awuh1

What are the odds of finding an answer to your alcohol problem? In my experience,

Your odds go up if:
1) You are willing to listen to, and seriously consider suggestions from others who have had a problem like yours, and overcame it (long term) +15-25%
2) You have a plan that involves taking some form of action +5%
3) You have a plan, method or program (with proven success) to follow +20%
4) You are willing to do things very differently than in the past +15%
5) You are willing to do something to promote your recover each and every day from now on +5%
6) You are willing to seek professional help if needed + 15%
7) You are willing to have other conditions, that may contribute to your problem, (depression, sever anxiety etc.) treated at the same time +15%


Your odds go down if:
1) You’re going to do this on your own, your way -15%
2) You don’t have a plan -20%
3) You are going to try what you tried last time -10%
4) You’re goal is to moderate your drinking - @#$% %
5) You believe that other people and or circumstances are the cause of your drinking problems -15%

I’d like to hear other common attributes, of successful and unsuccessful attempts, that people have observed over the years. Perhaps it may influence a lurker or 2.

Chakaido

Just wanted to point out this metaphor of a `casino` may not be the best one to use. For those of us that are also problem gamblers it could be triggering. While my 30 days off is going well, seeing a gambling reference seems a bit inappropriate. Not sure if others feel the same.

Mods --please note. Thnks.

Gottalife

Thanks for a well thought out post Awuh. Improving the odds of staying sober seems a good approach. How can I improve the chances of recovery? Well I can't improve on your post. Willing willing willing seems to be key. It is a serious business getting sober. But those thinking of trying the game again, taking that fatal first drink need to understand they are playing Russian Roulette. You can never know which is the loaded drink.
Through AA we can learn to live happily and productively in a world where alcohol is evrywhere.

llastchance8

Forgetting about the casino part, I agree on point number 3 of odds going down ," you are going to try the same thing you tried last time." .. Fully agree, The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing again and again and expecting different results !!!!

choublak

Oh wow...I thought this was going to be about a dry casino LOL

Threshold

Since you asked. I see your point BUT... Most of the people here are here for substance abuse issues, yet the words bar, beer, party, meth, etc etc etc are used constantly, it's pretty near impossible for us to discuss our real situations without using words that remind us of what we are having an issue with.

Great job on your thirty days! I too am working on recovery from numerous addictions, substances and processes, so I truly understand both your concerns and what 30 days "clean" represents.