New Member - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

MaryR · 11-10-2005, 11:57 AM

HI,
My name is Mary from Jackson MI and I took my last drink 10/28/05. I was never willing to admit I had a problem but on 10/28 I lost my job for missing too much time. They were never aware but it was always because of my drinking. Now I am really scared, not sure what to do. I don't think I will be approved for unemployment and not many jobs in town. Although on the plus side with no money it will be easier to stay sober for a while

Does anyone have any suggestions? I just feel so scared and depressed. I have no family and don't know who to turn to. All comments welcome.

bye for now,
Mary

permalink · 11-10-2005, 12:31 PM

Welcomse to SR Mary, this is a great place to find answers and support. Good job on the few days you've got going now, thats the best way to start.

**CarolD** · 11-10-2005, 12:38 PM

Welcome to sR!

Congratulations on seeking a sober life...it is awesome!

Find your local AA meeting and attend....they will help you stay in focus and you will have support and understanding.

I went to my 1st meeting after losing my job from drinking.
It was a huge shock. to be fired.

BTW...I have found several jobs by asking around in meetings.

Blessings....

penguinloves · 11-10-2005, 12:52 PM

Welcome Mary, I am new here too. My suggestion is to keep posting here, and read the old posts everyday. I had quite the urge to drink Tuesday night, but talked myself out of it by reading tons and tons of information here. It was still hard, but I didn't drink!

Good luck to you, I know you can do it!
Tina

**51anna** · 11-10-2005, 01:17 PM

Welcome Mary,

SR is a great place to come for support and inspiration. Congratulations on your decision to stay sober.

KelKel · 11-10-2005, 01:21 PM

Hi Mary and big welcome to SR...
I think you will find alot of support, information and understanding here.
One day at a time is how most of us try to tackle our addictions.
I found after years of failed attempts to stop drinking, that I needed the support of others in the same boat.

Glad you are here

mchockfan · 11-10-2005, 01:29 PM

Hi Neighbor (Olivet, MI here), Welcome Aboard,

Michworks- Job placement assistance

Michigan Rehabilatative Services- Substance abuse qualifies as well as other diabilaties. Will help in placement and job retraining. Becoming a client automatically quallifies for help from FIA.

Good luck on your job search, congratultions on sobriety

Go Red Wings

Cathy31 · 11-10-2005, 02:38 PM

Good on you on your sobriety!!! My suggestion would be to look up local AA and get involved! Stay sober, you are doing GREAT!
Well done - glad you are here! You don't need to feel alone anymore - we are all here for you and there is tons more of this kind of support, face to face, at any AA meeting, anywhere in the world.
Keep posting!
Cathy31
x

j'ade d'arcy · 11-10-2005, 03:39 PM

Hi Mary!!

It sometimes takes a shocker like losing your job to realize that you need to quit. Good luck to you on your journey!

lulu70 · 11-10-2005, 03:50 PM

Hello Mary!! Welcome to SR. Glad you found us. For me, all I had to change to stay sober was everything!!! Sorry--don't mean to scare you. What I mean is that I had to learn different ways of dealing with the world and my feelings about it. I learned that through therapy, substance abuse treatment, LOTS of AA, and SR. Also, like Kelkel said, it was very important for me to take it only one day at a time. I can make up my mind to not drink for today. That is do-able. Thinking about not drinking forever can really send me off into a tail-spin. BTW--these techniques have been working for me for over 20 months now. It is definitely not all sunshine and roses. I have had my share of stormy days--but I got through them without having to use mood/mind-altering substances. For this alcholic addict that is an absolute miracle.

Hang in there!!!

ASH · 11-10-2005, 04:40 PM

Hi Mary, Congrats on your decision, life becomes so much better being sober.
Keep coming here to SR, its a great place for support and information.
Hope you are able to find an AA meeting in your area, it helps to meet people and move out of the isolation thing many of us get into.
Look forward to seeing you here,
Take Care

hopealwayz · 11-10-2005, 04:52 PM

Welcome to SoberRecovery and the start of a wonderful journey. You have found a great place with kind, loving support. You are not alone.
Maybe losing that job was a blessing in disguise.

I am so glad that you are here!

Sugah · 11-10-2005, 04:56 PM

How cool! My sobriety date is October 28th! (2002) You lost a job... I came close to losing my life. The good news is - you can get another job (and I did find another life).

"The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking" (or using... depends on which fellowship you choose to attend - or if you attend both)

When we suffer from the disease of addiction, and that includes alcoholism, we usually have to hit bottom before we become willing to do something about it. You have an opportunity to consider your situation right now: is loosing your job as far down the ladder as you choose to go? There are two questions the Big Book that help us determine our own powerlessness over alcohol.

Quote:

If, when you honestly want to, you find you cannot quit entirely, or if when drinking, you have little control over the amount you take, you are probably alcoholic.
~Alcoholics Anonymous, p. 44

If this description fits you, then you know all you need to know to begin.

Go to meetings. Find a sponsor. Work the steps.

I tried everything, Mary. Counseling. Religion. Yoga. Having kids. Getting pets. Getting married (almost the same thing in my book

). AA saved my life.

I'll pray for you. Who knows? Maybe someday, you'll believe that losing your job was the best thing that could have happened to you.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

***Time2Surrender*** · 11-10-2005, 05:12 PM

Hi Mary.Welcome to SoberRecovery.

nogard · 11-10-2005, 07:28 PM

Hi Mary, welcome to SoberRecovery

luluabel · 11-11-2005, 11:42 AM

Hi Mary welcome to SR ,you will find lots of support , advice , and people only to willing to help here ...........look forward to you posting some more love Lulu xx

MaryR · 11-14-2005, 10:58 AM

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the welcome!

Does anyone know where I would find out where and when there are meetings in my area? Is there a website? Also, do you just show up or do you need to register or what?

I am really tempted today. A friend loaned me $50 to get some groceries but there store that is cheapest also carries booze and I am afraid if I go there I'll buy some. But the other store has no booze but its prices are alot higher and the money won't go as far. Should I try to exercise will power and go to the first store?

I know this sounds silly but I really need to stretch this money as far as possible.

Also, when applying for jobs, how do you explain why you were fired without giving away that you are alcoholic, or should you?

Thanks for now
17 days sober

Mary

wiscgirl30 · 11-14-2005, 12:35 PM

17 days! Thats good! Hmm....if it were me I probably would try practicing the willpower, but you have to do what you think is best. Im new, so Im not the best at giving advice, but personally, when applying for jobs I don't think I would tell them you are an alcoholic, but that you got fired because you were going through some "personal problems". Again, this is just my opinion, others on here might be able to give some better insight. Yah for 17 days!!! I think you can find AA meetings in your local newspaper.

11-10-2005, 11:57 AM	#1 (permalink)
MaryR Mary Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Jackson Michigan Posts: 2	New Member HI, My name is Mary from Jackson MI and I took my last drink 10/28/05. I was never willing to admit I had a problem but on 10/28 I lost my job for missing too much time. They were never aware but it was always because of my drinking. Now I am really scared, not sure what to do. I don't think I will be approved for unemployment and not many jobs in town. Although on the plus side with no money it will be easier to stay sober for a while Does anyone have any suggestions? I just feel so scared and depressed. I have no family and don't know who to turn to. All comments welcome. bye for now, Mary

11-10-2005, 12:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Doug Guest Posts: n/a	Welcomse to SR Mary, this is a great place to find answers and support. Good job on the few days you've got going now, thats the best way to start.
Doug Guest Posts: n/a

11-10-2005, 12:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
CarolD Forum Leader Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Dallas, Ga. USA Posts: 13,761	Hi and Welcome to sR! Congratulations on seeking a sober life...it is awesome! Find your local AA meeting and attend....they will help you stay in focus and you will have support and understanding. I went to my 1st meeting after losing my job from drinking. It was a huge shock. to be fired. BTW...I have found several jobs by asking around in meetings. Blessings....
	__________________ Each Day Sober Is A Victory!! Joy In AA Recovery...

11-10-2005, 01:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
51anna Forum Leader Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Dancing in the Light Posts: 10,265	Welcome Mary, SR is a great place to come for support and inspiration. Congratulations on your decision to stay sober.
	__________________ Anna "I don't know what the future is holding in store I don't know where Im going, Im not sure where Ive been Theres a spirit that guides me, a light that shines for me My life is worth the living, I don't need to see the end." John Denver

11-10-2005, 03:39 PM	#9 (permalink)
j'ade d'arcy Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: canada Posts: 170	Hi Mary!! It sometimes takes a shocker like losing your job to realize that you need to quit. Good luck to you on your journey!
	__________________

11-10-2005, 12:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
penguinloves Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 10	Welcome Mary, I am new here too. My suggestion is to keep posting here, and read the old posts everyday. I had quite the urge to drink Tuesday night, but talked myself out of it by reading tons and tons of information here. It was still hard, but I didn't drink! Good luck to you, I know you can do it! Tina

11-10-2005, 01:21 PM	#6 (permalink)
KelKel Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: The Mohave Desert Posts: 2,313	Hi Mary and big welcome to SR... I think you will find alot of support, information and understanding here. One day at a time is how most of us try to tackle our addictions. I found after years of failed attempts to stop drinking, that I needed the support of others in the same boat. Glad you are here

11-10-2005, 01:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
mchockfan Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 23	Hi Neighbor (Olivet, MI here), Welcome Aboard, Michworks- Job placement assistance Michigan Rehabilatative Services- Substance abuse qualifies as well as other diabilaties. Will help in placement and job retraining. Becoming a client automatically quallifies for help from FIA. Good luck on your job search, congratultions on sobriety Go Red Wings

11-10-2005, 02:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Cathy31 1 bite&all resistance crumbles Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: IRELAND Posts: 1,759	Good on you on your sobriety!!! My suggestion would be to look up local AA and get involved! Stay sober, you are doing GREAT! Well done - glad you are here! You don't need to feel alone anymore - we are all here for you and there is tons more of this kind of support, face to face, at any AA meeting, anywhere in the world. Keep posting! Cathy31 x

11-10-2005, 03:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
lulu70 We all need each other. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: The road of happy destiny. Posts: 2,223	Hello Mary!! Welcome to SR. Glad you found us. For me, all I had to change to stay sober was everything!!! Sorry--don't mean to scare you. What I mean is that I had to learn different ways of dealing with the world and my feelings about it. I learned that through therapy, substance abuse treatment, LOTS of AA, and SR. Also, like Kelkel said, it was very important for me to take it only one day at a time. I can make up my mind to not drink for today. That is do-able. Thinking about not drinking forever can really send me off into a tail-spin. BTW--these techniques have been working for me for over 20 months now. It is definitely not all sunshine and roses. I have had my share of stormy days--but I got through them without having to use mood/mind-altering substances. For this alcholic addict that is an absolute miracle. Hang in there!!!
	__________________ "You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.....do the thing you think you cannot do." ~Eleanor Roosevelt

11-10-2005, 04:40 PM	#11 (permalink)
ASH Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: New Focus Posts: 687	Hi Mary, Congrats on your decision, life becomes so much better being sober. Keep coming here to SR, its a great place for support and information. Hope you are able to find an AA meeting in your area, it helps to meet people and move out of the isolation thing many of us get into. Look forward to seeing you here, Take Care

11-10-2005, 04:52 PM	#12 (permalink)
hopealwayz Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: somewhere Posts: 3,516	Welcome to SoberRecovery and the start of a wonderful journey. You have found a great place with kind, loving support. You are not alone. Maybe losing that job was a blessing in disguise. I am so glad that you are here!
	__________________

11-10-2005, 05:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
*Time2Surrender* Community Greeter Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Hillsboro,Oregon Soon to be Washington State Posts: 6,266	Hi Mary.Welcome to SoberRecovery.
	__________________ I learned the path to Heaven, Is full of sinners an' believers. Learned that happiness on earth, Ain't just for high achievers. I've learned; I come to know, There's life at both ends, Of that red dirt road.

11-10-2005, 07:28 PM	#15 (permalink)
nogard Connected at last Join Date: May 2005 Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia Posts: 11,068	Hi Mary, welcome to SoberRecovery
	__________________ ...And like a bird that's on the wing and is flying free He can hear the song of home endlessly

11-11-2005, 11:42 AM	#16 (permalink)
luluabel Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: england,united kingdom Posts: 220	Hi Mary welcome to SR ,you will find lots of support , advice , and people only to willing to help here ...........look forward to you posting some more love Lulu xx
	__________________

11-14-2005, 12:50 PM	#19 (permalink)

11-14-2005, 10:58 AM	#17 (permalink)
MaryR Mary Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Jackson Michigan Posts: 2	Thanks All Hi Everyone, Thanks for the welcome! Does anyone know where I would find out where and when there are meetings in my area? Is there a website? Also, do you just show up or do you need to register or what? I am really tempted today. A friend loaned me $50 to get some groceries but there store that is cheapest also carries booze and I am afraid if I go there I'll buy some. But the other store has no booze but its prices are alot higher and the money won't go as far. Should I try to exercise will power and go to the first store? I know this sounds silly but I really need to stretch this money as far as possible. Also, when applying for jobs, how do you explain why you were fired without giving away that you are alcoholic, or should you? Thanks for now 17 days sober Mary

11-14-2005, 12:35 PM	#18 (permalink)
wiscgirl30 I'm a Pickle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 300	17 days! Thats good! Hmm....if it were me I probably would try practicing the willpower, but you have to do what you think is best. Im new, so Im not the best at giving advice, but personally, when applying for jobs I don't think I would tell them you are an alcoholic, but that you got fired because you were going through some "personal problems". Again, this is just my opinion, others on here might be able to give some better insight. Yah for 17 days!!! I think you can find AA meetings in your local newspaper.