Findingtheway

Went to my noon meeting today...Did the old scan around the room to see who was there and i saw an AA friend that i hadn't seen in 4 or 5 months and was happy to see him.

Until i went over and talked to him after the meeting ended...He had been drinking before the meeting and told me. (Whiskey. (I could tell...))

He asked how i was (multiple times) and said well he wasn't doing well at all. I told him to call me and let me know if he wanted to go to meetings.

He just shook his head and said...I'm glad you're well. And walked away from me.

I called my sponsor afterwards...This brought up some sad feelings within me...But also reminded me to be grateful that i'm not drinking today.

One day at a time.

Persys

That's one of the really hard things about this. This may not be the most popular statement, but learning how to step over bodies is a harsh reality of getting sober. Some people just don't get it and you CANNOT let them drag you down in the process. I always try and do what I can, although we all know that we can't control other people.

Gratitude is another way to think about this- gratitude that you don't have to do that anymore. Gratitude for sobriety and not being a slave to alcohol any longer.

ZeldaFan

Thanks for sharing this. It's a good reminder (especially on a Friday evening) of why our sobriety is so precious.

aasharon90

I try to remind myself to keep those that
are still sick in my prayers and to remember
that but for the Grace of my HP that could
be me without the knowledge of my addiction
and a program of recovery taught to me
to live by each day I remain sober.

It's a gift I treasure and never take for
granted.

Anna

I'm sorry. I hope that by talking to your friend today, you planted a seed and he will make the decision to stop drinking.

SoberLeigh

That is very sad and so worrisome.

Maybe something you said or something else he heard at the meeting sank in; hope he keeps coming back to meetings.

Stay strong, Finding.

Dee74

It is hard findingtheway. Like Anna said I hope you planted a seed.
Don't forget to use your own support network for your recovery needs too.

Noone needs to do this alone

D

Soberwolf

One day at a time Finding your words & sobriety are awesome my friend & more than likely rubbed off on him

soberclover

At least he was back in the meeting...it's a start. I've had to learn as a person in recovery as well as working in the field of addiction that not every recovery path is a smooth journey. I know mine certainly wasn't. I have found comfort in being able to share my recovery experience and knowing that what happens beyond that is not up to me. I feel sad when people relapse and I also realize that it is because I've learned how fragile recovery is. That is why it is so important for me to take care of myself and my recovery no matter what. Do take care of yourself ....I joined SR in 2012 too and have learned a lot over the years from you

Fly N Buy

I can't make em drink and I can't make em sober - when we all walk in the door we are beyond human power, right!? The a,b,c's of AA .......

(a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives.
(b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism.
(c) That God could and would if He were sought.

Pray for him
And yes, be grateful - he may have saved your life today

MIRecovery

My sponsor told me, "We can carry the message but we can't carry the alcoholic."

Unfortunately you do not have to be in the recovery community very long before you find yourself walking among the tombstones

FreeOwl

The alcoholic who still struggles - but is still at the meeting....

Yes, it is disturbing..... but almost all of us can relate to having a desire to quit drinking yet failing to do so.

At least he was there and was honest.

Hopefully, he will find his strength and his power and his path to sobriety.