I'm doing much better than before. What's up Bob?

What helps me is to think rationally. Think of how you feel and what Alcohol does to your life. Get out, go for a morning/night walk. Spend more time on a hobby, or family etc....

What's bothering you? I see you have been sober for 12 months that is an accomplishment in itself!

No, it doesn't bother me at all - and hasn't for some time. Is this just a general question? How about you?

Being alone is my weak point. I like being alone but my mind tends to go back to the things I use to do alone. I haven't givin in yet but it's an ongoing battle

Sorry to hear you are finding it a battle, Bob. Have you talked this over with your sponsor?

I know that if I did not practise my programme every day I would start to slip into the things and thoughts that lead me back to drinking.

At a year sober, are you working with others? Step 12 work is amazing and so beneficial both for you and sponsees. Even just carrying the message at meetings helps a lot. Do you do telephone responding and 12 Step visits? All of these things are great action steps and take our minds off ourselves.

Just a few suggestions for now.

One thing I know for sure is that if we are working/worked the steps, we shouldn't have the 'ongoing battle'. It should be as easy and effortless as breathing. It just comes naturally.

I'm sorry you're feeling this way! It doesn't and shouldn't be like this.

Rainbow is absolutely right, it doesnt have to be that way.

The trouble with battling not to drink is that, if you are anything like me - an alcoholic, it is a battle that you will always lose eventually. At some point the drink will always beat my willpower and determination.

The only chance I have of staying sober is making sure that I am not relying on me fighting alcohol. I have to find a way that doesnt rely on my willpower and determination.

I havent had to fight alcohol since I worked the 12 steps. How are you doing with working the steps and connecting with a HP that will provide the power you need? The sooner you are able to connect with that power, live by spiritual principles, and carry the message to others, the safer you will be.

Oh, and Bob, because you know I'm struggling still myself...it is because 1. I'm sponsorless (she must have quit on me), 2. I'm not working on the Steps because I'm sponsorless, 3. I'm not putting the effort in that I need to. I'm trying...but half measures avail me nothing. (o; Do the deal, and you will be free from this very soon! (o;

I relate with Bubz. Being active in the steps has lifted any desire to drink for me.

Are you doing ok?

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't notice your response to others before I asked my question. Sorry!

"We were powerless over alcohol and our lives had become unmanamageable; no human power could relieve our alcoholism, and God could and would if He were sought".

You don't have to live the way you are living, and you can get off the rollercoaster anytime that you want!

Staying in prayer....just talking to your HP for help will strengthen you..

Reading materials regarding recovery will help. I recommend an AA meeting. I promise there is someone there feeling just the same way. Hang on and don't give in.

I concentrate on step 11 often but maybe not often enough. At the AA meetings I attend, not enough is said about the Higher Power. I just passed my one year aniversery and my sponser gave me my certificate saying, "now the real work begins!"

I used to think about it all the time. I used my drinking as my social life and now that I don't go to the bars or clubs, I don't seem to have many friends. But I have found some sober friends and it means so much more now. It takes time and I don't think I'll ever "not" think about it but it doesn't really bother me too much anymore. Gotta pick friends carefully and even then who knows.

Congrats on one year Bob!

Bob You don't like being alone in fact you hate it. You like having no other people around and sharing your time with your best friend alcohol. I would suggest until you learn how to be alone without being lonely and the obsession to drink has been removed that you do your best to avoid it. Go to meetings hang out with sober people meet for meals, coffee, a movie etc. Your problem will pass with time and work.