Hi Bill,
I’m glad you reached out for support. I think that acknowledging it when you wrote “I am sure he is correct which is the hard part” … personally I believe that is the start of getting on the rite path as you clearly are not in denial, & they always say the start to fixing a problem is acknowledging it.

I wish you luck with your journey & hope someone else can maybe give some good advice.
Be patient with yourself & the process
Big hug <3

Don't feel guilty because we all do it to some extent, just by virtue of being human.

I use to think narcotics were my Gods because they made me feel so good but I learned I can feel just as good, or even better, by sitting in quiet and meditating....and there are lots of people who are idols to others like sports stars, movie stars etc, We idolize many, things,.....The key is just being aware like Missy said and forgive yourself, that's all.

yes I understand but he is saying I am not tithing or doing any service or volunteering,....completely selfish I know....

We live in such a consumer driven world, it's hard in the u.s. not to be. Everywhere you look we are being bombarded with ads. I think it's a good idea to hit other opinions but I agree, acknowledging it is a big part. Things are more expensive after covid too. You can always take a side hustle to help pay for things. And to me, just helping out by leading a meeting or cleaning up can very service work. Be gentle with yourself. We've all come through a really difficult time with no in-person meetings in some places. I know I became an amazing addict myself but at least I didn't drink and the ship has righted itself now.

We live in such a consumer driven world, it's hard in the u.s. not to be. Everywhere you look we are being bombarded with ads. I think it's a good idea to hit other opinions but I agree, acknowledging it is a big part. Things are more expensive after covid too. You can always take a side hustle to help pay for things. And to me, just helping out by leading a meeting or cleaning up can very service work. Be gentle with yourself. We've all come through a really difficult time with no in-person meetings in some places. I know I became an amazon addict myself but at least I didn't drink and the ship has righted itself now.

JP I rarely go to AA now....I do meetings of Debtors anonymous and spenders anonymous much more than I do AA....

sponsor told me that DA was not helping me.....

I'm sorry to hear that. Wishing you a happy 4th of July. I didn't even know there was a debtors anonymous. Take care

Human instinct is to survive. Having an addictive personality I not only want to survive I want to thrive!! More! More! More! It's a never ending battle! Thank God for unanswered prayers! I don't need a bigger house or a better car! With those things I would have to pay more money ,work harder. I just sit back and be grateful for what I have. Not always easy!!

Bill, I have been a member of this group (under various usernames) for quite a while, and for as long as I can remember, you have struggled with financial sanity.

You mention SA and DA which I assume are 12 Step programs. My question to you is whether or not you have found the hole in your soul that you try to fill with money and material things? I believe your issues are much bigger than sticking to a budget and freezing your credit cards. Have you applied the 12 Steps to your current situation or did you merely switch one addiction (alcohol) for another in an attempt to change the way you feel about yourself?

Praying for the struggling addict still out there...