It Doesn't Get Any Better Out There
 

Hi. My name is CaseyW. I was a pretty active participant here for a good portion of last year but unfortunately decided in October that I wanted to go back out and drink. Instead of taking the advice I'd given others here countless times and asking for help before taking the drink, I simply disappeared.

It was such a horrible decision. Within a week I was back to drinking just like I'd been five months earlier--two to six glasses of wine every afternoon before heading into work for the evening. Then another couple of glasses once I got home. And of course, numerous days where I called in sick or had a "family emergency" so I could either nurse a particularly bad hangover or simply spend the day sitting home alone drinking. It's a miracle I didn't lose my job.

I've been ashamed and embarrassed about leaving here with no notice. I'd made such strong connections with so many of you and I hated myself for what I'd done.

But I'd like to try to rejoin this community. I've been trying to quit drinking off and on for 14 years now and the best sober time I've ever had has been because of you folks. I don't like where my life is at right now and I know that quitting drinking is the first necessary step if I want to lead a better one.

I thought about registering a new name here because of that embarrassment but decided that would be dishonest towards you all and to myself, and it would also just give me an excuse to go back out drinking again in a few days.

My private message notification box is flashing that I have 68 unread messages awaiting me. That's a whole lot of folks who cared about me. I can't handle clicking on that link for now but I'll do so sometime soon. In the meantime, thanks to anyone who did try contacting me when I disappeared.

So anyways, my apologies to those of you who I scared or let down by my choosing to drink and disappearing from here. I'll hope you'll give me a chance to get back in your good graces and help me as I try to get back on this road of recovery.

Thanks,
CaseyW

I'm glad you're back and that you decided to stick with your old handle Casey :)

I don't think there's anyone here that can't identify with where you've been.
Beating yourself up for what was is futile - focus on what is and what will be :)

Aside from those 68 PMS a *lot* of folks asked me about you - there will be rejoicing in many parts of SR tonight, Casey :)

D

Welcome back-

Awww Casey, it's so good to see you!!!

Yep...there will be a lot of rejoicing by a lot of us!

And we understand....my relapse scared me as well, and I was very blessed to find my way back here. So glad you did.

Love you very much!!! :hug: ♥

Hi casey :)
Remember me? We were in a class together last year, but I fell off the wagon way before you did.
I'm back now and part of the February class. I've been wondering if you were still here! Welcome back, I'm so happy to see you X

Welcome Back Casey....glad you made it, some don't. Hope we can help!

Good to see you Casey. :) Welcome back.

I'm so glad to see you back, Casey! You were one of the first people to welcome me here, and I was grateful for that. I've been hoping you'd come back. :angel2:

You were missed Casey and I am glad you are back :)

Welcome back!
You're far from alone; I did the same thing after first coming here a few years ago. :)

It's so good to hear from you CaseyW! I have thought of you many times. ( I used to be Ringthedoorbell, but changed my name because I didn't like it!..). You were very kind and understanding to me on more than one occasion, and to so many others as well.
You were a big part of SR and we really missed you. I am so glad you decided to return.

Welcome back - I remember you; I'm back again myself. :)

Welcome back! :) Always glad to greet someone coming home again. :hug:

Welcome back CaseyW! !
I had a similar falling out from October 2014 to July 2015.
I know this time the people have made all the difference. Whether its the month class, 24 hour club, newcomers and ect.. i am holding myself accountable. I know many of your posts helped me to stay on the wagon this time. Dont feel shameful or resentful. Be inspired to be back. You are a great soul that has made a wonderful impact on this community. Welcome back CaseyW! Its great to see you.

So glad to see you back Casey, your advice was always so kind and supportive and wise. You can do this.

I haven't been on SR for long but I honestly believe it will help to save my life. It's an amazing step for you to come back here and I wish you well on your road to recovery.

Good to see you :) SR is awesome like that....always welcome...no matter what :)

Welcome back CaseyW!

I'm so glad you're back Casey! You have been missed. I was in your class last year and fell off the wagon myself just last week. You are not alone in this. Welcome back. :grouphug:

Welcome back! There's so much love on these boards!