SkyBlueSky

Lord, I want to be sober. I have ready the Big Book, the Bible, self-help books, etc. I know most people will say unless you are committed, it will never happen ... but what is wrong with praying.

Thepatman

Prayer is the only we have left sometimes.

But try to keep in mind that god is there for you but cannot stop you from picking up the bottle. But he will walk with you and support you, but you have to make the first steps.

I am back yo day 1 myself. It not easy because of the anxiety but no way in hell I am picking up.

You got this, we both do so do our friends on SR ;-)

doggonecarl

Nothing. If you phrase the prayer correctly.

I remember when I returned to the church, before I got sober, I'd pray to God, "Please make me sober."

Nothing happened. I kept praying, "Please, God, make me sober."

One day, in the quiet of church, I was praying to St. Joseph, the father of Jesus, thinking my father, bless his soul, wouldn't want his son to be a drunk. So I was praying, "Please, make me sober..."

..and I heard a inner voice say, "Carl, I can't make you sober. That's your job!"

From that day on, I prayed for the strength to get sober and gave prayers of thanks for being sober.

ScottFromWI

Nothing wrong with praying at all. Remember though, you can pray and ALSO do a supervised detox - or outpatient/inpatient rehab - or AA meetings - or AVRT/Smart/Lifering/Celebrate recovery.

Prayer can be part of any recovery plan, but it's not a solution in itself - you have to take action in conjunction with it.

AlcoholFree66

Praying is good. For my 'God' is the goodness I need/want in my life.

SkyBlueSky

I have been attending meetings, sober or not. I have got days sleeping. I am sick of my drinking; I just don't know what to do when you have a car and a small amount of money. It should be a blessing, but it feels like a curse.

Anna

Praying is good and so is taking action.

I hope you make the choice to stop drinking.

EndGameNYC

I've been following your threads, SBS, and I'm missing the part where you're taking any meaningful action towards helping yourself. I think a more direct approach may be helpful.

The AA Big Book is no more a self-help book than is the Bible. And the problem with books that claim to be self-help books is that their target audience is people who are incapable of helping themselves.

We don't live our lives in books. You can learn all you want about alcoholism and other addictions in books, film, at AA meetings and on SR. Until you make yourself the primary agent of change in your life, until you accept the responsibility to take action as a means of ending your suffering and building a better life, all you'll have is your books and a continuing dialogue that begs the question as to why things are not getting better for you.

Weasel1966

You have the formula already. You shared it in the title of your post.

"I want to be sober"

No book can tell you more.

No prayer said in earnest can provide any more wisdom.

When I finally said I want to be sober and meant it was the last time I drank.

Does that mean its simple? ... No... But it's not any more complicated either.

You can do this with your own words.

I want to be sober.

Ken

SkyBlueSky

I know we all fear not drinking, but I am literally crying as I type this sentence. I want it so bad, but my hands keep pouring drinks. I know I CAN STOP, but my mind does something. It tricks me. It allows me to forget my problems. I don't want to die, but I already have facial cancer ... but I don't want to die drunk. I want to die with the love of my life in my arms.

SkyBlueSky

Thank you for the advice. I appreciate your sentiments. I just want to live one day sober.

Holli

Sky, maybe it's time to think about professional help detoxing. I think once you are sober, things will start to look better. Best to you.

SkyBlueSky

I appreciate holli. I have no insurance. I am trying to get into free clinics, but they don't want to deal with cancer patients - too expensive. I just don't think it is an option. Thank you though.

Persys

You have to start somewhere. The first day is hard but not impossible. I said a lot of foxhole prayers when I was drinking and it never worked. I needed to take action on my own and when I did things started to get better one day at a time.

SkyBlueSky

Thanks Persys.

doggonecarl

The Salvation Army offers Residential Treatment, including detox.

ru12

You are going to have to take the first few steps, we can't do it for you. Pour out any alcohol you have left. Don't buy anymore no matter what. Don't go where it is served. I know this is frightening and hard as hell to do, but nothing has a chance to get better until you stop poisoning yourself with alcohol. After a week or so you are going to feel so much better. I really hope you can take some action today... right now.

Goldcoastgirl

Please hang in there Sky. I want this so bad for you too. I hope you can find some outside support so you can get well and get to a much happier and brighter place in your life x

least

Prayer plus action equals results.

iSPAZ

I know several people who have been in an out of this program and have received a lot of help. It did not cost them a dime. Hope you reach out for the help you deserve. Prayers!!