dirk41

Hi,

It's been a while since I have posted.

I have been relapsing on and off this year, in a cycle
of 24/7 and I have a history of seizures.

In terms of trying to get better I have gone to inpatient rehab
that was quite hostile to me because of my skepticism around AA (I gave it a good go but it wasn't for me).

I have also shared my drinking problem with my family and wife.
At my last relapse I went back to my home town and spent a week getting sober
with my dad.

Throughout this whole time I have taken2 weeks leave
off work (my boss is understanding and knows why) but I work in a management position and if I keep having to take time off work they will get fed up with me.

I have tried several therapy sessions and none of them have worked for me.

Same with my GP.

My current plan to get sober is set a sober date two weeks from now and gradually taper. I'm terrified of seizures.

I just wanted to share I guess and interested in what other methods have worked for people.

Thanks

Dee74

I think tapering is like torturing yourself, with no guarantee of success at the end, but you sound determined on that course.

I'm sorry you're still struggling Dirk - if AA is not for you, have you tried Rational Recovery, Smart Recovery or LifeRing at all?

D

dirk41

Thanks Dee I haven't had a look at them I will give them a try.

I don't mind how I do it I just need to do it and find the right way for me.

I've tapered before, I know how hard it is.

Dee74

Rational Recovery has no meetings just books.
The other two are meetings based.

All three are probably worth a look IMO

D

Nonsensical

Checkout the Secular Connections forum.
Secular Connections - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Lots of information there about other-than-AA methods/techniques people are using to stay sober.

There's a path to sober living for you. Go find it.

You can do this.

ultradad

Dirk,

Sorry to hear about all the problems you're having with sobriety. I often wonder what it means when people say, "I tried AA and it just wasn't for me?" I try and explain to people that going to a few meetings is not trying AA. I 'tried' AA myself a few times over the years and it wasn't for me either...turns out in reality it was exactly for me, it was I who wasn't ready. And, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you're not ready to get sober. I'm just sharing my experience and what saved my life! I take this disease very seriously as should you. I can't afford to sit around and keep relapsing till I find what I feel comfortable with trying to get sober.

To 'try' AA is to get a sponsor and work the steps. If a person does these simple suggestions the Big Book says they will recover and millions have. I just hate to see you sell AA short without giving it an honest go, I did and almost ended up in prison and dead!

I honestly mean no disrespect, I'm passionate because AA is the only thing that has worked for me and my thinking is if I can do it with AA, anyone can!!! There are other way's as mentioned in above post, but I know for a fact AA will work : )

Pulling for you!

PurpleKnight

Welcome back Dirk!! You can do this!!

dirk41

Hi Ultradad,

I have found in my own experience AA members as quite aggressive
in their belief that AA is the only way to get sober, and make comments to
me like 'if you don't do this there's a **% chance you'll die. When I was in one
private meeting with 12 other AA recovering addicts and the counsellor suggested
I sell my house and quit my job. When I questioned him and explained I have
A young family to support the group really turned on me. These kind of experiences
have put me off. I don't accept that AA is the only way to get sober.