Hey KitKat,
I’m new to this group but i have been sober for a while. What kind of strategy or actions have you been taking to not drink? I’m not sure what kind of support you are looking for.

Hey nothearher,
I’m new to this group as well. Today is my first day. I’ve been struggling with learning how to stop my addictions, alcohol being one of them, and have had a hard time with filling the void. I’m looking for suggestions on different types of strategies/actions that others have that have helped them out? I’ve never had an addiction problem my entire life up until recent but here I am in the thick of things and need help...

Addiction is a symptom of deeper emotional issues which is why it is classified as a mental health disorder. No matter how many times I tried to quit, I always failed. Eventually, I came to the conclusion, I needed help. I checked myself into a hospital detox for 4 days and from there, I went into an IOP, (Intensive Outpatient Program) I was diagnosed and treated for the underlying issues that triggered my addictions such as depression and anxiety which made it alot easier to stay sober. When I left the IOP, I continued with regular attendance at AA meetings which helped me alot.

That was 10 years ago. Today I have a great life and I have never been happier.

Good luck on your road to recovery. May you find peace and happiness along the way.

God Bless

welcome to our group kitkat and know myself how addiction invade your life without you even realizing it. I tried stopping many times on my own, but was only successful when I joined a recovery group that not only supported me in abstinence but provided the steps to uncovering the root cause of my addiction and supplied the tools to stay sober. have you reached the point that you really want a new life without alcohol and willing to do whatever it takes to fight the battle of your life? because that's essentially what recovery is, breaking the chains of addiction, and discovering the true self that's been waiting to be liberated. there are many options for help, including AA and Refuge Recovery which both have step programs to guide you along the way. if you're really ready for a change, this is where it begins. wishing you the best and please stay in touch!

I quit a million times, until I found a replacement, I would always go back.

Awhile back I was at my ropes end, it was a sunday morning, like today, and I was super hungover and in a pickle. I couldn't live without booze and I couldn't live with it. I was scared. I googled an AA meeting and drove around all day until the 8pm meeting. I went in and that was the best decision I have ever made. I found a way to cope with things. I found new friends. I found a way to plug the jug and keep it that way. I found a way to be sober AND Happy.

Its been six years since that sunday morning. I can't believe it but somehow if I continue to hit a couple of meetings a week and don't get overwhelmed I can stay out of the bottle

I wish you a new life of dreams and hope. It is waiting for you, go get it!

1is2many

Keep posting and keep sharing your thoughts. Anything to not pick up that drink.

Yes, give us an update. And it doesn’t matter is it is a raging success or a disappointment for you. We know how hard this can be. We’d rather hear from you than have you feel afraid to report your experience. We’re all just trying to get through today....some of us have accumulated more days than others, but that doesn’t matter.

Thanks you guys for all your support and kind words. I really appreciate all the help I can get and look forward to continue growth. It’s easier said than done, I know I can’t do this alone and thank you for chiming I’m on my conversation. I’ve tried AA, but haven’t had any good luck with finding a good fit for me. The last time it was very depressing as everyone seemed isolated. Hopefully you guys can help me with advice on a good support group/AA group local to me? I’m in Chino Hills

Hi KitKat, welcome, and good luck to you.
I like the sobriety app called "I Am Sober" which is more than just a counting clock... it is a daily pledge (I schedule mine at 3, the drinking hour for when I used to drink) and the pledge also includes a daily motivation statement which is nice; then at the end of the day is the "progress" report. So the app is very interactive. You write your own "pledge" so it's a reminder to yourself, from yourself; and then the motivation statement originates within the app.
The thing I liked best about AA is finding an AA friend who is a supportive party of my recovery. It may take a while; but finding a support is very helpful.
We're all in this together, Hang in there and check back in.
SeaQ

KitKat. I’ll ask around about Chino Hills meetings. I go to a meeting in Irvine and it’s fantastic. I know people that drive from all over for it. I’ve been to bad meetings; they exist so i know how you feel.

Assuming the transportation isn't an obstacle, sometimes driving for a little while to get to a really high fidelity meeting can:

Take you out of the (too) familiar and comfortable surroundings

Get you to a place where the Anonymous dimension of AA can actually operate

Give you time to prepare for, and reflect on, how you are doing in this journey

@kitkatg1, the great void you wish to fill is you. Addictions are about a-void-ing self reality. Recovery is about self honesty, the exact opposite of avoidance (self-deception or denial). The twelve step program is about discovering who you are and maintaining that awareness. If you wish to fill the void, get into the 12 step program - boots and all.

Hi and welcome. As you have tried a few AA meetings, it might be worth trying Step or Big Book meetings - you should be able to find them on the USA AA website. Those are the type of meetings that I found most upbeat and helpful.

I am in Europe so can’t be sure how AA meetings in your country operate.

I didn’t like AA meetings that much at first but then I was lucky enough to meet some members who helped me to understand, through my own experience (and them sharing theirs) whether I was alcoholic and told me about the 12 Steps programme which could help me to recover. I did recover with one to one, face to face help through the work. I still go to meetings.

I hope you find the right help for you soon.

Hi good luck getting through today and the next many days. Try not to beat yourself up too much if you fail this time... I find when I drink it's the guilt that makes me want to keep drinking, and then I start the vicious cycle. Keep your head up no matter what happens.

I’ve been battling this alcohol addiction for a year and a half. I don’t know what the root of it is. I come home and first thing I think of is a drink. I know the 12 step program works but iim not motivated to go to it.