Minerve

Hi everyone,

I'm new to these forums but am not new to recovery. I had 2 1/2 years sober four years ago, after rehab, numerous AA meetings, several sponsors, working the 12 steps, and the whole nine yards, and then I've relapsed repeatedly in the last year and a half. I'm not anywhere near the state I was four years ago, but I feel that I'm now in serious danger of getting there.

I have major issues with AA and the whole 12-step idea (and there aren't any meetings anywhere near me right now anyway), though I may not give up on AA entirely. I'm a bit overwhelmed with how many sub-forums there are here, and I don't know where to post. I would greatly appreciate any advice on that.

Thanks!

Dee74

Hi and welcome Minerve

Newcomers forum (this one) is a good place to start. Everyone's welcome here regardless of recovery method, and you'll get a good feel for SR and it's members.

I recommend you visit the Secular Connections sub forum if you think you may benefit from a non 12 step approach.

D

Minerve

Thank you, Dee74! Much appreciated.

Coldfusion

Welcome!

Just post here for now--the moderators will try to keep things from getting out of hand.

I believe group therapy is best, because "some of the most important brain systems impaired in addiction are those in the prefrontal cortex that regulate social cognition, self-monitoring, moral behavior and other processes that the AA-type approach seems to target."*

*4 March 2009; Neuroscience: "Rethinking rehab", Jim Schnabel, Nature 458.

Minerve

Thank you, Coldfusion. Face-to-face group therapy (i.e., AA meetings) is not really possible for me right now, since I live out in the sticks and the closest meeting is 20 miles away, and my transportation is very limited (essentially, driving my risky, beat-up old car). Hence my efforts to find some support online.

Dee74

Many groups have on-line meetings...not just AA but secular ones like SMART Recovery and LifeRing too

D

Minerve

I should add that the whole socializing thing is a major part of my recent downfall. Living out in the middle of nowhere, lonely as hell after moving to such a rural area from a big city, and voila--I find the only business anywhere remotely near me--and of course it's a tavern. As luck would have it, it's filled with incredibly friendly people who learned my name immediately and seem very happy to see me every time I come in. While this makes me feel good, of course, ultimately it is poison to my recovery. So I try to stay away from the place, and go back to my loneliness, but it's really hard.

Thanks again for your help, Dee74, I'd be happy to check out other online groups. Just getting my bearings here.

Dee74

The good thing about this place is it's 24/7

Did you move to where you are for a reason - it sounds like you're not liking the loneliness too much?

D

Minerve

It's a long story, but basically I was left without any other options financially. So I did what I had to do to stay afloat--living with a family member who owns a farm, which costs me very little and helps him out. There are some things I love about it, but the loneliness is really killing me.

Dee74

Didn't want to pry just wondered if you had other options

SR certainly helped me when I was isolated and housebound. It's a great resource

D

sprout50

Hi and welcome to SR!

Soberwolf

Welcome to the forum

seasky

Hi Minerve .. Welcome

freshstart57

Welcome to you, Minerve. Whatever flavour of recovery you need is on tap here, 24/7. No tavern or road-house required.

Please keep posting, you will find lots of support here for you.

Tonks

Welcome Minerve

PurpleKnight

Welcome to the Forum Minerve!!

Minerve

Thank you, everyone! I feel very welcome here.

SarahB60

Welcome to SR!