Headed to AA tomorrow- as you all suggested.
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: glasgow scotland
Posts: 1,004
Mera It would be a good idea if you can get a copy of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, I believe it can be downloaded online , also Google Joe McQ The 12 Steps it is a video film it is worthwhile especially in your circumstances , as you say you are trying to build a network well that would be two good helpful additions to your network . Also if you go onto the 12 Step forum there is a thread Flyer Fan Big Book discussion , couple of months back I started a new thread discussing the Dr s Opinion which gives us an insight into what alcoholism is , you will find that helpful , feel free to post to me or PM at any time , take care good luck .
Regards Stevie recovered 12 03 2006
Regards Stevie recovered 12 03 2006
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
Thanks everyone. It's all a bit overwhelming right now. I really prefer reading a hard book so I'll see if I can order an English one online (they only have Italian ones at the meetings). We'll see how tonight goes. I just wish it weren't so late at night!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,550
Hi Mera! I'm certainly not the type to "push" AA on anyone, in view of several issues I have with traditional or dogmatic AA and my conviction that "pushing" or "insisting" is not only intrusive but self defeating. I would certainly not advise anyone to spend long hours commuting to a distant city, especially at night. If a meeting is not available 45 minutes or less away I'd say not to try it. The main thing I got out of meetings was the collegiality and support of others in recovery. This helped me not "isolate", gave me hope, friendship. The young girl you mention with 10 years sobriety and a good sense of humor sounds like someone who would be just the person. I only hope she is not too dogmatic or "insists" that you rigorously follow each step in some predetermined way. If it does not work out then there are other avenues of support, this website for example. And lots of books to read. There are articles, maybe even books, on slips and relapses. They happen sometimes. Main thing is to figure how to anticipate them and head them off. Good luck.
Bill.
Bill.
Sobriety is Traditional
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Orcas Island, Washington
Posts: 9,067
Mera, when you post on a forum be prepared to get a wide variety of opinions!
I found AA's "Big Book" to be sexist, out-dated and trite. But the literature from Narcotics Anonymous is much better. I used their book, It Works: How and Why, as a guide for the Steps.
I live on an island, and if there weren't good meetings here I would make the sometimes all-day effort to go to the mainland for a meeting. Do whatever is necessary for your sobriety, and everything else will work out!
I found AA's "Big Book" to be sexist, out-dated and trite. But the literature from Narcotics Anonymous is much better. I used their book, It Works: How and Why, as a guide for the Steps.
I live on an island, and if there weren't good meetings here I would make the sometimes all-day effort to go to the mainland for a meeting. Do whatever is necessary for your sobriety, and everything else will work out!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
It went well. Nothing earth shattering, but certainly not a waste of time. There were more people there this time. The nice girl was there but she seemed to be in a big hurry as she left so I didn't get a chance to talk to her. We went around in a circle at first and I said I was was there after a great stay at rehab and almost 5 months of sobriety and then a slip. I said I was angry and depressed over the slip and wanted to try and get more face to face support as it appears I can't go it alone. I also did say clearly that I would like to get a sponsor and work the steps but nothing else was said about that.
There were a lot of really honest shares from people still struggling to accept that they are alcoholics. It was good to hear from them.
There was also a Scottish woman who has lived her for 20 some years. I told her about SR as English is her native language, I hope she'll join us here.
Off to bed, too late for me!!! Night all!
There were a lot of really honest shares from people still struggling to accept that they are alcoholics. It was good to hear from them.
There was also a Scottish woman who has lived her for 20 some years. I told her about SR as English is her native language, I hope she'll join us here.
Off to bed, too late for me!!! Night all!
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 3,550
Originally Posted by cwood3 
You got it by the horns now !!!!! Woot! Woot!
(I'm not sure what "woot" means but it sounds good)
(I'm not sure what "woot" means but it sounds good)
Whinnies, Snorts and Tail Wags to you all!
Bill
One Day At A Time
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Midwest, USA
Posts: 2,054
Hi, Mera-
I'm just catching up on this thread,
Congrats for reaching out- it's fantastic you are willing to do whatever it takes to stay sober.
I'm glad the hand of AA was there for you and that you went to the meeting!
Personally I was just invited to a dinner with a few ladies to celebrate someone's 2 year sobriety day. I will be out of town so can't attend, but just the fact that I am making sober connections IRL through attending AA now has been a game-changer for me.
Rooting for you!
I'm just catching up on this thread,
Congrats for reaching out- it's fantastic you are willing to do whatever it takes to stay sober.
I'm glad the hand of AA was there for you and that you went to the meeting!
Personally I was just invited to a dinner with a few ladies to celebrate someone's 2 year sobriety day. I will be out of town so can't attend, but just the fact that I am making sober connections IRL through attending AA now has been a game-changer for me.
Rooting for you!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 4,251
I didn't get any new numbers, but I have two numbers from the ladies who I met before. We'll see. I'll keep going. I don't think it is fair for me to call on them in times of crisis when I am not there attending and contributing regularly. I really would like to do the steps though, everyone speaks ho highly of them.
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Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UK
Posts: 6,902
Well, step work is separate to meetings anyway. Obviously, they'd want to see that you're taking it seriously but it's only one meeting a week. I suppose a good step now would be trying to sort out child care for that session. If their dad can't commit to actually looking after them for that one time each week then perhaps he could contribute to the cost of child care. I don't think that would be an unreasonable request on your part. Really you should be getting some time to yourself each week. Time that you know in advance that is regular so that you can organise activities and meet people. In recovery it's really important to not isolate. And the last thing he would want is you to relapse, surely.
I hope you manage to sort something out with him.
I hope you manage to sort something out with him.
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