Hi, I'm new :)
Guest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: The Deep South
Posts: 14,636
Hi, I'm new :)
I joined today and I've spent a few hours reading the forum posts. Just thought I'd pop in here and say hi and briefly introduce myself. I'm a 30 something female living in the southeast (US). I'm self-employed and work from home as a freelance writer and remote call center agent. I have a boyfriend now since February. We live in the house I bought three years ago, with my 3 cats.
As you can imagine, working from home allowed me to turn up a wine bottle and drink pretty much whenever I wanted... not a good thing I've got to do something about it. And for a few years now I've tried different online programs... some of which helped, others not so much. Moderation Management just wasnt for me. I'm very happy with Women For Sobriety... although I haven't been very successful with staying sober for more than about a week at a time. The longest I've evern gone was 8 months... I felt really good during that time. I was 27 yrs old and that was quite an accomplishment. I want to motivate myself to do something to completely stop my drinking once and for all. I don't want to come back here when I'm 40 or 50 with even more problems, wishing I'd done something about it in my 30's. I have lots of books on the subject, and I do pick those up and read those often. I do not like AA. My mom did AA years ago. I have bad memories of those times... and I'm also agnostic. I also disagree with some of the philosophies of AA... although I'd never tell anyone not to do it if it works. I just prefer my own secular methods at this time. I will however, listen to anything that works. But, bottom line... I choose to think for myself and if something doesn't sit well with me (rationally) then I know it's my right to discard that.
I'm glad I found this forum... it looks like a really large group of diverse people and backgrounds from what I can tell... and that's a good thing! I'll be seeing you all around the forums and chatroom!
As you can imagine, working from home allowed me to turn up a wine bottle and drink pretty much whenever I wanted... not a good thing I've got to do something about it. And for a few years now I've tried different online programs... some of which helped, others not so much. Moderation Management just wasnt for me. I'm very happy with Women For Sobriety... although I haven't been very successful with staying sober for more than about a week at a time. The longest I've evern gone was 8 months... I felt really good during that time. I was 27 yrs old and that was quite an accomplishment. I want to motivate myself to do something to completely stop my drinking once and for all. I don't want to come back here when I'm 40 or 50 with even more problems, wishing I'd done something about it in my 30's. I have lots of books on the subject, and I do pick those up and read those often. I do not like AA. My mom did AA years ago. I have bad memories of those times... and I'm also agnostic. I also disagree with some of the philosophies of AA... although I'd never tell anyone not to do it if it works. I just prefer my own secular methods at this time. I will however, listen to anything that works. But, bottom line... I choose to think for myself and if something doesn't sit well with me (rationally) then I know it's my right to discard that.
I'm glad I found this forum... it looks like a really large group of diverse people and backgrounds from what I can tell... and that's a good thing! I'll be seeing you all around the forums and chatroom!
I'm new too!
Your're very young! I have done research for 3 years on this disease. I have seen all the pros and cons of AA and alternative methods. I have come to decide that I have no control of this "big ugly", and that I am willing to do what ever it takes to be who I was, when I was " O.K." I'm not an advocate. Just a thought! I'm not recovered, but I want to be, oh so much!
Hi SoberJennie
We have many members and many different methods at play here...I'm sure you'll be able to find like minds
You may find this forum interesting to you, for example
Secular Connections - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
Welcome!
D
We have many members and many different methods at play here...I'm sure you'll be able to find like minds
You may find this forum interesting to you, for example
Secular Connections - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
Welcome!
D
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lowcountry
Posts: 2,762
Welcome to SR Jennie,
Being self employed myself in my 20's really opens the days for plenty of abuse. Can remember actually envying some friends who had to hold off for work (and paychecks)
You'll find plenty of rational thinkers around. diverse and vibrant bunch indeed !?!
One secular idea that works for me is: "don't drink, no matter what "
.....and keep reaching for progressive ideals.
This place has helped so, soooo much the past 14 months.
Even though I'm a Secular Humanist, IMHO I really think recovery trumps world-views
.....[ for those needing (wanting) it]
...again, welcome
.
BTW, ....nice screen name
Being self employed myself in my 20's really opens the days for plenty of abuse. Can remember actually envying some friends who had to hold off for work (and paychecks)
You'll find plenty of rational thinkers around. diverse and vibrant bunch indeed !?!
One secular idea that works for me is: "don't drink, no matter what "
.....and keep reaching for progressive ideals.
This place has helped so, soooo much the past 14 months.
Even though I'm a Secular Humanist, IMHO I really think recovery trumps world-views
.....[ for those needing (wanting) it]
...again, welcome
.
BTW, ....nice screen name
Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 26
welcome jenny!
i struggle all day every day. and guess what...i dont want to be sober. i wanna marry wine. ive only made myself quit because my health is poor.
Wanting to quit is a great start! Glad you're here!
hang in, my frirend.
Wanting to quit is a great start! Glad you're here!
hang in, my frirend.
Hi there Jennie
I do AA.. but I also grab any ideas from any person or source to keep me sober... Ive been reading lots of wisdom here ... I started my journey at 26.. unfortunately my body was still relatively healthy and I could bounce back pretty easily...so I convinced myself I was ok with going back to drinking... and like u say... I crawled back alot older, beaten and lost alot... I so admire where u are now... go grab sobriety hun... u cant lose if you can.... nice to meet u here
I do AA.. but I also grab any ideas from any person or source to keep me sober... Ive been reading lots of wisdom here ... I started my journey at 26.. unfortunately my body was still relatively healthy and I could bounce back pretty easily...so I convinced myself I was ok with going back to drinking... and like u say... I crawled back alot older, beaten and lost alot... I so admire where u are now... go grab sobriety hun... u cant lose if you can.... nice to meet u here
Welcome Jennie - I'm also self-employed (artist) and it made it really easy to reach for that bottle of wine in the afternoon. I got tired of being obsessed with alcohol and getting through the hangovers (which seemed to get worse over time). I decided nothing would change unless I got some help and started working on being sober.
It's the best decision I've made in a long time...... If we can do it, so can you. And it really does get better.:ghug3
It's the best decision I've made in a long time...... If we can do it, so can you. And it really does get better.:ghug3
Welcome. I'm also self employed. I spent many hours at the bar directing my workforce via cell phone and email. I worked maybe 2 hours a day. I had other people working for me so I could drink. I'm glad I don't live like that anymore.
welcome i used to be closed minded also to aa na religion and just kept gettin worse broke mentally pyshcilly spirtualy i kept trying to do things my way it just didnt work same results insainty then i stopped fighting and said ok i give up and went to aa been sober now for 10 years workin on 11 1 day at atime trust me i not trying to sell aa we dont push anything on anyone its your choice your soberiety open minded willingnes was the key to my soberiety good luck
I am very raw- day 44?- I stay away from the strong divergent opinions on AA, and those who advocate for one way only. I like the AA written material and I reflect on what I read. I like my limited understanding of the steps. I am still thinking what about what I need from the safe little niche I have found for myself. I react badly under certain situation that I envisage could easily arise and I am worried this could set me back.
SR is a great place and everyone here has helped me enormously
SR is a great place and everyone here has helped me enormously
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Florida
Posts: 227
Welcome SoberJennie!
I found this board a week ago and it has been and enormous help. One thing I like about it here is that there are so many people in the community that it's not hard to find a bunch to relate too. Everyone has their own way to get sober and no one here seems to judge you on how you on your methods.
I found this board a week ago and it has been and enormous help. One thing I like about it here is that there are so many people in the community that it's not hard to find a bunch to relate too. Everyone has their own way to get sober and no one here seems to judge you on how you on your methods.
Welcome Jennie! You've come to a good place with a good group of people. I usually advocate AA because that's what works for me (I'm also agnostic), but go with whatever you find that works for you. The end result is a helluva lot more important than the method of getting there, in my opinion. Glad you're here.
--Fenris.
--Fenris.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 18
... I'm a 30 something female living in the southeast (US). I'm self-employed and work from home as a freelance writer and remote call center agent...
...And for a few years now I've tried different online programs... some of which helped, others not so much. Moderation Management just wasnt for me. I'm very happy with Women For Sobriety... although I haven't been very successful with staying sober for more than about a week at a time. The longest I've evern gone was 8 months... I felt really good during that time. I was 27 yrs old and that was quite an accomplishment. I want to motivate myself to do something to completely stop my drinking once and for all. I don't want to come back here when I'm 40 or 50 with even more problems, wishing I'd done something about it in my 30's. I have lots of books on the subject, and I do pick those up and read those often. I do not like AA. My mom did AA years ago. I have bad memories of those times... and I'm also agnostic. I also disagree with some of the philosophies of AA... although I'd never tell anyone not to do it if it works. I just prefer my own secular methods at this time...
...And for a few years now I've tried different online programs... some of which helped, others not so much. Moderation Management just wasnt for me. I'm very happy with Women For Sobriety... although I haven't been very successful with staying sober for more than about a week at a time. The longest I've evern gone was 8 months... I felt really good during that time. I was 27 yrs old and that was quite an accomplishment. I want to motivate myself to do something to completely stop my drinking once and for all. I don't want to come back here when I'm 40 or 50 with even more problems, wishing I'd done something about it in my 30's. I have lots of books on the subject, and I do pick those up and read those often. I do not like AA. My mom did AA years ago. I have bad memories of those times... and I'm also agnostic. I also disagree with some of the philosophies of AA... although I'd never tell anyone not to do it if it works. I just prefer my own secular methods at this time...
So glad you found us SoberJennie! I use AA myself but I know it's not the only way to get and stay sober. Whatever works, do it. Stick around here for a while and you'll here some great things. It's a wonderful, diverse group of people with one main goal. I love what Fenris said ... the end result is more important than how you get there. So true!
Powerless over Alcohol
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Trudging the Road to Happy Destiny!
Posts: 4,018
Welcome,Welcome, Welcome
I find it to be great place to read and vent and even journal here at SR. I also am doing the AA route like so many others, brank new to it though only 4 meetings in 4 days but so far I have found it to just be a safe haven above all else
I also am agnostic, but I sure can believe in one day at a time, hope to see more of your soberity.
Peace
I find it to be great place to read and vent and even journal here at SR. I also am doing the AA route like so many others, brank new to it though only 4 meetings in 4 days but so far I have found it to just be a safe haven above all else
I also am agnostic, but I sure can believe in one day at a time, hope to see more of your soberity.
Peace
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)