cmNJ

How are you maintaining contented sobriety today? How do you get past the "thinking of a drink" thinking? What do you do if your sponsor does not return your call and AA meetings are making you crazier? I am so grateful that I do have a prayer life and find quieting in meditation and prayer. Please share what you do when all the other "activity" (meetings, talking, waiting for return phone calls) don't seem to work. Need help to stay sober today. thank you.

Elisabeth888

Thinking. I think about how I will have to pick up a white chip AGAIN. How I have to go back to step 1. How am I different from all of those sober people at AA? I am not and I can stay sober too.

I play the tape through. Drinking will do nothing but eff my life up. Everything I have now is due to my sobriety: trust is the main one.

Oh, and get a new sponsor ASAP.

cmNJ

thank you for your reply

Joe Nerv

Well... First thing that came to mind for me is that it doesn't happen immediately. It took me 6 months of about 5 meetings a week before I felt a part of AA, and well over a year before I started feeling comfortable with myself. Also took a lot of involvement on my part. Taking a commitment in my home group helped a lot, as did going to meetings and staying late. Learning how to put the steps into my life was also essential. The most essential actually.

Since you enjoy prayer and meditation I'd suggest you hang in there a little longer. People used to say you should go to AA until you want to go. I really didn't think that day would ever come for me, but I'm happy it did. I'd keep up the prayer while asking for guidance and direction. Then just trust that your feet will take you wherever you need to be.

sugarbear1

Finding someone to guide me through those steps was crucial for me. The relief I felt after working through them quickly (the first time) helped me so much.

Hugs,
~SB

aasharon90

A lot of the first year or 2 in recovery
for me was basically going thru the
motions. I followed suggestions and
actions of others to guide me along
the way.

Because I was raised Catholic I already
had a some what spiritual foundation, so
all I needed to do was strengthen it more.

I also learned early on that many in recovery
had their own adgendas in life, families, single,
working, school, etc. For me, i had my own little
family, so i had to balance that with my recovery.

It was hard for me to attach myself to anyone
person including my sponsor because we all
had different, like i mentioned earlier, adgendas
in life. I also couldnt wait on any particular person
and I didnt want anyone to wait on me.

So I took care of me and my own recovery getting
what I needed on my own for myself to stay sober.
Meaning, I went to meetings and listened, absorbed
and took what I heard that was useful in my own
life and applied it. If all those members with long
term recovery learned to stay sober each day for
a long time and they were sharing in the meetings
how they were doing it, then i listened, absorbed
and learned how to stay sober myself.

My recovery began 22 yrs ago as i continue passing
on what I learned so freely from so many others over
the yrs to those struggling with addiction today.

Having Faith in my HP or God of my understanding
has never given me more than I could and can handle.
I place my will and life over to Him for strength and
guidance each day.

cmNJ

thank you for your replies. I appreciate your input and the time you gave to share back with me. thank you.

Dee74

Everything good takes a little time and effort I think cmNJ

I spent 20 years living my old way, and probably 20 years before that thinking the way that led me to being an alcoholic...

you don't turn all that on it's head overnight - but it's is a faster process than you'd expect.

You will find peace and you will find contentment - but give the new plant time to grow...

D

quitforme79

I "think through the drink"...of what nonsense could happen and of what bad things can happen if I pick up again.

Threshold

I was in NA, but what helped me was doing my stepwork. In NA we have a step working guide that has questions to ask yourself etc, and it's very comprehensive, and doing that kept me moving forward rather than waiting for someone to pull me along.

I also found some additional resources for my spiritual health and growth and set aside time EVERY day (still do) to do my "work".

Anna

I found that getting out and doing something would help me to feel better. Long walks became a way of life for me.

Rolf

Hey CMNJ,

The thinking of a drink thing is not one that will go away right away but you do have the power to diminish it. Get busy doing life! Try to eat well, get some exercise even if it's just taking a walk at first. At the beginning, sleep can be extemely difficult but it does get better. I rediscovered hobbies that I had long ago gave up on because they interfered with my getting wasted. Read, read, read! Read AA literature if you want but there is so much more out there. Research ALL of it. Life is all about making choices. You've made the most important one in deciding to beat this thing. The universe bestowed upon us the greatest gift of all, free-will! It is your right and responsibility to use it to evolve to your fullest potential. It's your life, seize it.

Best of luck,

Rolf Ankermann
"Altruistic and empathetic intent followed by intuitive and thoughtful action equals an authentic and meaningful life"