hopeless2day

For me, it'd have to be self.

I really don't know who I am any more. Never really knew, but now, completely lost.

Hopefully with some time under my belt I will discover/re-discover where/who I am

Nissan87

Self-esteem and dignity . . . . I hope I get those back. Thanks for sharing!

sailorjohn

Didn't take anything away from me.

I gave it away.

hopeless2day

Sailor John, very interested in Buddah.....

Any books you would recommend for a beginner?

I've done a little reading and Buddahism seems similar to the 12 steps.

Untoxicated

I get where you're at. I feel the same way; now that I've put the bottle down I am starting to focus on finding who I really am.

My ex-gf recommended that I go to a counselor (she knew I didn't like shrinks because of my experience with them trying to throw drugs at the issues). I went once or twice but only for her not for me. I found it better to drink than to see the counselor.

Long story short, the counselor refused to see me anymore because I obviously didn't care and it was a waste of time. I've tried on several occasions to get back in but to no avail.

Last week, I decided to give it one last try and call. I mentioned that this week I'd have 90 days without a drink and would like to try to work through the reasons why I drank to begin with. The counselor called me back and we set up a time. I was thrilled.

I had my first "real" appointment yesterday. I am learning SO MUCH. Give yourself time, concentrate on not drinking and letting your head clear. Then, when you feel the time is right, you can decide the best way to find yourself.

(I also reconnected spiritually - but that's a more personal journey)

Sobriety rocks!

yeahgr8

Was going to post the same almost word for word:-)

ItsVisible

The ability to love myself or anyone else completely.

Reset

Yeah it's my own damn fault.

But I have given away:

- years of unrecoverable time with my sons
- hundreds of thousands of dollars not only in cash but also in career opportunities and lost investment opportunities
- my own time being unfocused, depressed and intoxicated that could have been more productively directed in so many other ways

Nikkle

I gave away countless opportunities to make happy memories with my kids.
but
Now that I am sober, I can hold every moment precious without further regret!

Taking5

* Thousands of dollars in cash
* Incalculable business opportunities
* The only woman I ever loved
* Various health issues

This is the kind of question that keeps me sober. Thank you.

ANGELINA243

Self-respect, dignity, and peace of mind.

reggiewayne

For me, alcohol took me away from me. Instead of being my normal self I was a person fueled by fear and self loathing. I have been sober 41 days and I have a much better self view than I had while I was drinking. The 12 steps have shown me other character defects that I have turned over the my HP but self hatred is not one of them.

I was always looking over my shoulder when I was drinking. Always waiting for the shoe to drop. Some of this was real (I was not keeping up on my responsibilities) but most of it was a function of the chemical results alcohol produced. It is a very powerful substance and when you drink as much as I did it's bound to create internal emotional problems.

I will say, it does get better.

Supercrew

Time, opportunity and money.

undercoverangel

Aside from my size 2 jeans.... it took my self esteem, and my confidence in being a good mom & wife, it took 5 years of my life. I lost myself I guess, I can't even remember what made me happy (besides my kids) and what I kept busy with before I started drinking. It's wild, what did I do with my evenings?! I guess it took my memory too.

Fandy

restful sleep, thousands of dollars in wasteful spending, my size 4 jeans and my physical energy.

CarolD

It took away my mental balance and self respect.

By living in God's direction and AA 's 12 steps
that is no longer true....

kilt

A family. Trust.

Coolmel

Confidence.

ReadyAndAble

I lost a lot. But I also gained something. I think I appreciate life more—not just more than when I was drinking, but more than I did before I had a problem.

cabledude

Had a little deer hunter camper that I left in an apartment building parking lot and never returned for. And a 69 Roadrunner I ran into a fence and totalled, and a few houses...those were probably the biggest things.

Not the most meaningful things, just the biggest.