Need is something that you have to have, and wanting is something that you desire. Not sure exactly what your question relates to, so could you please explain a little more? Thanks. James

You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.

One example:
Want - a cold beer would sure taste good after mowing the lawn on a hot day.
Need - I've only got 7 beers left so I need to get another 30 pack.
Mine was obviously the "need" example. I never wanted a drink.
Another:
I came to the rooms because I wanted to learn how to drink and still live.
I ended up with what I needed to not drink and live...
Thanx,
Dennis

This bloke was at a meeting and while sharing he said I haven't needed to drink alcohol for over ten years now. When someone in the room said I saw you drinking at the club last Saturday.The man replied yea but I didn't need it.

For me there were many times in early sobriety when I wanted to drink because that's what I always did, Times when my disease told me I may not be alcoholic .times when I had and argument at home or work.

Times on a hot day when I saw someone else drinking and I thought a cold beer would be nice.

There were many times I wanted to drink but because I was going to AA and doing something about the steps and I could see my life was better I didn't need to pick up that drink.

I may have wanted to but I didn't need to.

Similar to what James said.

God Bless...

Lionel

The needs and wants will make themselves clear as the days without a drink begin to pass by. It takes time to clear the fog of urgency and see the quiet but sureness of the needs. We talked and thought ourselves into the need when it was really only a want disguised as a need. Fear of something can surely turn a want into a need. I'm not speaking of the compulsion to drink from the physical allergy, I am only speaking of the part of the disease which makes us take that first, deadly drink. The part of our disease which tells us it will be different this time, I'm not really an alcoholic...

We are ultimately supposed to have our higher power show us the difference between our needs and wants. Left to my own devices, everything is pretty much on an "I need" level, and everyone I come into contact better know what I need, and fast!
I'm learning, but slowly.

What I was taught on this is that by the time we get to, in my case AA, it is evident that we NEED sobriety and recovery - we need it to the extent that if the drinking is not ceased, we will ultimately die.

The WANT, is your deep urge to stop - and that WANT will impel you to the actions needed to save your life, again for me, to dive deeply into AA, to get to meetings meetings meetings, get a sponsor, do the 12 Steps etc.

My Higher Power seems to know what I need so I don't have to worry about my needs as long as I stay sober and drug free and live my life by the 12 steps. With wants, comes responsibility and I am not very good at responsibility.

In regards to sobriety-

I want a cold beer, but won't have one because that is my choice

I need a cold beer and WILL have one because I have no choice

Pretty self explanatory - a need is a necessity and want is a desire. IMO no matter the need the want has to be stronger than the need.

Peace!

Hey, Bob
For me needs are things that sustain you, food , clothing , shelter, a ride to meeting, a solution to a problem like that....wants are on the other hand for me willfulness , neediness, selfishness like that... at its extreme. A happy medium....trust and alot of faith keeps me out of my head ,and acting out to, fulfill ,I want this I want that...It comes for me just when its suppose to...I really believe most things real, involve sincerity or appreciating things and taken care of them in a healthy manner...my thoughts Ha!!
nice post
Billy

a note to myself...I was in the shower and i thought I've walked to many ,many meetings Cause i wanted to...and needed many things cause i wanted to Weird huh ...but im not a stickler for you know perfection or facts ,,,understanding and awareness was the beginning for me.

I think that a need is necessity in life and a want is something that you don't really need?
I am still trying to define my wants and needs. Some days I know and others I don't. I tend to argue with myself regarding my wants and needs.