Secular Recovery Success
6 
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 363
Rule #1- Don't drink.
I'll do anything it takes to comply with above rule.
Some of the Smart techniques have helped me. I also take antabuse. I've realized many improvements in my life with long term sobriety, and the benefits continue to accumulate. I know that if I pick up again, I'll be right back to square one.
It gets easier as time goes by, but one must always be vigilant.
I feel like that I've had enough booze for one lifetime. Sure, it was fun while it lasted, especially at first, but the jar is now empty. I get none of the benefits of drinking anymore, no pleasant buzz, no escape. All I would get from drinking now are the horrible consequences.
So, there it is.
Nothing earth shattering, but it's working.
Keep well
Ron
I'll do anything it takes to comply with above rule.
Some of the Smart techniques have helped me. I also take antabuse. I've realized many improvements in my life with long term sobriety, and the benefits continue to accumulate. I know that if I pick up again, I'll be right back to square one.
It gets easier as time goes by, but one must always be vigilant.
I feel like that I've had enough booze for one lifetime. Sure, it was fun while it lasted, especially at first, but the jar is now empty. I get none of the benefits of drinking anymore, no pleasant buzz, no escape. All I would get from drinking now are the horrible consequences.
So, there it is.
Nothing earth shattering, but it's working.
Keep well
Ron
Not all better, getting better
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The Beautiful Inner Banks of NC
Posts: 1,702
Originally Posted by Boleo 
If it was really that simple none of us would be here in the first place.
I know your method worked for you, I am happy for that. But contrary to your repeated statements on this forum, there are many ways to get and stay clean and sober. I hope you can respect that.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 363
I can't drink, that's a simple truth. I've been in and out of recovery ie: relapse for probably six years now. This has given me ample opportunity to figure out which behaviour changes work for me and which don't.
It's up to me to continue to live my life keeping Rule # 1 first and foremost.
As time goes by, it gets easier. Realizing the many benefits of not drinking and taking these into consideration helps me with my decision not to drink.
For instance, I was on the brink of losing my job. This is a job I truly enjoy and would not be able to easily replace.
Drinking= absenteeism,poor performance, loss of trust.
Not drinking=increased performance, 1 year no sick days, increased trust, and yup, mo money.
The choice is obvious.
Simple? Yes.
Easy? No.
Another example, I now drive a nice late model jeep, paid for. A year ago I was in a smashed up old tbird that barely ran(also paid for though).
This is why I rely heavily on Smart CBA. Simple and effective, at least for me.
I believe this is the only life I'm gonna get. I want to treat it with respect and take good care of it. No one else will. My life, My choice.
Keep well
Ron
It's up to me to continue to live my life keeping Rule # 1 first and foremost.
As time goes by, it gets easier. Realizing the many benefits of not drinking and taking these into consideration helps me with my decision not to drink.
For instance, I was on the brink of losing my job. This is a job I truly enjoy and would not be able to easily replace.
Drinking= absenteeism,poor performance, loss of trust.
Not drinking=increased performance, 1 year no sick days, increased trust, and yup, mo money.
The choice is obvious.
Simple? Yes.
Easy? No.
Another example, I now drive a nice late model jeep, paid for. A year ago I was in a smashed up old tbird that barely ran(also paid for though).
This is why I rely heavily on Smart CBA. Simple and effective, at least for me.
I believe this is the only life I'm gonna get. I want to treat it with respect and take good care of it. No one else will. My life, My choice.
Keep well
Ron
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 2
A year's great, but many of us have found that the ability to see the world with new eyes after a year or so of clarity can be kinda weird going. I have to keep reminding the people I mentor that the process of going sane is nearly as scary as the process of going insane.
Oh, by the way, I've been sober (and clean, since there were some dalliances in that direction as well) for just over twenty-four years as a godless heathen, which is also just a little more than half my life -- so, yes, you betcha, it can be done.
Oh, by the way, I've been sober (and clean, since there were some dalliances in that direction as well) for just over twenty-four years as a godless heathen, which is also just a little more than half my life -- so, yes, you betcha, it can be done.
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oxnard (The Nard), CA, USA.
Posts: 13,954
Hello and welcome to secular zone at SoberRecovery.com (SR) StanR. I hope your stay here at SR will be a enriching one.
I'm very thankful to know that...yes...G*dless heathens like myself can recover. I didn't stay in active addiction because of my view on how the universe was created or silly stuff like that. I have an addiction because (fill in the blank_______) and I can recover by learning new wholesome life skills.
I'm very thankful to know that...yes...G*dless heathens like myself can recover. I didn't stay in active addiction because of my view on how the universe was created or silly stuff like that. I have an addiction because (fill in the blank_______) and I can recover by learning new wholesome life skills.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: TX
Posts: 35
I feel fine; mentally and physically. Got my life back. Have had since the end of 2005.
I, basically, had two rules. Rule 1: Do not drink; Rule 2: see rule 1.
Basically, on my own; with a very eclectic 'program'. Mostly, CEBT/REBT. With visits to SMART message board and using their tool box.
I, basically, had two rules. Rule 1: Do not drink; Rule 2: see rule 1.
Basically, on my own; with a very eclectic 'program'. Mostly, CEBT/REBT. With visits to SMART message board and using their tool box.
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