SargeantPepper

Guys....I drank tonight. I feel horribly guilty. I didn't want to, but I did. I made an appointment with a therapist for next week, so I know I can tackle the issues with her as to why I drink in the first place. However, I feel like I let you guys down, as well as myself. I didn't want to do this. Where do you all find the strength to abstain?

Dee74

I find it here - many times over the years the community here at SR saved me - give us a chance to talk you out of it next time

D

SargeantPepper

Thanks Dee...I wish I had come here first before I made this horrible mistake. Everyone here has given me so much inspiration. I feel so bad that I gave in....

Dee74

don't feel bad, Sarge - noone here feels let down - we understand

D

deeker

This may be helpful . Link to an AA Big Book. Kinda explains why we drink and can't stop. I am satisfied with the explanation. Some people don't like the illness or disease concept. Either way this is awesome material and will give you a better look into AA if you never checked it out before.

Big Book Online Fourth Edition

Linked With Permission Of AA World Services. Start with The Dr opinion.

Have a blessed day! Keep coming here!

SargeantPepper

Thanks, Deeker for the link to the Big Book. I am in the process of reading and processing...

Jeni26

Hi. Don't feel bad. It happens. There aren't many of us who 'get this' first time. In fact, the biggest success stories are from those who have tripped, then picked themselves up and started over.

I agree with Dee. This community has saved me quite a few times. I even sat with a bottle of wine in my hand at one point early in recovery and PM'd a member here who set me straight in no uncertain terms!

Share here (before you get to the bottle in your hand point preferably!). There is always someone here to help. This place is pretty awesome.

Jen x

Nuudawn

Yup ..I will echo Dee also...post before you drink. You won't believe how much it helps. All the best..and glad you're back

stevie88

Get back on the horse sarge.... The amount of times I slipped was unbelievable. Just come here first next time and one of us will talk you round. It worked for me last week.....Steve.

StevenT

There is no shame in going out, really. In my opinion, anyway. There is shame in causing damage because you stayed out, which has always happened to me.

Welcome back. I agree with Deeker, the BB has been a resource for me that has no equal.

LadyinBC

You are not the only person who has done this and you won't be the last. Feeling bad or guilty gets you no where and in the end it just gave me an excuse to get back on the pity pot so that I could drink again. I relapsed many times.

You do have a strength deep within you or you wouldn't be posting here. Focus on that, focus on what you can do next time you feel like caving in.

You can do this!

aasharon90

Staying sober requires changes in your
everyday life. I had to change people,
places and things that went hand in
hand with drinking. The courage to
stay sober for me require work on my
part.

What ever strength it took for me to go
out and buy my alcohol, the amount of
time I spent drinking, so did I need to
spend time staying sober just for today.

What ever I do today to stay sober, I
repeat the same thing tomorrow.

Strenth, courage, comfort was found
sitting quietly, fully attentive amongst
other recovering member, listening,
absorbing their own ESH- experiences,
strengths and hopes of how each learned
to stay sober one day at a time for as
long as they have.

Admitting I have a problem with alcohol,
addiction to it. Accepting that I cant control
my drinking no matter how hard I tried.
That I am totally, without a doubt
powerless over just about everything in
life.

Finding strength when I surrender. To
get off my high horse, stop being cocky,
better than, holier than thou, better than
you attitude and become humble.

To open my ears and close my mouth.
To be openminded to suggestion and
not take it as someone TELLING me
what to do.

Surrender to something else or Someone
else bigger than me for guidance and
strength to carry me till im strong enough
and willing enough to stand on my own
in recovery.

To stop lieing, cheating, stealing, hurting
others and become honest in all my affairs
to regain trust and become a responsible
member in recovery.

SoberMarine

As Dee said, don't feel bad. You didn't let us down. We certainly understand, more than anyone, how difficult it is. However, we also know it is possible. Keep in touch with us, keep us informed on progress, let us know if you're ever thinking of drinking again and, as Dee also said, give us a chance to talk you out of it Finally, keep busy. Find hobbies. Do what you love. Oh, and EAT what you love I find that when I'm busy I don't think of alcohol, and when I'm full I don't want alcohol. Stay strong, stay sober, and stay in touch!

visch1

Hang in there. Drinking for an alcoholic is a natural thing and requires constant vigilance and honesty with our self. It was suggested to me when I finally put the plug in the jug to think NON drinking happy thoughts, and continue each time that shite fairy tries to highjack my sobriety. At times I needed to think of some not very nice things and whatever. It worked! BE WELL

Pamel

As a fellow relapser, I hope you have gotten a couple of days together? If not, don't give up. I don't plan to, anymore than I "plan" to drink.

Here's to Day 1, tomorrow, for me...

Dee74

how are you doing SgtPepper?
D