Greenfeet

I just wanted to drop in and say that I've been "out there"...again.

I'm glad to be here.

If anyone has any suggestions for how to really work this program, please fire away. I'm determined to make this work.

Thanks.

Steve

Anna

Hi Steve,

Welcome back!

Just take things slowly and don't be hard on yourself. If you want to do this, you can!

Ngokpa

Well, what I heard was 90 meetings in 90 days, one day at a time, and don't drink even if your ass falls off. And be willing to go to any lengths.

AA or another program needs to take center stage, but you might need other resources as well. Some people find that acupuncture helps get you through withdrawals, and there are cheap clinics in some places. Some people need residential treatment. I just went to a lot of meetings, opened my mouth, and ate candy bars when the compulsion came on.

Of course AA isn't everyone's cup of tea, and I've had (and have) my problems with it. But it's everywhere (though check out Life Ring or SMART Recovery if you need to). Breaking the back of the denial process is crucial. Some people write out a first step.

Eventually I branched out--therapy, Alanon, and a spiritual path that made more sense to me. If you have limitations with AA, find other literature, like "Beyond the Influence", which is less preachy and more thorough. Alcoholism really is not only a disease, it's predictable. You'll feel stuff that's like your going nuts, but it's just bio-chemistry, that's all.

CarolD

Hi again Steve....

Have you read the info in our Alcoholism forum?
The top sticky is especially helpful.

Blessings...

Jupiter2

Hey Steve,

I'm from your neck of the woods (Palo Alto, CA). Have you tried one of the beginner's meetings at Cowper and Lincoln in Palo Alto at 6:00pm on Thursdays? That was my first meeting and I found it really helpful.

Good to have you here!

Jup.

Greenfeet

Thank you all for the replies, and the support. I just got back from my meeting and even though I'm shaky and incredibly hung over, I feel better.

I need to get a sponsor, that is my next priority. How did those of you that have been in the program a while find your sponsor?

Thanks again for the kind words.

Steve

CarolD

In most meetings...on the free literature rack you can find...

"Questions and Amswers on Spomsorship"

It explains the whole deal!!

Then pray and look for a guy with a smile and serenity who has worked the Steps.

Sit next to him and ask.

Justme57

Hi there Steve Welcome back!

Glad you enjoyed your meeting.

I found that as I attended more meetings, i listened and watched the other members, and picked a woman ( in my case) who had what I wanted, and had an obvious grasp of the programme and the steps. being the doubting Thomas that I was then, I asked her to be my temporary sponser, that was just cos it made me feel as if I had an "out" if I needed one. I didn't LOL

HUGX
Lee

Greenfeet

Thank you all again for your warm welcome. I just got back from my meeting, and I'm going to read the Big Book tonight.

I didn't sleep much last night, so I'm pretty tired...hopefully sleep will come tonight.

Thanks you all again. I'm glad to be here.

Steve

Phinneas

Glad you're going to meetings, Steve, and taking positive action to get and STAY sober. I could quit on my own - I did it MANY times - but AA is what's kept me sober. Good luck on finding a sponsor, too. And don't be afraid to get a temporary sponor that will work with you now and give you some time to get to know the people at your meetings better.

lee1

Steve
This program will work for you if you really want it to.For me i go to about 5 meetings a week call people in the program talk to my sponsor and reach out to others when i really need it.Making coffee and service work also helped me out more than anything take care Lee

earlybird

Go to an AA meeting and tell the chairperson before hand that you dont have a sponsor and if he would ask those in favor of sponsoring people to raise their hands at the start of the meeting. That way, you're not put on center stage in front of everyone. Then look around the room and see who puts their hands up. Then its up to you to approach someone after the meeting. Good luck !!! You can do it.

Justme57

Hows it going for you today green?

Was just thinking of you

HUGX
Lee

Greenfeet

Hi Lee,

I'm feeling better, thank you so much for asking.

I had a REALLY crappy day at work, but at least I'm sober today.

I had a car problem, and I couldn't make a meeting in my area with public transportation. What do you do when you miss a meeting? I'm determined to do 90/90.

Thanks, and I'm grateful to be here.

Steve

Phinneas

Ya just pick yourself up and take yourself to a meeting the next day. Glad you made it through the stress sober. Keep posting. We're pulling for you!

Sugasnaps

Hi Greenfeet - I'm from Saratoga/Los Gatos area.

There are a TON of great meeting places all around our area. I'm new to AA though so my mantra that has been passed to me from the group is "Show up, sit down, & shut up". LoL In otherwords listen and learn, young padawan. So I am!

It is good to have you here on SR. Welcome!

Suga

Sugasnaps

Steve, I wanted to do this too but RL issues didn't make that completely possible for me so I have filled in with the ON-line meetings that SR has... not totally the same as sitting there in real life but it's the next best thing I have found.

They usually post the meetings when they are coming up.

Suga

Greenfeet

Hi all,

I just wanted to thank you all for the support and encouragement. Day 6, and I feel better than I have in a long time. I've been to some great meetings and making lots of contacts.

Thanks again!

Steve

Justme57

Good morning Steve

So glad you are feeling better, and enjoyong your meetings!

Congratulations on your 6 days

HUGX
Lee

Cathy31

Steve, 6 days that is wonderful! It's great to have you here.
Keep it up!
Cathy31
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