When are we considered no longer “newcomers” to recovery?
When are we considered no longer “newcomers” to recovery?
I’m nearing 9 months and still it seems very early days for me!! Would a year be the benchmark for when I’m no longer considered a newcomer? 2 years? 5 years? Is this a personal thing or is there a time when you are stable enough to no longer consider yourself new to this sober way of living.
I think it would be a time that you would choose to no longer refer to yourself as a newcomer. But, I don't see it as a label. I've been here for a long time and this is still my favourite forum. This is the place where we get a chance to offer a hand to someone who is lost.
MrBrad
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Minneapolis Area
Posts: 213
I'd say that the 9 month mark was that moment. The moment I became a former alcoholic. If felt wonderful and I was pleasantly surprised that there was a 9 month chip for such a feat. Super day.
The newcomers is great for giving and taking, I’m glad there’s no rules on how long you can post for.
Everybody benefits from it.
Thanks for bringing it up Ambi Mari
Great job on 9 months
Everybody benefits from it.
Thanks for bringing it up Ambi Mari
Great job on 9 months
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
congrats AmbyMarie! Great comments above.
For me, while I knew from day 1 and my first AA mtg that I was done drinking - somehow, some way, I didn't know other than I didn't want to die.
I have 1122 days so 3 yr 1 day in exactly two wks. Putting aside the legit markers of 1,2 and 5 yrs that I do think important, especially in my physical and indeed mental recovery, I was closing in on 2 when I remember thinking, "ok, maybe I don't have to qualify my recovery as a newcomer any more." Now, I just say I'm an alcoholic and when the discussion is about getting started or time in the program or such, I am succinct but conservative - bc whoever got up earlier than I did today has more sobriety than I do.
Humble + hopeful in terms of time, action, everything is my view.
For me, while I knew from day 1 and my first AA mtg that I was done drinking - somehow, some way, I didn't know other than I didn't want to die.
I have 1122 days so 3 yr 1 day in exactly two wks. Putting aside the legit markers of 1,2 and 5 yrs that I do think important, especially in my physical and indeed mental recovery, I was closing in on 2 when I remember thinking, "ok, maybe I don't have to qualify my recovery as a newcomer any more." Now, I just say I'm an alcoholic and when the discussion is about getting started or time in the program or such, I am succinct but conservative - bc whoever got up earlier than I did today has more sobriety than I do.
Humble + hopeful in terms of time, action, everything is my view.
I still feel very new, but also, it feels like alcohol was sooo long ago if that makes sense! I have zero desire for it and almost don’t even think about it anymore! Which is weird because even a year ago, it was what I thought about A LOT!! I never want to look back!! I want the rest of my life to be 100% booze free!! Not another drop!
I definitely still feel new to recovery at about 14 months - is a person new at that age? Is a job still pretty new at that age? Other than perishable food, 14 months is pretty new for a lot of things!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 353
Due to relapses, I feel like a newcomer. Over 7 months this time. In the past, I have been sober for rather long stretches but I have hit triggers and it overwhelms me. Needless to say, I have known I have had a problem for a long time. I am a work in progress. I have to work on my sobriety daily and SR helps me. I am glad I can come to SR and read and learn. I guess maybe one day I will not feel like a newcomer, but that time is far in the future for me.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)