just been another mask for me at times, one more way of compensating and hiding who I think I thought I was :) So much better to get comfortable...and uncomfortable with who I am and accept that...warts and all!
No intention to cause friction my friend, I just feel the need to share my own honest experience as it relates to recovery sometimes...anything else would feel fraudulent!
However, I'm a quick learner. So I saw it...I did it...I accomplished it...went to AA for 6 out of the 8 years I was sober....then I had heard everything I needed to remain sober...I participated in a month long step work shop...I had visited other institutions as a speaker...I became a role model for friends and family that were and are struggling with addiction.
I felt no need to return. Today I know what I have to do...I know I can get that all back.
I do believe people who have never experienced AA and have no where else to go to spend the time they spent drinking should absolutely try it. There is a new recovery plan...SMART...for those that feel they need groups to recover.
Groups sometimes helped me...to learn how to remain peaceful in difficult situations...but my counselor now does that same thing for me.
However, recovery is not impossible without any of these programs....My uncle is sober 25 years with no program.
clover :)...I don't know why I am so turned off by posts that talk about big book and 12 steps...because AA did really save my life at the time..but I am also of the mindset that there should be a separate board for AA/Big Book/12 Step discussions.
But then again...if we are not into the topic...we don't have to respond to the posts either.
I have no hard feelings with any of the people here that truly worship and believe in these programs...some of them are the nicest people I have ever met....I think I just get turned off when that is their only answer to someone who is struggling and no creativity of experience is given..its just...go to a meeting...
When I helped start a Works of Mercy group at our church, it helped me to put into action my beliefs that giving is a holy and empowering act; it also boosted my self-esteem and showed what a far more productive a better version of myself I can be when I keep booze out of my life.