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So, Last night I attended my 20th AA meeting . . .



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So, Last night I attended my 20th AA meeting . . .

Old 05-19-2011, 11:18 AM
  # 21 (permalink)  
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Thanks Art. I went to 20 meetings. I think I gave it a fair shake. And I do like hanging out with other sober people. I like cleaning up and making coffee and all that. In fact I like the the service aspect most. I also like a lot of the people that I met. I just think that I and only I am responsible for my behavior. If I drink it is because I chose to drink. It is on me. And it is on me to stop. And I did.



"Since you have stated that willpower alone is enough for you, I have to guess that you lean toward some kind of masochism. I can't say for certain but it seems that way if you decided to be a 'flaming drunk'. To each their own"

Statements like this is part of the reason I decided to stop going to AA. Keep it up. Maybe some newbe will read this and see what is in store for them if they go to AA and not toe the proper line.
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Old 05-19-2011, 11:42 AM
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Congrats RU!

If I may, I think some of the other posters are referring to the fact that alcoholism is a symptom of a deeper issue (anxiety, depression, low self esteem, etc...) that is being treated with alcohol. This applies to most people and I'm in no way implying this includes you. Anyhow, when someone stops drinking, the deeper issue remains because willpower alone will bring sobriety but it is not generally enough to maintain it in the long term. It takes a recovery process for that.

Hope this makes sense. Bear in mind, I'm only 58 days into sobriety myself and still working on trying to figure all of this out so I could be way off. I'm not using AA but I've greatly benefited from the BB, speaker tapes, and using some SMART recovery techniques...and some yoga, Buddhist principles, and good old-fashioned application of the Golden Rule. Hadn't really thought about it before now but my recovery is quite the mixed bag, lol!
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Old 05-19-2011, 11:49 AM
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Hi Mida,

Makes perfect sense.
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Old 05-19-2011, 11:57 AM
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I think 20 meetings is a good gauge of whether or not it's for you. Good for you for at least giving it a real effort.

A lot of people have just tried to stop, and couldn't, including me. So it's great that it you've got that mindset, but don't dismiss the fact that not everyone can do that.
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Old 05-19-2011, 12:01 PM
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Hi Rain,

I'm not at all certain what works for others. Just what has been working for me. I just don't drink. Ever.

If AA or SMART or SOS or whatever works then great!

Really.
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Old 05-19-2011, 12:05 PM
  # 26 (permalink)  
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Oh I love your pacific-indian avatar! just lovely.
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Old 05-19-2011, 12:08 PM
  # 27 (permalink)  
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I quit drinking. I made a decision not to drink. Willpower has nothing to do with it at all. I made a decision and I made a decision not to change my mind. So now I don't drink.

If you find that you need a program and all that . . . well good for you. At this point in my life . . . I don't. Sorry if that offends you.


Again Rue, I wish you and everyone else success in fighting alcoholism in whatever way they choose. I would like to point out to you that you are working a program of some sort, whether or not you choose to believe it. Your posting on this site, which is a recovery forum for alcoholism, and in your own way, your seeking some form of support from others. Are you not? What other purpose could you have for being here?

I don't believe that I can do this on my own, and if you thought you could you never would have started this thread.

Again, best wishes.
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Old 05-19-2011, 12:11 PM
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BHF,

I started this thread to share my experience. If posting here means that I am 'working a program' then I am!

I don't care.

I'm sober. And happy. Finally.

I wish you and everyone else the same. Life is soooooo much better sober.!
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Old 05-19-2011, 12:38 PM
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I heard an alcoholic is someone who has lost the ability to control their drinking. I could stop anytime I wanted. The problem was, I couldn't stop starting. That being said, congrats on 5 months. If you ever find yourself unable to stop and STAY stopped, AA will be there.
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Old 05-19-2011, 12:39 PM
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Post that did so have been removed...others who quoted them or were redundant are also gone.

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Old 05-19-2011, 12:51 PM
  # 31 (permalink)  
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Originally Posted by ru12 View Post
BHF,

I started this thread to share my experience. If posting here means that I am 'working a program' then I am!

I don't care.

I'm sober. And happy. Finally.

I wish you and everyone else the same. Life is soooooo much better sober.!
I appreciate you coming on here and sharing your experience.

Like I said in a earlier reply, I'm an AA'er, but this is one of the things I love about SR - I get to hear all sorts of recovery stories and I especially like the positive ones b/c it shows that we can and do recover.

...and you are living proof

Kjell~
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Old 05-19-2011, 04:24 PM
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Sorry Carol et al. I shouldn't have responded the way that I did. Perhaps I'm still a bit tender in my sobriety. And you know what . . . I may go back to AA for the fellowship. I kind of like just hanging out with sober people.

Thanks k.
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Old 05-19-2011, 11:03 PM
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Congrats, RU12! Carol hit the nail on the head... whatever keeps you sober is a wonderful thing.
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Old 05-20-2011, 03:56 AM
  # 34 (permalink)  
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Whatever works for you, works. Not everyone needs AA. I like it, it helps me. I think that for some people it is the only way to live sober, but obviously that isn't true for everyone.

I hope your success continues.
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Old 05-20-2011, 06:57 AM
  # 35 (permalink)  
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FLAMER. Sorry. I wanted to point out some "resentments" that I was interpreting in this post. In my FLAME, I myself was being resentful and judgemental.

As an AA'er, I try to sit back, take it in, and not respond with the first thing that comes to my mind. Usually easy, but in "internet" communication, the anonymous nature sometimes brings out the "resenter" in all of us.

Step 10 folks, step 10. Sorry.
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Old 05-20-2011, 08:19 AM
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The battle between non AA'ers and AA'er goes way back...everyone feels passionate for what works for them..and that's great! do what works...there is nothing written in stone! I've done a few different things these past 16 months, and I'm happy to report I am sober! and I do consider myself an alcoholic...but I don't let it define who I am....I am so much more....as all of you are!!
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Old 05-20-2011, 10:11 AM
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It is Friday and the weather is beautiful outsite. I'm glad I'll be sober so I can enjoy it!

Have a great weekend all!
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Old 05-20-2011, 12:18 PM
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After several attempts to quit and stay quit on my own over the years I finally decided to give AA a try. AA is working for me. AA is not for everyone and at 20 meetings I think you did a pretty good evalution of the program.

If you find you are having difficulty quitting on your own, or you relapse after a period of time, you can always come back to AA.
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Old 05-20-2011, 02:30 PM
  # 39 (permalink)  
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Good for you RU. You went to some meetings and now you're not. And you don't think you'll need to go to any more ever. Completely understand, as I was a few months sober once too.

Not sure why you'd think anyone would be concerned. I wouldn't expect you to get riled up if I did or not, and I doubt if the hundreds who came and went during your months of attendance are realistically on your mind much. Doubt if you gave or nowadays give them much thought at all.

For clarity, people care about your situation as much as you cared about all those strangers.

If you decide that you will never again ride the bus, or to change the brand of handsoap you're using, expect that to shake the world just as much as announcing you've decided to not go to AA meetings.

People usually care about what affects them. This doesn't.

But, thanks for the notification. If next month you decide to go, that's nice too.
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Old 05-20-2011, 02:50 PM
  # 40 (permalink)  
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I guess my question is why are people so adamant about proclaiming they don't use AA. Its like a sorce of pride "and I quit drinking without AA" I see it quite. Frequently on here. I mean...there is no special. Reward for getting sober without the help of AA, a spo
nsor and the steps...or is there
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