Brother Going To AA Again

[livenletlive]

Hi family,

I am happy to report that my brother is going to AA meetings with me. He started yesterday and I am so delighted.

He has been drinking and drugging again after 4 years of sobriety and had taken a fall. On Sunday morning, he was arrested for his 3rd DWI and faces stiff penalties. I feel bad for him since he was so good for the 4 years.

I tried to keep him from going back out when I became aware of him leaving the house while drunk and high. He wouldn't listen and it cost him dearly. At least another person or himself was not harmed. I had to bail him out Monday and he has court tomorrow. He got a good lawyer so, hopefully, he won't have to do jail time, as it does nobody any good. I think detox, rehab, outpatient and AA are much better options than a jail bid.

What I thought was remarkable, is that he went to a meeting after all that humility and at the end of the meeting told me he enjoyed it. Goes to show how strong the meetings are. He could have easily kept drinking and drugging out of remorse and the threat of his life being over as he knew it.

Mondays maladay was a reminder to me on how important sobriety is and makes me not want to pick up a drink so long as I live. What a reminder when our possible fate hits so close to home! I felt like I was going though the system along with him. I spoke with the detective, went to the arrainment, waited for him with probation and STEP (I don't know what that is...just know it must be a form of substance abuse couseling), and got the car out of the impound.

Just another nighmare drinking does to us. And, a sobering story to help us stay strong. I hope he continues his sobriety. I am responsible for my program and he is responsible for his. But, one fact is sure for me, that if I slack off and don't make meeting, drinking is enevitable. He was no longer going to meetings and thought he had all the info he needed. His attitude was getting worse and worse, leading to this debacle.

So, keep making meetings is my lesson. Thanks for reading this. And, if you have info on the STEP program or at leas what the acronym stands for, I would appreciate it.

[CarolD]

Sorry I have no idea what STEP is.

Thanks for sharing and yes....meetings are vital to me too.

Blessings to you and your brother...

[fraankie]

all you have to do is call the STEP program
it must be listed
or they had to give him some info on it
good idea
is go to a meeting with him
support him

best
fraankie

[livenletlive]

Originally Posted by fraankie

all you have to do is call the STEP program
it must be listed
or they had to give him some info on it
good idea
is go to a meeting with him
support him

best
fraankie

Yep, I am sure he will come home with info and will be able to tell me soon. I may just sit in with him if it is allowed. I think is is one on one though.

And, thanks for the kind words CarolD.

[Music]

[quote=livenletliveI tried to keep him from going back out when I became aware of him leaving the house while drunk and high. He wouldn't listen and it cost him dearly. At least another person or himself was not harmed. I had to bail him out Monday and he has court tomorrow. He got a good lawyer so, hopefully, he won't have to do jail time, as it does nobody any good. I think detox, rehab, outpatient and AA are much better options than a jail[/QUOTE]

Sorry, no sympathy here. I wouldn't have bailed him out of jail. He knew what he was doing when he made the decision to go back out. Sometimes the only way to learn is through the hard lessons.

[FriendofBill]

Hi Live,

Glad he is back, but keep your expectations low. There is no guarantees, only time will tell if has has the desire to stop drinking and drugging.

I do agree with Music, bailing him out may have been enabling (Yes, I did same with my ex).

Remember, dont do for him, what he needs to do for himself!