Thank you very much Lori, someguy, Dee, Pondlady, and faceit!! I appreciate the support. Hopefully this will be that next step to put me in a life of meaning rather than soaked up in alcohol and wasting it!! I would not be at this point if I never made it here and met you guys. Thanks again!!

Congrats and Good Luck on the new job, Paul! :hug:

Congrats on the new job!

I never understood this until I quit drinking (not quite 5 months, want to be honest about still finding my way). This was my biggest aha moment when I quit - there were still problems...they exist everywhere, but they didn't become PROBLEMS like they did when I was drinking. I thought I was drinking because of my problems...and then I realized my drinking was the real problem.

I understand about the AA thing Paul - I think it's a wonderful organization that has helped so many. I also don't think it's the only route. I know it isn't because I've read the statistics. I was "lucky" and was required to go to group. I really do feel like I was lucky because I wouldn't have done it on my own - even though I had considered it - and it was the best thing that could have happened to me. I needed the people there, including the counselor, to guide me through this and to motivate me to make changes.

Life isn't roses, and lately I've felt very emotional due to a relationship that I ended and complications from a surgery, but this rollercoaster of emotions is SO much better than any one I was ever on when I was drinking. This time I give myself permission to take care of myself instead of add to the lows with alcohol (why did I ever think drinking a depressant was a good idea when I was depressed??).

My wish for you is that you find what you need, and that you get to that point where you realize that handling life is so much easier when you aren't constantly feeling bad/guilty because you return to the thing you want out of your life.

Congratulations on the new job!

And you mentioned the Alabama/Michigan game earlier in the thread...Roll Tide!