Hello. This is my first post here. I found this site after being fortunate enough to hear from 5 members of AA last week. I was pulled over in January and received my first DUI. I have been attending a drunk driver program to get my license back. It was suspended for 90 days. One of the guys said something that really hit home with me. He said that he made all these plans to do big things but all he ever did was get drunk. He could have been describing me. All five of them said something that I could relate to. Afterward, I thought about how sick I had become of my drunken self and if this is something I should try. I'm tired of waking up in the morning and being ashamed of myself for the things I have done the night before. One of the members here has a signature that says - Alcohol can be used to preserve many things but not dignity.... how true.But I think..what will I do? My whole life revolves around booze. It is the only thing I do well.Is AA for me?thanks for listening...J
I can indentify with everything you shared Fredrico...
Is AA for you?
Your call....
I can share with you that AA saved my life....and is still teaching me...one day at a time...how to live...with myself....with others...and in reality...sober...
One hell of a lot better then it used to be..:)
Welcome to MIP....
__________________
"LOVE" devoid of self-gratification, is in essence, the will, to the greatest good...of another.
Welcome I'm glad you found this place. You ask is AA for you and as Phil said only you can decide but I would say the question really is are you as step one states "powerless over alcohol" in other words are you an alcoholic i think you are close to answering that question if you haven't already. There are what I would call red flags in what you wrote . "how sick I had become of my drunken self" "I'm tired of waking up in the morning and being ashamed of myself for the things I have done the night before. " I don't know how to post links here so you may have to cut and paste this but here's a link to the AA big book.
http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/en_tableofcnt.cfm you may find your answers in the pages of this book
the following is from the AA web site a section called "is it for you" these are some questions designed to help you decide whether you are an alcoholic or not.
Welcome to MIP. I could really identify with so much of what you said in your post. You really were describing me when I was drinking.
Nobody can tell you if AA is for you, but why not find out where a local meeting is held and go along and see what you make of it. You'll find the people are really warm, caring and kind. Your local Yellow Pages will have the local AA helpline number and they'll be able to tell you where and when meetings are held.
All I can add, is that my life has changed dramatically for the better since I started AA in late 2005. I just wish that I had done it years ago.
Please keep posting and letting us know how things are going for you, won't you?
Take care,
Carol
__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
hi, in jan of 2005 got my first dwi, thats the reason i came here, our stories are very much the same. i was also sick and tried of being sickand tried, with the help of this board and aa, i havent had to pick up a drink since, the only requirment is the desire to stop drinking, hope u stay around and get the benifits, of the program. Wagon
and congratulations to you all for staying sober that to me is an amazing accomplishment !
i have been reading the big book, thanks Bryan
we also had to watch a video a few weeks ago that was very powerful to me. Chalk Talk with Father Joseph Martin it is very good if you haven't seen it...it's pricey tho. 100 bucks for VHS
Welcome Federico! Tim, alcoholic. You've found out only some SMALL amount of misery that drinking can cause. Yeah, it sems like life is godd when you've had a couple/few and things are going right. But that changes, as you've seen.
Being able to stay sober makes for a wonder-filled life. It IS worth the effort. Sometimes this means changing your social circle from friends you used to drink with to new ones who don't. That can be tough but is often necessary for your own survival.
Keep going to meetings and "hook up" with some people there. Try several differnt meetings in different areas and times and ask for someone to be your sponsor. That will be realy helpful. Good fortune...Tim
__________________
"We posess the eyes through which the universe gazes with wonder upon its own majesty."
The only thing I can add to all the good posts above is that,, not all AA groups are the same. There are differences depending on the personalities of the leadership of any particular group. So if you go to one group, and it seems to have any negative stuff to it,, don't give up yet,,, but try another group. The book called 'the twelve steps and twelve traditions' gives a good idea of what the steps are about, and there is other literature. Same thing with picking a sponsor. Don't just pick the first one who volunteers, but wait till you've attended a few meetings and know a bit more of what to look for in a sponsor, and/or who is qualified to recommend one to you.
welcome to recovery!
amanda
__________________
do your best and God does the rest, a step at a time
Welcome Frederico, to MIP. This is such a good place to come to for suggestions and shares/sharing. Remember that these are suggestions only, it will vary with each of us and our viewpoints. I found that in the beginning I kept it as simple as someone like myself could. If there were a way to complicate it, I sure as heck would. Simple was best for my poor burnt out brain ;)
I remember vividly standing in my living room saying "what do people do if they dont drink?". I envisioned this looooong life of boredom and of being boring to others (of course, since I was so great when I was drunk, right? LOL). Now, I look at my life, one day at a time, and at the end of the day I wonder "how the hell did I find the time to drink?". Life is good, it fills you up with itself. Be easy on yourself for a bit, no expectations, just do it a day at a time the way that is right for you. Alot of great people at meetings, good companions, and it's so nice to have some numbers to call with questions and support between those meetings.
Glad you are with us, Chris
__________________
"Never argue with an idiot... They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience..."
Welcome, Frederico, so glad you've joined us. I identified a lot with your share & where I was when I was drinking. I especially felt it was all I was good at & when my Sponsor told me that as long as I don't pick up that first drink I'll be in with a chance.. To see what else I'm capable of & I really didn't think I'd actually be able to learn & have stuff stick. Takes a long time, slowly with little steps OneDay@aTime but kid you not it all adds up & I agree with Chris, I have no idea where I would find the time now. Just goes to show how much my life was on hold whilst I drank. Before, during & after! Keep coming back & letting us know where you're upto. We're all here for you, Danielle :)
__________________
Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
