madhadder545

Hello my friend.. I would like to ask a very general question that means alot to me.. It's not a poll but you may answer like so if you like. I would like to know how long you were sober before you did your first step.
I have noticed that in different parts of the world and the country I live in people do thing's different. Thats why I'm curious.
Thank you
CJ

EricL

For me, my first step was done while drinking. Drinking is what proved me, convinced me, that I was real alcoholic and trying unsuccessfully to not take that first drink proved to me that I was beyond human aid.

My experience is that the first step is not done in a worksheet or pamphlet, it is not to be intellectualized, but rather experienced. And, if I am not sure that I am a real alcoholic, not sure that I have lost the power of choice in regards to alcohol, then the book is very specific: Try some controlled drinking, try it more than once.

Tommyh

I did my first 2 steps before I came back to AA when I was drinking,bu my sponsor had us go over them anyway...so we did

madhadder545

Ya I think at the very least it was a great idea to go back over them. I dont know what step your on now but maybe you should redu 1@ 2 again..Just a suggestion

TheJungianThing

I just wrapped up Step 1. Good idea. Now to see if I can "come to believe" again.

madhadder545

In reference to the question, How long have you been sober?

TheJungianThing

October 2002. But I repeat the steps 1-9 every so often. Last year committed to doing 1-9 every year.

madhadder545

Great idea and 10/11/12 are daily right?thanks

TheJungianThing

That's what has been suggested. I know days when I do "upon awakening" make 10th step during the day more fruitful and fun and when I review in the evening then meditate, I'm less uptight, less irritable, less discontent.

The stuff I HAVE to do. Becomes stuff I GET to do and I have a sense that I'm safe, protected, and in line with the 12th Step of "practicing these principles" in my life in the home, the workplace and the meetings I go to.

Days I don't are usually run by Mr. Self Pity, Mr. Pride (Why I gotta do that ?) and Mr. Big Shot. Those days pretty much blow up in my face and suck.

sugarbear1

With a sponsor? Days 14 + 15 were spent 1-12...again at 4 months, third time at 6 months to learn the process so I can help another person...

geno1982

day 4

suzezalive1

I have been clean now for 8 months. It took me this long to finish my first step. Now I am on the second. I think fear is what is keeping me from getting through the steps a little quicker. Fear of the fourth step.

Phmdyw

To go through the steps thoroughly takes a lot of willingness. I was sober for 1 year and in relationship problems and a sponsor took me thru the 12 & 12...then sober at 3 years in relationship pain again, another sponsor took me thru the 12 & 12...then at year 8 I crashed very very badly and got the Willingness to find a big book step study sponsor and we finally did the whole thing thoroughly...my whole life has changed, nothing will ever be the same again. You don't have to wait like I did...today we know the Program of Recovery is in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous...depending on our Willingness God will put the meetings and sponsor in our lives we need.

camedown

With a sponsor, it was about a month into my sobriety, in my heart, I took the first step in the ICU two days after my last drink.