gjm -- "Mind set and balance is key from me."

Exactly!

To me there is a difference between viewing myself as an alcoholic and as a non drinker. But that is not important -- the important part is finding the mind set and balance that works, and being comfortable in sobriety.

, That's what's cool once we make that decision and strive and find it, We found this recovery deal differently BUT its doesn't matter how we found it as long as we find it.

A gift for sure.

My experience was much like yours, I'd be so down after attending meetings I'd get drunk afterward. I'm sober today with a balanced life of Mass, therapy, online support, physical exercise, hobbies and two border collies.

Thanx everybody I enjoy to read all your opinions....Peace to everybody:-0

I know many meetings are filled with drunkalogs and drama. I had to get past that, and listen for the experience, STRENGTH and HOPE in meetings .... there are people there sharing how they got through those tough times, sober. There are people who are struggling, and share their struggles at meetings. I once was told by a sponsor to discuss my problems with her and share the SOLUTION at the meetings... when sharing at meetings, it's not all just about what OT was like... it's also about what happened, and what it's like now.

There are those who attend many meetings, don't drink, but still are living in the problem .. that's where they're at in their journey. There are also sober people who accentuate how working the 12 steps changed their thinking, and how that's helped them be healthier people... sharing the SOLUTION is just as important and sharing the problem and experience.

Identification, knowing there are others who have struggled and made it through those struggles by working the program, is what I listen for today. I still hear the drama, the drunkalogs, etc., which are cries for help. There were those in AA meetings that went beyond the drinking stories, and shared what worked for them to overcome those struggles...

If the meetings you've attended didn't share hope and solutions, there are other meetings that do.

I hope I don't forget I'm an alcoholic ... that's what got me to AA. The big book states that its main object is to find a power greater than yourself, which will solve your problem. I know for me, I just didn't have a drinking problem, I had a living problem...

I also gained insight outside of AA, through counselors, therapists, and spiritual teachers... doctors, etc.

I hope to pass on solutions to fellow alcoholics... just as I heard solutions passed on by others to me...

Dear Europa,
You have moved past it. I too quit ten or eleven years ago. Some days are harder but I am sure that is the way with the "Normals" too.
Relax and just learn to enjoy your life. The past is the past, do not forget the lessons learned in it but who wants to live in the past? Eric