What's the best gift AA has given you? - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

needtobefree · 07-11-2007, 07:12 PM

Apart from sobriety that is, lol.

I'm curious, I'm going to start AA with a vengeance next week. For now I'm wondering how AA has helped the members here achieve sobriety? Is there anything specific that stands out as key to your recovery?

***miss communicat*** · 07-11-2007, 08:11 PM

honesty
openmindedness
willingness

these things i never had, and today, because of becoming honest, I feel integrity in my life. because of openmindedness, i feel more peaceful. and, with willingness rather than willfulness, i am given greater spiritual strength and grace.

good luck to you!

BaldHeadedJohn · 07-11-2007, 08:40 PM

The knowledge that I'm not alone in this. The security of knowing help and understanding is there for me. A sense of connection with the human race (I really lost that feeling when I was drinking). The opportunity to be of service, even in small ways, to others.

**CarolD** · 07-11-2007, 08:44 PM

A solid relationship with God

A re connection with my family.

A blueprint for living sober with joy.

A purpose and direction that allows me serenity.

I do hope you too will find recovery.

stone · 07-11-2007, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaldHeadedJohn

A sense of connection with the human race (I really lost that feeling when I was drinking).

I can relate to that!

What a good question! Great answers too. (apart from mine! lol)

Gmoney · 07-11-2007, 10:13 PM

12 Steps.

**best** · 07-11-2007, 10:23 PM

Those who shared from what they knew helped me understand that what I was doing was a slow death and that I should stop for my own good.
When you drink....
and they would help me see the negatives that my drinking brought about.
I never had handcuffs on while sober.

So what have a gained from my eyes being opened?

My whole life and being sober to enjoy every wonderful moment or sober so I could deal with the moments that were not so wonderful. Drinking never solved a thing for me...it only added to my problems.

barb dwyer · 07-11-2007, 10:49 PM

More than I've given AA

Signal30 · 07-11-2007, 11:29 PM

Gratitude, a better relationship with God, a life I can deal with, acceptance, humility, happiness, self esteem, patience, and I'm actually starting to trust people a little more.

The list could go on and on.

Tom

Music · 07-12-2007, 07:05 AM

Ditto to everything that's been said so far. I drank for the first time when I was 18. I can still remember the feeling I had that very first time. I felt like I'd found the answer to my problems and insecurities. It was like I'd found a peice of the puzzle. As time went on, my drinking created more holes that needed to be filled with pieces that just wouldn't fit. I drifted away from any belief I'd ever had in God or any kind of higher power. When I came to AA, I began to find more pieces of the puzzle, but there was still one piece that just wouldn't fit. This past April at Easter, I was confirmed into the catholic church. I was brought up Methodist, but through AA, I found a higher power, which led me back to organized religion and I chose to become a catholic. It's been said, and the Big Book states that every human being is born with a fundimental belief in God. Going back to church has given me another new family and a group of friends outside of AA which has helped me to fit another piece into the puzzle. I'm excited and energized just like I was when I entered AA and began to find answers. I feel closer to God than I ever have. To receive God's grace is to receive an undeserved gift. All I had to do was make a decision to believe and exercise faith. I was like a lot of alcoholics I know in that I used to think that churches were just filled with a bunch of hypocrites. Now I know there's always room for one more.

gr8tful2day · 07-12-2007, 07:11 AM

No matter how tough the going gets, I always have the tools to get through...sometimes I dont think Im gonna make it and then the clouds part and the sun shines. I have learned that no matter how tough things get they will get better, and that I always have god, the fellowship and the ability to change! I love being sober today..I have just come through a really tough patch at a little over 5 years of continuous recovery and I am stronger, happier and more grateful than ever before. I sometimes wonder if the challenges in my life occur so that I can strenghthen my relationship with the Power. God Bless AA, and Alanon, heres to the journey!
L

Zanthos · 07-12-2007, 12:36 PM

A human being I don't mind being. And a life I like living.

GlassPrisoner · 07-12-2007, 12:36 PM

Serenity.....

parentrecovers · 07-12-2007, 01:29 PM

alanon and the 12 steps gives me a new way to think and act. it gives me compassion. and more choices.

and a lot more good night's sleeps!

great thread! k

Debaucher · 07-12-2007, 01:36 PM

I was rediculasly depressed when I quit drinking... I felt like crawling into a dark corner and crying myself to a permanent sleep... I just needed to go someplace I didn't feel so much shame... alone...

At an AA meeting I felt comfortable in my own skin... there were people strugling with the same stuff I was going through... it was so comforting to know I wasn't experiencing something new... that these folks had been there and done that! and WTF they are happy today... and they are reaching out there hand and want to help me... (kind of weirded me out at first but it felt good so and I needed help)...

I don't think I could have quit on my own. I tried it many times and always failed...

AA helped me stay sober enough to read the first 2 steps... and believe them...

AA helped me to repair my relationship with God... and everything else has fallen into line since then...

um... just wanted to add that all the steps are important but for me it seamed like once I got the first 2 in my head I was rolling down a hill and the momentum was too great from me to stop...

needtobefree · 07-12-2007, 04:17 PM

Hey thanks everyone for your feedback. It's so interesting to see how AA has helped everyone. I'm really looking forward to starting up AA now. I might even go tonight, it's just occurred to me that I'll be free to do that.

I think in some respects I'm already working on the first step. That acceptance that I am powerless once I start to drink is huge, that and the realisation that life is harder with alcohol than it is without.

Thank you so much for all your responces. I'm looking forward to going tonight now :0)

NOMOMERLOTMAMMA · 07-12-2007, 05:10 PM

Humility. (Funny how each time I'm in the room, there are a whole bunch of folks who think they are JUST AS SPECIAL as I thought I WAS. It's a lesson that I hear over and over...how could I have been soo very self involved???!! )Hope. Compassion. Strength. Surrender.

SaTiT · 07-12-2007, 10:21 PM

A new pair of glasses to see life through.

needtobefree · 07-13-2007, 10:19 PM

Thanks again :0) I went to the meeting last night, there were more members there than the first one, about ten I suppose. It was interesting although most of the ppl didn't seem to stick to the topic raised (how not to take the first drink - which I suggested) during sharing, which was kinda frustrating because I needed to hear that at the moment.

needtobefree · 07-13-2007, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaTiT

A new pair of glasses to see life through.

Funny enough, I'm getting a new pair on Monday :0)

GlassPrisoner · 07-13-2007, 11:24 PM

Quote:

It was interesting although most of the ppl didn't seem to stick to the topic raised (how not to take the first drink - which I suggested) during sharing, which was kinda frustrating because I needed to hear that at the moment.

Meetings are dynamic. Personally, I prefer the less structured ones, as long as we talk about recovery, and living life on life's terms.

Sounds like you've learned how to listen. That's a very good skill to have. I share, but infrequently. Mostly I listen intently.

Spiritual Seeker · 07-14-2007, 01:07 AM

AA- when I listen I understand my AS better and it gives me hope, because ppl do recover from addiction

aasharon90 · 07-14-2007, 01:40 AM

Continuing to be teachable.

It doesnt matter the number
of yrs sober or clean time one
has....We are all one drink or pill
away from a drunk or relapse
unless we forever follow the
principles of recovery set
down before us.

Living life on lifes terms.

Hi Im Sharon and Im an
alcoholic.

By the Grace of my HP
I havent had a drink of
alcohol since 8-11-90.

For that and u I am
truely grateful.

Thanks for letting me share.

07-11-2007, 07:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
needtobefree Open Minded Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: In recovery Posts: 224	What's the best gift AA has given you? Apart from sobriety that is, lol. I'm curious, I'm going to start AA with a vengeance next week. For now I'm wondering how AA has helped the members here achieve sobriety? Is there anything specific that stands out as key to your recovery? __________________ Recovery means saying yes to health, growth and happiness, freedom and spiritual development. It means saying yes to life and to love :0)

07-11-2007, 08:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
*miss communicat* sobriety is my yoga Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: in the present moment Posts: 1,943	honesty openmindedness willingness these things i never had, and today, because of becoming honest, I feel integrity in my life. because of openmindedness, i feel more peaceful. and, with willingness rather than willfulness, i am given greater spiritual strength and grace. good luck to you! __________________ i close my eyes and see clearly i stop trying to listen and hear truth i am silent and my heart sings i seek no contact and find union i am still and move forward i am gentle and need no strength i am humble and remain whole (ancient taoist meditation)

07-11-2007, 08:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
CarolD Forum Leader Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, Ga. USA Posts: 16,037	A solid relationship with God A re connection with my family. A blueprint for living sober with joy. A purpose and direction that allows me serenity. I do hope you too will find recovery. __________________ Each Day Sober Is A Victory!! Joy In AA Recovery!

07-11-2007, 10:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
Gmoney Recovering Addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Around the way Posts: 1,676	12 Steps. __________________ "One Promise, Many Rewards."

07-11-2007, 10:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
best Don't get undies in a bunch Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: South Shore MA Posts: 7,184	Those who shared from what they knew helped me understand that what I was doing was a slow death and that I should stop for my own good. When you drink.... and they would help me see the negatives that my drinking brought about. I never had handcuffs on while sober. So what have a gained from my eyes being opened? My whole life and being sober to enjoy every wonderful moment or sober so I could deal with the moments that were not so wonderful. Drinking never solved a thing for me...it only added to my problems. __________________ * I asked God to spare me pain. God said "No", Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me. Recovery Related Acronym B. E. S. T. = Been Enjoying Sobriety Today?

07-11-2007, 08:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
BaldHeadedJohn Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southwest PA USA Posts: 336	The knowledge that I'm not alone in this. The security of knowing help and understanding is there for me. A sense of connection with the human race (I really lost that feeling when I was drinking). The opportunity to be of service, even in small ways, to others.

07-11-2007, 10:49 PM	#8 (permalink)
barb dwyer same planet...different world Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: butte mt Posts: 7,142 Blog Entries: 3	More than I've given AA __________________ When I changed the way I looked at things, the things I looked at changed.

07-11-2007, 11:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
Signal30 Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 983	Gratitude, a better relationship with God, a life I can deal with, acceptance, humility, happiness, self esteem, patience, and I'm actually starting to trust people a little more. The list could go on and on. Tom

07-12-2007, 07:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
Music Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Zion, Illinois Posts: 1,586	Ditto to everything that's been said so far. I drank for the first time when I was 18. I can still remember the feeling I had that very first time. I felt like I'd found the answer to my problems and insecurities. It was like I'd found a peice of the puzzle. As time went on, my drinking created more holes that needed to be filled with pieces that just wouldn't fit. I drifted away from any belief I'd ever had in God or any kind of higher power. When I came to AA, I began to find more pieces of the puzzle, but there was still one piece that just wouldn't fit. This past April at Easter, I was confirmed into the catholic church. I was brought up Methodist, but through AA, I found a higher power, which led me back to organized religion and I chose to become a catholic. It's been said, and the Big Book states that every human being is born with a fundimental belief in God. Going back to church has given me another new family and a group of friends outside of AA which has helped me to fit another piece into the puzzle. I'm excited and energized just like I was when I entered AA and began to find answers. I feel closer to God than I ever have. To receive God's grace is to receive an undeserved gift. All I had to do was make a decision to believe and exercise faith. I was like a lot of alcoholics I know in that I used to think that churches were just filled with a bunch of hypocrites. Now I know there's always room for one more. __________________

07-12-2007, 07:11 AM	#11 (permalink)
gr8tful2day Lovinlife Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 22	No matter how tough the going gets, I always have the tools to get through...sometimes I dont think Im gonna make it and then the clouds part and the sun shines. I have learned that no matter how tough things get they will get better, and that I always have god, the fellowship and the ability to change! I love being sober today..I have just come through a really tough patch at a little over 5 years of continuous recovery and I am stronger, happier and more grateful than ever before. I sometimes wonder if the challenges in my life occur so that I can strenghthen my relationship with the Power. God Bless AA, and Alanon, heres to the journey! L __________________ "Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow." Alice M. Swaim

07-12-2007, 12:36 PM	#12 (permalink)
Zanthos Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 202	A human being I don't mind being. And a life I like living.

07-12-2007, 12:36 PM	#13 (permalink)
GlassPrisoner Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Murrieta, Ca Posts: 2,685	Serenity..... __________________ Life Happens

07-12-2007, 01:29 PM	#14 (permalink)
parentrecovers to dee or not to dee Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Posts: 12,683	alanon and the 12 steps gives me a new way to think and act. it gives me compassion. and more choices. and a lot more good night's sleeps! great thread! k

07-12-2007, 01:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
Debaucher Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Cleveland Ohio Posts: 274	I was rediculasly depressed when I quit drinking... I felt like crawling into a dark corner and crying myself to a permanent sleep... I just needed to go someplace I didn't feel so much shame... alone... At an AA meeting I felt comfortable in my own skin... there were people strugling with the same stuff I was going through... it was so comforting to know I wasn't experiencing something new... that these folks had been there and done that! and WTF they are happy today... and they are reaching out there hand and want to help me... (kind of weirded me out at first but it felt good so and I needed help)... I don't think I could have quit on my own. I tried it many times and always failed... AA helped me stay sober enough to read the first 2 steps... and believe them... AA helped me to repair my relationship with God... and everything else has fallen into line since then... um... just wanted to add that all the steps are important but for me it seamed like once I got the first 2 in my head I was rolling down a hill and the momentum was too great from me to stop... __________________ --- I pray that I don't forget what it was like to be newly sober. --- Last edited by Debaucher; 07-12-2007 at 01:39 PM. Reason: added last statement

07-12-2007, 04:17 PM	#16 (permalink)
needtobefree Open Minded Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: In recovery Posts: 224	Hey thanks everyone for your feedback. It's so interesting to see how AA has helped everyone. I'm really looking forward to starting up AA now. I might even go tonight, it's just occurred to me that I'll be free to do that. I think in some respects I'm already working on the first step. That acceptance that I am powerless once I start to drink is huge, that and the realisation that life is harder with alcohol than it is without. Thank you so much for all your responces. I'm looking forward to going tonight now :0) __________________ Recovery means saying yes to health, growth and happiness, freedom and spiritual development. It means saying yes to life and to love :0)

07-12-2007, 05:10 PM	#17 (permalink)
NOMOMERLOTMAMMA No more merlot, more mamma Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Hills, Ct Posts: 2,033 Blog Entries: 36	Humility. (Funny how each time I'm in the room, there are a whole bunch of folks who think they are JUST AS SPECIAL as I thought I WAS. It's a lesson that I hear over and over...how could I have been soo very self involved???!! )Hope. Compassion. Strength. Surrender.

07-12-2007, 10:21 PM	#18 (permalink)
SaTiT Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: anomaly Posts: 2,196	A new pair of glasses to see life through.

07-13-2007, 10:19 PM	#19 (permalink)
needtobefree Open Minded Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: In recovery Posts: 224	Thanks again :0) I went to the meeting last night, there were more members there than the first one, about ten I suppose. It was interesting although most of the ppl didn't seem to stick to the topic raised (how not to take the first drink - which I suggested) during sharing, which was kinda frustrating because I needed to hear that at the moment. __________________ Recovery means saying yes to health, growth and happiness, freedom and spiritual development. It means saying yes to life and to love :0)

07-14-2007, 01:07 AM	#22 (permalink)
Spiritual Seeker get it, give it, grow in it Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calif coast Posts: 2,207	AA- when I listen I understand my AS better and it gives me hope, because ppl do recover from addiction

07-14-2007, 01:40 AM	#23 (permalink)
aasharon90 Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Baton Rouge, La. Posts: 2,749	Continuing to be teachable. It doesnt matter the number of yrs sober or clean time one has....We are all one drink or pill away from a drunk or relapse unless we forever follow the principles of recovery set down before us. Living life on lifes terms. Hi Im Sharon and Im an alcoholic. By the Grace of my HP I havent had a drink of alcohol since 8-11-90. For that and u I am truely grateful. Thanks for letting me share. __________________ "A FRIEND IN NEED IS A FRIEND INDEED" SHARON M. Baton Rouge, La. 8-11-90 "Made A Decision To Turn My Will And Life Over To The Care Of God As I Understand Him."