Countdown moved to New Comer Section

[Barto]

I posted this question in the countdown thread that was moved to the ‘new comers” section: Of those that posted their sobriety date, are you sober through a 12 Step program or by some other method.

The reason I did this is to see whether many are able to stay sober long term on their own. The reasons I am posting this here is that I don’t know how many of you frequent that section.

[sugErspun]

Oh - mine is on that thread.

For repeating - 3/9/07, active AA.

[CarolD]

Yes...I responded to that thread

Mine is 4-25-89
and if you read my sig line you'll know how.

I think I also said that in my reply.

Thanks for asking Barto

[miss communicat]

Dec1st:

1st time was Dec 1 1988 - AA
1996 I stopped attending AA meetings, and utilized other avenues to maintain growth and sobriety between 1996 and 2001.
2001 I went back out (quietly, no major loss)

2005 I found sobriety again on Dec 1 2005

What is different this time?

100% surrender, stepwork, service IN AA as well as inother areas of life, and fellowship.

[nandm]

March 13, 2001.

[Zoobear]

8/20/87
Active in AA.

[Rob B]

I have one sobriety date: 7-08-04

I was done when God placed me in AA. Thanks to the 12 steps I will never have to drink again,provided I maintain my conscious contact with God and continue to work the program as it is laid out in our basic text on a daily basis. This is a price I am gladly willing to pay.

[sailorjohn]

11-17-06 Aa

[barb dwyer]

08/29/06

Aa

[serenityqueen]

July 25, 2005

for me it's

AA and NA all the way

I tried doing this myself. It didn't work for me at all.

A Meeting a Day Keeps the Monster Away!




"Keep comin back, it works if you work it . . "

[Tazman53]

I had hundreds, maybe a thousand sobriety date until I got into AA, my sobriety date is part of my signature.

Any thoughts on putting your sobriety date in your sig?

[Sugah]

10-28-2002, by the grace of my HP, the program, and the fellowship of AA.

In that order.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[Barto]

I was wondering if there are many (or any) non-twelve steppers here who have been sober for a while. Are there many or any non-twelve steppers that have been sober a while here at SR?

[Jfanagle]

10-15-1999

AA was the only way I thought I could "learn to drink better" then get back to the bars. After 90 days realized AA didn't mean YOU CAN'T DRINK ANYMORE", but rather that
"YOU DON'T HAVE TO!" as a result I stuck around.

[Barto]

Beautifully said JF.

[bugsworth]

Barto, I am not sure what "a while" constitutes...but I have been sober for 10 months.

I got my start in aa..90 in 90..etc. Now I am a member of DIY...it works if you work it!!

[yogurt75]

May 15, 1975 - God

(PS - I am also a member of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous since that date as well)

[Barto]

God, yes. I think that's the point of AA...

[Barto]

I didn’t state how long "a while" was because I wanted to see how long people were making it without Twelve Step programs. (BTW, did you ever take all twelve steps?) What’s DIY?

[bugsworth]

DIY is Do It Yourself...

As far as the steps I did step one with qualifiers...lol

[Barto]

Can I ask what the qualifiers were?

I could never do it by myself. I tried for years and never got past a month or so. That month was agonizing and I was doped up to the max too.

[bugsworth]

I don't believe I am powerless BEFORE alcohol enters my body. After that all bets are off.

I have quit before on my own...unfortunately I always went back...not this time...as Rufus says...I am full of booze...DONE

[Barto]

I hope you can stay off booze and find peace without AA. I know the steps are sometimes difficult, especially early on; taking them requires some serious change. But I’ve come to believe AA is the easier softer way “for me.” Of course, there may be other ways to stay sober.

Speaking of the mental obsession to take the first drink, which it appears you know is a huge component to the disease of alcoholism according to the “Big Book,” what do you think you’ll do if you drink again? Will you try AA (taking the Twelve Steps)? Of course, if you don’t drink again the point is moot. I’m just asking "what if?"

[bugsworth]

Hard to answer a what if question....

Thankfully the "mental obsession" of which you speak is gone. I can't imagine returning to my old way of life....I am no longer that person. I have taken back my power.

[Barto]

I sincerely wish you well.