First time using 12 Steps to quit
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 14
First time using 12 Steps to quit
Today is day 75. I emerged from a 30 day treatment program a month ago. It introduced me to AA and the 12 step program. This is now the longest stretch without alcohol in 25 years. It took 2 withdrawal seizures, a brain injury, large debt, loss of a prominent leadership position in a business, divorce and partial loss of the custody of my two daughters to get to this point. I attend AA meeting, After-Care treatment program, volunteer with those in need, and I am rebuilding my career and trust with friends/family. Despite many adversities, I have the hope I will succeed with the help of my supports, my will, and my trust in the Higher Power. I have read about and have seen failure, so I know that the path is not easy. Wish me well as I wish you the same.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 3,781
You can do this! I can relate!! Stick with your program! Wishing you the best! Don't beat yourself up, what's done is done. Don't take that first drink! I dont have a drinking problem I have a thinking problem!
Nice job on 75 days!!
Nice job on 75 days!!
12 Step Recovered Alcoholic
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 6,613
Great post Stabilizer. My experience is similar. It took a lot of adversity to lead me to AA and the program of recovery. I remember reaching 90 days and being amazed that I had lasted that long. By then I was well into the steps and the desire to drink hade been removed as promised.
Sometimes I am asked how long I have been sober. Maybe the most relavent answer is I have been sober since I took all 12 steps and adopted the AA way of life. Prior to doing that I couldn't get any real sobriety at all.
Sometimes I am asked how long I have been sober. Maybe the most relavent answer is I have been sober since I took all 12 steps and adopted the AA way of life. Prior to doing that I couldn't get any real sobriety at all.
Left the bottle behind 4/16/2015
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 1,416
Welcome Stabilizer! I can certainly relate to your post in terms of the things alcoholism has cost me. This isn't my first rodeo, but it is my first time staying sober with the help of the 12 steps. I'm almost 8 months in and that's the longest stretch in 11 years. 75 days is a great place to be!
Best wishes to you, and hope to hear more from you!
Best wishes to you, and hope to hear more from you!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 14
Have not been on here much. Been to meetings, have a sponsor and I am coming up to a year in about 2 weeks. While I am still trying to deal with the aftermath of the problem years, I have really been living for the first time. Just finished a summer of activities with my daughters and my partner and I feel closer than ever to them and cherish the fun times we had together. Activities like camping, hiking, swimming, biking, concerts and playing have new meaning for me. We went to places we had gone in the past, and I was reminded of the places I use to sneak away to drink. I did not have to hide anything these times and it was freeing to live in each moment. I never thought I would enjoy any of these activities sober, but now I know what I was missing while in the problem. Just thought I would post this little example of hope for anyone who finds themself struggling.
I could see peace instead of this
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada, eh
Posts: 2,360
Thank you for the update!
When I first got sober, I thought my life was over--that it would be boring and dull. What a revelation to find out how wrong I was about that; I just didn't know what I was missing.
When I first got sober, I thought my life was over--that it would be boring and dull. What a revelation to find out how wrong I was about that; I just didn't know what I was missing.
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Thanks for checking back in Stabilizer. That's quite an inspiring story to read, and gives us a reminder/hope that recovery is truly possible despite seemingly insurmountable odds. Congratulations and best wishes to you and your family.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by Stabilizer 
Have not been on here much. Been to meetings, have a sponsor and I am coming up to a year in about 2 weeks. While I am still trying to deal with the aftermath of the problem years, I have really been living for the first time. Just finished a summer of activities with my daughters and my partner and I feel closer than ever to them and cherish the fun times we had together. Activities like camping, hiking, swimming, biking, concerts and playing have new meaning for me. We went to places we had gone in the past, and I was reminded of the places I use to sneak away to drink. I did not have to hide anything these times and it was freeing to live in each moment. I never thought I would enjoy any of these activities sober, but now I know what I was missing while in the problem. Just thought I would post this little example of hope for anyone who finds themself struggling.
Sober Alcoholic
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,539
Sounds like the 12 steps were the the right thing for you. So many wait so long before giving it a try. It's such a waste. Welcome back to the land of the living , and thanks for sharing your success story.
All the best to you.
All the best to you.
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