alphaomega

After countless attempts at AA and feeling like it just didn't fit me, I decided to really REALLY give this forum an earnest effort. Absolutely no offense to AA whatsoever. Absolutely a gift to many for which I am eternally grateful. But it just never clicked for me. And I would leave meetings feeling guilty for not having the profound experiences I would listen to meeting after meeting. That guilt would be another excuse for me to drink. Just another place I didn't belong, fit in, etc. Oh those excuses....

But this forum is MY Godsend. Reading late into the night, stories that affect me, keep me fighting, bring me to tears, resound with familiarity and remind me that in the most hopeless of cases, that is where I am headed.

I have been changed by this place. I have been scared straight more than once because of the brutal honesty that all of us are so willing to share here.
Pouring over books, videos, suggestions, etc. is keeping me fighting against the AV and the addiction.

Thank you for helping me stay sober.

ScottFromWI

Glad you found something that works for you Alpha. SR is my main support as well, and I"d agree that it's a very effective tool if you allow it to be.

mecanix

Keep on Alpha ,

Bestwishes, M

Db1105

AA only works by working AA's 12 steps.

Soberpotamus

Great to hear just how much of a support SR is to you! Wtg!

Anna

SR is my lifeline, too. I have always found support and inspiration here.

I'm glad you found something that works for you.

neferkamichael

Alphaomega, yes SR is a godsend. SR has become my preferred method to stay straight. Rootin for ya.

alphaomega

See Db - that whats so strange to me.

I DID work the steps. All of them.

Countless times with various sponsors.

I'm so glad so many are able to stay sober with it. I'm just not that girl. And, believe you me, it was not for lack of trying.

So, in my case, your statement doesn't ring true.

freshstart57

AO, I notice you used the term AV. Maybe Rational Recovery and AVRT is something you might look into? There is a lot of info on it in our Secular Connections forum, active discussions and lots of support for you with non-12 step sobriety.

Glad you found us, and congratulations on your success. You most certainly can do this thing, this most important thing. You already have the answers and the power inside you now. Once you believe in yourself completely, you will find them. Onward!

FeenixxRising

Alpha, AA doesn't work for everyone. We are all unique and our addictions are unique, so no program works for everyone. So please don't feel guilty, or feel as if you've done something wrong because AA didn't work for you. It sounds as if you gave it an honest try, but it simply wasn't working.

You have the desire, so I'm confident you will find your way. There are many people on this site who have long-term sobriety without AA. And keep reading and posting here. You will find a lot of support.

alphaomega

And I completely get why so many people defend AA so vehemently.

If someone/thing saves your life, when you are slowly drowning in quicksand, you want to shout from the rooftops 'THIS IS THE BEST PERSON/LIFEBOAT/ROPE/GOD/PROGRAM EVER !!"

And that is exactly what I'm trying to do here.

trikyriky

I can so relate ....

Sharing helps me I also read into the night , before you know it hours have passed. I find myself just getting one more peek, lie down for bed then one more peek.........

FlyerFan

:horse

I use the forum and AA together, but whatever works is wonderful for you. As long as you are staying sober, who the hell cares how your'e doing it as long as nobody is being harmed. Good for you

tomsteve

AA even says it isn't for everyone and strongly encourages people to find something that works, so good on ya!! if its workin, keep doin it!!

Threshold

SR has been a HUGE help for me in my recovery. There is no substitute for the collected experience, wisdom, humor and straight talk of people who KNOW addiction inside and out.

2granddaughters

AA will be there for you down the line if you need it.

All the best.

Bob R

Michael66

Fantastic that SR is helping you so much Alpha. It's great that you'll are here 24/7 between you. I have found SR very useful - there's an environment of continual encouragement. We hear of successes and failures, and both can give encouragement or increased determination. It's great that we have such a big mix of people at different stages of sobriety - I have found wisdom and inspiration from old-timers and newcomers to sobriety alike. Thank you all for sharing the highs and the lows.

Thankfully the cravings are now generally infrequent and mild for me, but they still do occur, and prayer and reading around in SR are mainstays of my immediate response.

God bless you Alpha, and thanks for reminding us what a supportive community we have here.

Hevyn

I feel the same Alpha - until I found SR I was lost and felt so alone with the problem. Frankly, I didn't expect to have such amazing results by joining an online group - but I embraced being here and never really left.

I'm glad to hear you sounding positive and hopeful.

Dee74

Glad you're doing well AO.

Guys please remember that this is the newcomers section.

If I say peanut butter is not to my taste I'm not denigrating everyone else here who loves peanut butter.

D

FlyerFan

Well said Dee We don't want to go scaring people off by having feuds. Heck as long as they are here in the first place its great.