it is sad watching them relapse but they remind me of me
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Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Originally Posted by Gottalife 
Strange as it may seem, it hasn't occurred to me to drink for many years. The problem was removed. The concept of being constantly reminded of what might happen to me if I drink does not make any sense to me as a prop to sobriety. My memory was never able to protect me. I couldn't even use my own memories of even a few hours ago as a defense, much less remember someone elses sad tale. For me, memory of the consequences was totally useless defense against the first drink.
I come here, and am active in AA because I had something of a change of personality in the recovery path I took. What might have been a dreary, forced daily discipline of not drinking (which I know I would not have been able to sustain) has turned out to be a rewarding way of life.
It feels good to come here and try and contribute some hope and experience, as it does in the meetings. It is a pleasure, as Dr Bob once said, and it feels absolutely wonderful when occasionally someone lets me know that something I was able to share was a help to them.
When someone slips, it can be a tragedy, and it can also be a turning point for them. Sometimes they go on to make an excellent recovery, having dealt with any delusions, other times they don't make it back. As a wise preist once said, in these circumstances look, but don't judge. I look and I wonder why it is they didn't get what I got, and more often than not, the answer is that they didn't do what I did.
I suppose it could be a reminder to keep doing what I am doing, because the same fate awaits me should I ever pick up a drink. But that type of fear motive doesn't drive me. It is just my natural way to live this new way of life. It is not forced.
I come here, and am active in AA because I had something of a change of personality in the recovery path I took. What might have been a dreary, forced daily discipline of not drinking (which I know I would not have been able to sustain) has turned out to be a rewarding way of life.
It feels good to come here and try and contribute some hope and experience, as it does in the meetings. It is a pleasure, as Dr Bob once said, and it feels absolutely wonderful when occasionally someone lets me know that something I was able to share was a help to them.
When someone slips, it can be a tragedy, and it can also be a turning point for them. Sometimes they go on to make an excellent recovery, having dealt with any delusions, other times they don't make it back. As a wise preist once said, in these circumstances look, but don't judge. I look and I wonder why it is they didn't get what I got, and more often than not, the answer is that they didn't do what I did.
I suppose it could be a reminder to keep doing what I am doing, because the same fate awaits me should I ever pick up a drink. But that type of fear motive doesn't drive me. It is just my natural way to live this new way of life. It is not forced.
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Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 17
Originally Posted by Gottalife
Strange as it may seem, it hasn't occurred to me to drink for many years. The problem was removed. The concept of being constantly reminded of what might happen to me if I drink does not make any sense to me as a prop to sobriety. My memory was never able to protect me. I couldn't even use my own memories of even a few hours ago as a defense, much less remember someone elses sad tale. For me, memory of the consequences was totally useless defense against the first drink.
I come here, and am active in AA because I had something of a change of personality in the recovery path I took. What might have been a dreary, forced daily discipline of not drinking (which I know I would not have been able to sustain) has turned out to be a rewarding way of life.
I come here, and am active in AA because I had something of a change of personality in the recovery path I took. What might have been a dreary, forced daily discipline of not drinking (which I know I would not have been able to sustain) has turned out to be a rewarding way of life.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Could this have been me ?????????????????????
A young man who I met in AA a while back made the news here.
Without going into the sad details he and his girlfriend were dead in the end.
He had returned recently to his running with the devil and now is gone.
Could this happen to me if I went back out today ??????????
I'm not sure -- but -- it's for sure a possibility.
M-Bob
Without going into the sad details he and his girlfriend were dead in the end.
He had returned recently to his running with the devil and now is gone.
Could this happen to me if I went back out today ??????????
I'm not sure -- but -- it's for sure a possibility.
M-Bob
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
A couple that I know from AA went back out recently and have now returned to the Program. They have 6 months sober but, both still seem to be rocked hard from that last booze outing.
No guarantees once we return to drinking.
M-Bob
No guarantees once we return to drinking.
M-Bob
sober style
Join Date: May 2016
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 2,388
Great thread, Mountainmanbob. I just read it all the way through, so true. Breaks my heart when I see SR people with months or even years relapse. Like you said, there but for the grace of God go I.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by GetSmart
wonderful post/thread. cautionary but full of hope. seeking that peace myself and seeing folks who seem to have made it to that point really gives a boost.
Life can as we know be a real test at times but,
at least today it is not a drunken battle.
I (we) need to always remember that.
A nice sober evening wished for all,
Bob
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