Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob B  This is describing the powerlessness-insanity PRIOR to drinking alcohol, which will set off the physical craving. Many people believe they are only powerless after the 1st drink, not true for a certain type. |
In my case, I have all of the rock-solid proof I need:
-In January 2006, I
seriously decided to quit drinking. I attempted this using self-will and recovery literature.
-From January 2006 until December 2007, I drank at least a dozen times. Before each drink/bender, my thinking was along the lines of “it will be different this time”. Insanity. Powerless. After each bender - "I learned my lesson, I will quit for good".
-I have not had a drink since December 2007, one day at a time. I could not have accomplished this through self-will alone. For me, it comes down to spiritual fitness and living the 12 steps.
If I had the power of choice, I would have quit years ago.
I believe that it was my ego which prevented me from accepting this very obvious fact, still pretending that I am in control, that I am always right.
Thanks for this thread. We have just started a 12-step commitment group and there are individuals who believe that powerlessness only refers to what happens after the first drink. It didn’t feel right at a gut level but I had nothing to point to, to articulate it. I will be sure to pass this on.