A 24 hour program

[nandm]

I believe one of the most simple and important concepts for any alcoholic to understand and find/maintain sobriety is the concept of the "24 hour program." So what is the 24 hour program you may ask....it is simply changing how we view drinking.

When I was drinking there were many times when I would do something stupid, black out, have a horrible hangover, or whatever and then the next day with the utmost sincerity swear I would never drink again. Every time it was only a matter of time before I was right back with a drink in my hand rationalizing why it was ok for me to drink again.

That is why I feel the 24 hour program concept is so important for both the newcomer and the AA veteran. The problem with swearing off something for life is that many times it will be counter productive. Instead of strengthening our resolve it only creates a greater obsession in the mind. Instead of thinking only of today, the time we have right now, we become consumed with tomorrow because we now have to remember not to drink tomorrow. By only thinking about "one day at a time" we take the pressure of "forever" off our minds.

The 24 hour concept helps me to stay in today. I don't have to worry about tomorrow and whether or not I will drink. Today is the only time I really have and the only time that really matters. I can not change what I will do tomorrow but I do have a choice about what I will do today, right now.

For me the most important chip I have ever recieved is my 24 hour chip. It is the chip that does the most to keep me sober as it reminds me that I only have to stay sober today. I don't have to worry about tomorrow and can't change what I have done in the past. It is a relief for me. I still carry that 24 hour chip in my pocket and when I need a reminder during the day I can put my hand in my pocket and remember I only have to not drink today.

No more promises about not touching a drop again, no more cold sweats and frustration worrying about never being able to drink again I just have peace with the fact that for today, I choose not to drink. Forever is a long time but today is only 24 hours.

Pick up that 24 hour chip and hold it dear to your heart and it is likely you will find as I have that today I do not have to drink.

On a side note: A few weeks before I sought sobriety I was so tired of the struggle with alcohol and truly was to the point I thought there was no way out other than an alcoholic death. It was during that time, at the age of 35, I got my first tattoo. Actually, more of a book than a tattoo. I joke about it being reading material for anyone sitting behind me who is bored. It is on my right shoulder and truly describes how I felt at that point in my life. Ironically, it also describes the 24 hour concept to a tee.
Here it is:
Live for today,
Yesterday's gone,
and tomorrow may never come.
I wish you many 24 hour days of sobriety. Thanks for contributing to one more 24 hour day for me.

[Tazman53]

Very well said, I have found life and sobriety to be so much easier to deal with one day at a time, living in the moment, because that is where I am always at, the past is gone and can not be changed, the only effect I can have on the future is what I do in this moment so I can not live in the future because it is not here.