IHi sandpoint,
I started to stop when I made the decision to attend an AA meeting despite its being something that I thought beneath a person of such towering intellect as myself. I was so smart that I was blowing my paycheck in one night and living off Ramen noodles for the ensuing two weeks. So smart I had no phone, no mail, no friends, no car, no girlfriend no life.
After starting by making that decision, I now start each day with prayer, meditation, and some AA literature. It works - for me, my wife, my kids, my coworkers, my professors, my students, my car dealership, phone company, cable provider.......
I hope you find what works for you. This place is a great start!
Mike