If you're asking about a big book, here's my suggestion.

Before reading the first 164 pages which is about Bill's story and the program, I suggest you read from page 165 on.

They are short stories about people from all walks of life. You may not identify with them, gay, black, old, Native American, etc. but you may experience a commonality with their stories.

Once you've read their trials and tribulations, check out the first 164 pages.

AA seems like a lot to someone who isn't even sure they are alcoholic.

Best of luck. Keep asking your questions here. We have a great community. But for the $8 or whatever, the big book is well worth it.

Thanks for this, yes I was asking about the big book, not sure what happened to my post! Glad I found this forum, my partner and I have decided to have dry days every week. I'm struggling like hell with that and for me it's a horrible red flag.......

Hello Humphreysmum,

If you are struggling with your dry days your only option may be to quit drinking completely. The Big Book will explain the reasons why an alcoholic will often continue to drink after having decided to quit and why he or she cannot control their drinking as you are trying to do.

The video at the link below is based on the Big Book and it will give you a good insight into alcoholism.

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

The big book was an awesome start for me. Opened my eyes to a lot of things

I didn't have any trouble getting through dry days. Sometimes even all week. But when I did drink, that's where the trouble started. That 'one drink' turned into many. Lots of times drinking enough to pass out and not remember a lot the next day. I don't kid myself anymore that I can control it. I can't. I know this now. The only way to prevent an all-nighter is to not take the first drink.

It holds a few clues as to how it is possible to get sober
Saved my life.
1-2

Thank you all so much, I spoke with my sister last night who I think also has a problem but she's in denial as I have been. I'm slowly realising that I'm in the grip of an addiction. On the news yesterday they talked about alcohol causing 7 types of cancer. I'm ashamed to say it but I'm more afraid of quitting than I am of getting really ill. Speaks volumes. Scary......

Just take it a day at a time. Say I won't drink today. Good luck.

Thank you hati. To be honest I'm not there yet, still having trouble facing up to the fact that I have a problem. Feeling angry too, like why me? Why can't I enjoy alcohol without tearing the ass out of it every single time. Although reading stuff here has helped so much. Feel like I'm at the beginning of a very long road......

Hump, don't rely on your sister doing it with you. You can fight through your fears to get sober and perhaps your sister will follow. I've seen many families ravaged by the disease.

Hello Humphreysmum,

I can relate to how you are feeling. I can remember having those same “why me” thoughts, feeling sad and angry etc. In my case I had admitted to being an alcoholic but had not accepted it, although I could not see that until someone told me. Then it hit me right in the face and I sank into deep self-pity. Eventually, there came a point where I either had to accept the reality of where I was and find a way to deal with it or alternatively, drink on and face disaster.

Once I decided on sobriety, it was not a long road and it does not have to be a long road for you either. I got a sponsor and dealt with the whole issue in a matter of months. You can do the same, providing that you accept reality and are willing to do whatever it takes.

Thank you pj54 that makes me feel hopeful! Having said I'm not ready, it's 8.25 pm and I'm stone cold sober, unheard of in a sunny day off. Going to a party now so we'll see. It really is your mindset isn't it.

Hi Humph - yes the mindset has it. I am struggling too.It is so hard to do. Distraction helps a lot. When I go to lunch with my mate, she has wine and I have slimline tonic but it feels like I am tipsy which is because I am laughing. And at a party she had recently for the girls, I had two small glasses of Prosecco all night and felt on a high, again due to laughter. So I know if laughter is involved, the drink takes a back seat. Power of the mind is mighty.
We are in it to win it - and we must egg each other on with any hints. I think what I need is someone who can crease me up with laughter every evening lol - chin up you peeps who are struggling like me - and hang in there.

Interesting weekend, hardly had anything Saturday or Sunday, by which I mean 4 or 5 wines and I remember everything about both evenings. Monday night 2 wines, tonight 2 wines. Just need to turn the next corner to quit..... Don't want to slide back.

For anyone who is struggling with alcoholism and thinking that they could not enjoy life without alcohol, I would like to relate the following.

My life eventually came to revolve completely around drinking, to the extent that I believed that I could not do the simplest things without alcohol. I quit drinking eight years ago and it has been a most amazing journey ever since. I am just back tonight from a musical event of the highest standard and I could enjoy every note. It was held in a place that is not primarily a drinking venue but they do have a full bar. One of the amazing things was that of the 200-300 people there, a good few were not drinking alcohol. Those who were drinking, like my wife, had a couple of drinks and no more. I went to the bar several times and bought drinks but it is completely natural for me to no longer think about alcohol for myself. This is not due to any special gifts or talents on my part but it is just what happens when you decide to quit drinking and deal with the causes of the problem.

Therefore, no matter how hard you may be finding it right now, being sober can become the most natural thing in the world, even when you are standing at the bar.