Alcoholism Support Group
Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.
Hi. I want to say my experiences in AA. I really liked AA before I went to a certain drug and alcohol rehab, after a relapse. At this rehab, which had NOTHING to do with AA or the 12 steps, it was all about yelling and screaming abuse at each other. Another tactic they had was to ostracise me from the rest of the house for a while, doing all the shit jobs around the place, and then getting screamed at in group 'you're STILL not changing!'.
Anyway, after this rehab, I was severely traumatised for a long time. Also, my perception of AA changed totally. I was paranoid there, perceived attack a lot more, thought people were out to control and criticise.
Slowly, over the last 25 years, I've improved - and, funny enough, so has my perception of AA. But - there's still some lingering paranoia and defensiveness.
I am, by the way, 7 years sober after a relapse. Last night, I was asked to speak at a speaker meeting. I shared for 15 minutes and talked a fair bit about higher power. I said 'either there's a higher power, or I'm the centre of the universe.' As I spoke, I felt such peace.
Then, others were invited to share. They'd start by saying 'great to hear you share' or 'thanks for sharing' and then talk on their take on things. There was a lot of talk about higher power and different faiths.
I felt close to everyone, and a lot of peace, it was amazing.
I hope this was a breakthrough.
I've learnt from my own experience, that the way other people seem is a lot to do with how we perceive them.
Anyway, after this rehab, I was severely traumatised for a long time. Also, my perception of AA changed totally. I was paranoid there, perceived attack a lot more, thought people were out to control and criticise.
Slowly, over the last 25 years, I've improved - and, funny enough, so has my perception of AA. But - there's still some lingering paranoia and defensiveness.
I am, by the way, 7 years sober after a relapse. Last night, I was asked to speak at a speaker meeting. I shared for 15 minutes and talked a fair bit about higher power. I said 'either there's a higher power, or I'm the centre of the universe.' As I spoke, I felt such peace.
Then, others were invited to share. They'd start by saying 'great to hear you share' or 'thanks for sharing' and then talk on their take on things. There was a lot of talk about higher power and different faiths.
I felt close to everyone, and a lot of peace, it was amazing.
I hope this was a breakthrough.
I've learnt from my own experience, that the way other people seem is a lot to do with how we perceive them.
Great insight you have - my own perceptions cannot be trusted at times, I regularly question them as part of essential spiritual growth. The same situation can be perceived very differently through someone else's eyes. Too easy to forget that sometimes!
Thanks for your post.
I like that!!
I remember an old timer telling me that we have to pick meetings/and recovery programs, like we did bars...some we feel at home in, others, not so much....find one that fits your needs.
Great stuff - thank you for sharing!
(I too enjoyed that "either there's a higher power, or I'm the centre of the universe." - gonna steal it ;) )