View Poll Results: Which Program of Recovery Did/Do You Use?
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What Program/Method of Recovery Did/Do You Use?
Kaleidoscope eyes
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: London
Posts: 5,243
Originally Posted by tehmazzyland 
i think it was cognitive behaviour therapy(?)...
was in a bad way, got referred to a residential rehab, was physically put on a train to a new city after an enforced night of not drinking (which is a funny story in itself, but only like years later), got there, was dosed up with librium...
... then had some awesomeness-personified rehab workers help me find my own path to a secure sobriety. Don't quite know how it happened, but it did. Can't really explain, but it seems to involve healthy amounts of laughing at myself. Of course, that might just be the natural result of my being an idiot anyway. Hell, as long as it keeps kicking my ass to stick with sobriety - I'll take it.
Also, in the last few days discovered the power of ninja -
- which might just become my new metaphor for self-ass-kicking. Because surely only ninjas are flexible enough to kick their own asses.
Peace.
was in a bad way, got referred to a residential rehab, was physically put on a train to a new city after an enforced night of not drinking (which is a funny story in itself, but only like years later), got there, was dosed up with librium...
... then had some awesomeness-personified rehab workers help me find my own path to a secure sobriety. Don't quite know how it happened, but it did. Can't really explain, but it seems to involve healthy amounts of laughing at myself. Of course, that might just be the natural result of my being an idiot anyway. Hell, as long as it keeps kicking my ass to stick with sobriety - I'll take it.
Also, in the last few days discovered the power of ninja -
- which might just become my new metaphor for self-ass-kicking. Because surely only ninjas are flexible enough to kick their own asses.
Peace.
Kaleidoscope eyes
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: London
Posts: 5,243
Originally Posted by LadyinBC
The only time I ever hear people refer to "god stuff" is when they are referring to their higher power which happens to be god for some of them. Some people refer to their kids, themselves or families etc as their higher power. I never get tired of hearing what works for people even if it is god. Once I get tired of hearing it, it means I don't care anymore which isn't good for me because I'm shutting my mind down.
I've never been to a meeting where everyone is preaching God and trying to convert people. I guess I don't know where all the negativity comes ffrom in regards to this?
I've never been to a meeting where everyone is preaching God and trying to convert people. I guess I don't know where all the negativity comes ffrom in regards to this?
Kaleidoscope eyes
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: London
Posts: 5,243
Originally Posted by Carlotta
I go to AA (it worked for me in the past) and this forum really helps me since I am in early recovery...the support is invaluable and also reading people's experience reinforces my decision to remain sober.
I also use some cognitive techniques...
I have done the steps in the past and step 4 is a great way to do house cleaning (I started the steps all over again) but I do not believe that my character defects are what makes me an alcoholic or that I am a bad person.
You have some horrible sober people and some awesome active alcoholics out there. I am learning to recognize my AVs and the part in my psychological make up which brings me to drink compulsively.
I am lucky I found a home group and I love AA (great people) but I respect other systems and I think they are many ways to become and stay sober.
My godfather has not touched a drink or a drug in over 30 years. He is not into any programs but is very religious/spiritual and cares deeply about his family. He is by NO mean a dry drunk (always bugs me when I hear some knuckle heads saying that just because someone does not go to AA they must be a dry drunk LOL).
Anyway just sharing what I am doing these days...hopefully it will keep on working, am at day 14 and so far so good..no pink cloud but no anger or cravings either.
I also use some cognitive techniques...
I have done the steps in the past and step 4 is a great way to do house cleaning (I started the steps all over again) but I do not believe that my character defects are what makes me an alcoholic or that I am a bad person.
You have some horrible sober people and some awesome active alcoholics out there. I am learning to recognize my AVs and the part in my psychological make up which brings me to drink compulsively.
I am lucky I found a home group and I love AA (great people) but I respect other systems and I think they are many ways to become and stay sober.
My godfather has not touched a drink or a drug in over 30 years. He is not into any programs but is very religious/spiritual and cares deeply about his family. He is by NO mean a dry drunk (always bugs me when I hear some knuckle heads saying that just because someone does not go to AA they must be a dry drunk LOL).
Anyway just sharing what I am doing these days...hopefully it will keep on working, am at day 14 and so far so good..no pink cloud but no anger or cravings either.
x
The Long and Winding Road....
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Brisbane QLD
Posts: 897
Originally Posted by Terminally Unique
The original manuscript of the Big Book was written in 1938, with 400 copies distributed in January, 1939 for feedback. The first edition was published on April 10, 1939, which already had the qualifier removed. Many will say that things really changed when the ATI geared up in the 1980's, and the prevailing meeting format became Open Discussion. I suspect that the seeds of change were planted even before that, though, when the flower children realized that they couldn't keep partying forever and the "kumbayaish" walking wounded started showing up in the rooms in droves.
perhaps you are too conservative and set in your ways for your own good??
v
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Texas
Posts: 248
I use AVRT mainly. The philosophy of identifying the urges as they happen) personified as the "addictive voice") and taking charge of recovery instead of viewing yourself as a victim appeals to me. (Not to say that everyone in other programs vies themselves as a victim, but you know what I mean...)
However, I do like the fellowship that AA offers. I go to meet sober people who have been through similar problems, although I do not actively work the program.
I think As should do whatever works for them. I am so glad that there are options now!
However, I do like the fellowship that AA offers. I go to meet sober people who have been through similar problems, although I do not actively work the program.
I think As should do whatever works for them. I am so glad that there are options now!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Tucson, AZ
Posts: 650
And, you know, I would rather be accepted in a place that gives me room to grow than have come into the "old-school" style rooms where addicts/alcoholics are told to "sit down and shut up"... I get it now, but coming in, I woulda said "the hell with this" and never come back. The way I see it, there are many more addicts/alcoholics coming into the rooms earlier in their addiction, which is a good thing. They are also less likely to be sure if they are willing to surrender, and I would rather see people relapse and make it back than leave the rooms in anger and never return.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 11
Check
Originally Posted by Onewithwings
Other- NA
I got sober through an intensive program that focused on the 12 steps. However three months into it I realized it wasn't for me for two reasons ( although I stayed the full 2 years.)
1st: I am an athiest. Sometimes I would get "talked to" by the group. As they sought it if I didn't belive in God then I wasn't working a program. BS I did all the reqs, I just don't belive in God. Period. They say "higher power" but yet open and close with a prayer from the bible?
2nd: More imporantly AA requires you to rely on others. I take responsability of myself and ironically in AA your higher power can't be a person because people let you down. Yet all of AA requires you to rely on others?
Whether it be my two sponsors who got loaded or people not going with you to meetings because they got "busy" all of suden, sobriety is a YOU program.
Not God, not anyone else.
Personally I think that rehabs should customize it to the individual.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bklyn. NY
Posts: 1,859
Originally Posted by Mac2809
2nd: More imporantly AA requires you to rely on others. I take responsability of myself and ironically in AA your higher power can't be a person because people let you down. Yet all of AA requires you to rely on others?
Whether it be my two sponsors who got loaded or people not going with you to meetings because they got "busy" all of suden, sobriety is a YOU program.
Not God, not anyone else.
Whether it be my two sponsors who got loaded or people not going with you to meetings because they got "busy" all of suden, sobriety is a YOU program.
Not God, not anyone else.
And funny, though I've been a member of AA for decades now I don't remember anybody ever holding a gun to my head, nor knocking a drink out of my hand, nor making me in any way, shape, or form - not drink. Most times the opportunity or desire to drink were in front of me, it was my decision whether to pick it up or not. It wasn't a requirement that someone was there to stop me, in any way. Yet I didn't drink.
Yet I absolutely still need people in my life. And people need me. Not sure what's so wrong or bad about that.
If someone holds other people responsible for their sobriety, then I do believe that is a problem. And one that should be adressed. The steps and principles of the program keep me sober, the individual people help to carry the AA message and whatever else they've picked up over time.
If people are going to make statements about AA, I wish they'd state it as their opinion. What you said about AA is not true. That is my opinion.
PS. Just noticed you're new here. Welcome.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 80
Originally Posted by DrivenHeart85
I did it with 8 months of intense AA, then 7 months of return to active addiction and then finally I threw both out the window and went with AVRT.
I found that AA doesn't make you commit to stopping your addiction. It wants to tell you that your addiction is not your fault and that you must always be on guard. People tell me that after being 20 years sober, they still cant go near a bar, etc. I always thought that was not recovery, that was getting under a blanket and hoping alcohol never found its way under there. No, not for me. I wanted to know what was going on. I wanted to understand why I drank when I really did not want to. AVRT did that for me. I understood the deception that was happening in my brain and then I was done, FOREVER. I am no longer an alcoholic. I can go to a bar and play darts while I drink a soda. I can kiss my wife's lips when she's been drinking. There is no avoidance, no fear, no addiction. That is recovery. Thank you AVRT.
Love you all!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bklyn. NY
Posts: 1,859
Originally Posted by Robertstone
Nice!
I found that AA doesn't make you commit to stopping your addiction. It wants to tell you that your addiction is not your fault and that you must always be on guard. People tell me that after being 20 years sober, they still cant go near a bar, etc. I always thought that was not recovery, that was getting under a blanket and hoping alcohol never found its way under there. No, not for me. I wanted to know what was going on. I wanted to understand why I drank when I really did not want to. AVRT did that for me. I understood the deception that was happening in my brain and then I was done, FOREVER. I am no longer an alcoholic. I can go to a bar and play darts while I drink a soda. I can kiss my wife's lips when she's been drinking. There is no avoidance, no fear, no addiction. That is recovery. Thank you AVRT.
Love you all!
I found that AA doesn't make you commit to stopping your addiction. It wants to tell you that your addiction is not your fault and that you must always be on guard. People tell me that after being 20 years sober, they still cant go near a bar, etc. I always thought that was not recovery, that was getting under a blanket and hoping alcohol never found its way under there. No, not for me. I wanted to know what was going on. I wanted to understand why I drank when I really did not want to. AVRT did that for me. I understood the deception that was happening in my brain and then I was done, FOREVER. I am no longer an alcoholic. I can go to a bar and play darts while I drink a soda. I can kiss my wife's lips when she's been drinking. There is no avoidance, no fear, no addiction. That is recovery. Thank you AVRT.
Love you all!
As I've said before, if people don't have a clear understanding about AA I really wish they would not write about it. I have many thoughts and assumptions about avrt and rr, but I keep them to myself because I realize I'm lacking in experience and knowledge regarding it. I also respect what works for others.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 80
[QUOTE=Joe Nerv;4401618] I've been sober for over 29 years in AA and what you describe is not my experience. QUOTE]
Congratulations! I am proud of you. I was not trying to offend anyone. I was not describing your experience, I was describing my experience and singing praises to what helped me. As I have said many times before, there are many treatments that are helpful to different people. Thankfully, one worked for me and one worked for you.
Congratulations! I am proud of you. I was not trying to offend anyone. I was not describing your experience, I was describing my experience and singing praises to what helped me. As I have said many times before, there are many treatments that are helpful to different people. Thankfully, one worked for me and one worked for you.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Bklyn. NY
Posts: 1,859
Originally Posted by Robertstone
Congratulations! I am proud of you. I was not trying to offend anyone.
If I were to say people in AVRT delude themselves into believing it's impossible for them to ever drink again, until they do, would that be describing "my" experience?
I don't think that by the way, I understand the forever thing, and respect it if that's what works for someone. Just trying to make a point.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 10,912
I'm trying to do my own "programming". Getting familiar with many different approaches and learning about different people's experiences with them seems to be helpful to me - one reason why I like SR so much right now But for me, knowing myself, ultimately it'll have to be an approach I develop for me... I'm too early into this whole recovery thing to say more right now.
I agree with what Kate said above: it does not matter what we use as long as it works. Will add: as long as it's not harmful to others with healthy intentions.
But for me, knowing myself, ultimately it'll have to be an approach I develop for me... I'm too early into this whole recovery thing to say more right now.I agree with what Kate said above: it does not matter what we use as long as it works. Will add: as long as it's not harmful to others with healthy intentions.
Have we seen a person fail...
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: S.S. Marie, Ont. Can.
Posts: 717
Only If You Want It
I have been clean & sober for 23 years in A.A. and it is the only method that has worked for me. You have to want sobriety bad though, A.A. is hard work...
Rarly
Rarly
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