There are two good books I would recommend.
Recover by Stanton Peele and the naked mind by Annie Grace .Both will help you stay the course

The Stanton Peele book will help with the feelings part.

I have been sober for 16 years thanks to AA. Although I no longer go to meetings (haven't been to a meeting in about 10-12 years), the program has stayed with me and I enjoy a nice little life.

If you would like to hear more, message me. Or try one on the many other recovery programs available to you.

If you are lost, it might be helpful if we knew a little more about "where you are" so someone may perhaps be able to lead you home again.

Where do we go from here?

Get into a meeting and get into the fellowship. Greatest thing that ever happened to me.

I been to meetings and it just has never worked

There’s a difference between being at meetings and being in meetings. For me it helped to bond with the members and build a new support system. I wish you wellness. Glad we are in it together.

Some people muddle through life and don’t know they’re lost. The years I spent drinking were my lost years. I had given up on creating a better life for myself and was just going along for the ride.
The first six months of sobriety were painful because I had to face the mess I had made. Felt even more lost. Then I was guided to eastern philosophy particularly Zen Buddhism. The wisdom that has been changing me is the importance of daily practice. Could be called self care too. Or as is more appropriate for me; growing up.
Until we decide to help ourselves learn how to mature we will feel lost. I always thought I was mature. I’m a hard working skilled person but I haven’t put the effort into creating a healthy lifestyle. The last two years of sobriety is changing that.
I’m not involved with AA but it’s worth reading (and understanding) the 12 steps. And really grasping the one day at a time concept. It’s not just about not having a drink today. It’s so much more. It’s about healing ourselves a little bit more each day by teaching ourselves how to live a meaningful life. One where we love ourselves. Start forming good habits (if you haven’t already)
The ones that are working the most for me are healthy diet with lots of water, daily exercise and walk, no tv and reading instead. Meditation is important to remember to unplug and feel free in your mind and heart.
With the one day at a time approach these changes have turned me into a different person.
Like yardeggs said, let us know what you are struggling with. And don’t just say life:) open up to yourself and share what you feel you can.
I’ve been with this group for a few years and have seen two things. One: the folks that keep a presence here are staying sober and two: there are more who post once or twice and don’t come back. I can only hope that they are doing well but also wonder if that’s optimistic.
Sobriety takes work and not everyone is ready for that. It took me a while to get out of my ‘comfort’ zone and start living a fuller life. Now I see that I was not at all comfortable in that zone as it was a self imposed prison. The comfort was that it was familiar. And really boring. I like the spontaneity of seeing that it’s going to be a great sunset and bringing the kayak down to the river, or deciding to hike a mountain for an overnight. Or an art museum for the afternoon. Mostly I like feeling that I’m worth having these experiences. You are too.
I like to think of myself as simple and ordinary. In doing so I feel more connected with the human race. The only thing special about me is the choice that I make in this moment to be aware. And that’s enough.

Starbucks Girly, there are other philosophies other than AA. Do a Google search. One which resonated with me is rational.org.
AVRT, or addictive voice recognition technique is a fantastic tool to help you recondition your Brian.

Also, go,to YouTube and search for videos on quitting drinking. You can find tons of people who have shared their story and pick up some great advice. You can also see videos on AVRT there.

Choose Freedom, choose never again!

PuckChaser

I would like the address the "I went to meetings, it didn't work" line of thought.

I can go to WeightWatcher meetings every week, but unless I follow their suggestions and change my eating habits, I'm not gonna lose weight.

Likewise with AA. Most of the program takes place outside of meetings.

When I got sober, I had to be willing to do everything it took. Anything less, would have been an excuse, to continue drinking and to continue destroying my body, and the people around me who loved me!

I went through an IOP (Intensisive Outpatient Program) for 3 weeks and my counselors sent me to additional counseling when that was over with, lasting 3 months. Believe me, I was a hardcore addict of drugs and drinking and I needed all the counseling I received and I did everything I was asked to do because for me there was no other way.

Throughout all the treatment I received, AA meetings were a requirement. I got a sponsor and I did the steps and it helped tremendously. That was 12 years ago. Today I have a great life and I have never been happier. I wish the same for you.

God Bless

Bob, you said it. “I had to be willing to do whatever it took.”

When I made the commitment to “never again”, I became OCD on the subject of alcohol and addiction. I read everything on the internet I could find. Even though I was not a believer in the disease concept or of being powerless, I went to AA meetings 5-6 days a week for six months. One was a 12 week step course every Monday night with some really smart people, that I did twice in a row.

I also would prepare myself before social situations that it was possible someone might offer me a drink. I would visualize saying no thank you and then prepare quick answers in case someone pushed back. Being a hockey player, I played a lot of pickup games and there is beer in every locker room after every skate.

Only once did someone call me a P@$$y, but I handled it with grace and it never happened again. FYI, once in a while I still prepare myself and run those scenarios through my head on the drive to the rink. Can never stop being vigilant, ever.

The net of all of this is you must take responsibility for your addiction and make it your myopic focus to overcome. Less than 100% measures, no matter the path you chose, will surely end in failure.

Choose Freedom, chose never again!

PuckChaser

A very simple but profound statement. I am lost. I go to meetings, read the big book, pray, talk to others who feel lost too, and then try to be kind, nice, considerate, and understanding of what others believe and feel. Sometimes that make me feel so lost.

Thanks, I hope things get better.

Frederick,

Things will get better, when YOU want them to get better. You are a powerful person who is capable of amazing things. Starve your addiction to death. Don’t give in when it screws with your central nervous system and makes you edgy and anxious and fills your head w bad things. It’s all a ploy to get YOU to feed it, something it cannot do itself.

Choose Freedom, chose never again!

PuckChaser

I go through this every day myself....please hang in there and take care of yourself...its what we all need to do right now. I just try to stay busy with my garden/yard and horses coming in tomorro. Hang in there, prayers are with you