Posted on 10/08/2005 7:33:57 AM PDT by RobFromGa
October 8, 2003 is the date that I quit drinking for good. It has been a great two years!
When I was drinking, I thought that life would be impossibly boring without alcohol. How can you enjoy parties, football games, vacations, weekends, etc without alcohol? I found out that not only is it possible to enjoy these things, that in many ways they are made better without the "buzz".
I haven't had a hangover in two years and that is a blessing.
I have occasionally had brief thoughts that I might be able to drink normally now that I have controlled myself for this length of time. But I understand myself better now. The fact that I would even consider such a question and action even for a millisecond is a sign of my lack of control over alcohol. My only sane solution is to keep it out of my body.
I urge anyone who suspects that they may have a drinking problem to find help and deal with the issue. I wish I had quit when I was 30 instead of 41.
Almost a year ago, I posted a thread on FR, If You Suspect You Might Have A Drinking Problem (An Open Letter). There might be some help there for you if you are trying to quit.
Thanks to all who have helped me to quit and to stay sober.
thanks for the kind words
Sobriety without AA is like conservatism without Free Republic.
Way to go dude!
Sure, I notice. I was once addicted to alcohol and in deep denial about it effects on me and my health. Even the nastiest poster might someday remember having read a thread like this when they are ready for change, and benefit from it.
In many ways this thread is written for the #2's to see that #1's exist peacefully without alcohol.
I appreciate your contributions to this thread.
I included a link at the top of this thread, here it again for those who might have missed it. You can also click on my name (RobFromGa) below and the whole story so far is posted on my FR home page.
Almost a year ago, I posted a thread on FR, If You Suspect You Might Have A Drinking Problem (An Open Letter). There might be some help there for you if you are trying to quit.
I do plan to post another piece of this around Thanksgiving time.
No offense taken here, see you in the threads...
Even the nastiest poster might someday remember having read a thread like this when they are ready for change, and benefit from it.
Plenty of people have seen it so far.
No Hangovers for Two Years! ^
Posted by RobFromGa
On News/Activism ^ 10/08/2005 7:33:57 AM PDT · 235 replies · 3,169+ views
great shirt, I was always a "happy drunk" but I've met many of the other kind...
Congratulations. One day at a time, dude.
I read your earlier letter, it seems like you made this happen by your own will? Did I miss the powerlessness part somewhere?
I've been to a lot of meetings starting 3 months after I quit. Since I was able to quit on my own, by my understanding of the Big Book, I don't really "fit in" with their philosophy and I am not a "real alcoholic" as they take care to describe it. (I talk more about this in the original thread, where I discuss my problems with the AA concept of surrender)
So, while at AA, I keep my mouth shut where I disagree and gain what benefits I can from the fellowship of others who had a problem like mine. I have adapted the AA steps to my thinking and continue to work them.
I realize that for many AA might be their only chance. I am a lucky one that was able to quit on my own will, my financial condition and physical environment are not trapping me in a bad situation, and I was able to stay away from trigger situations in the beginning.
I would not disparage AA, as I have nothing to offer in its place. I have gone to less and less meetings as I have become farther from my last drink, down to once a month now just to stay in touch and remind me. I do not want to trade an addiction to alcohol for an addiction to AA meetings.
Sounds like its going to be a long seven years. :-) Sorry you're having a bad year. Have a club soda for me on your journey.
Good for you! ODAAT!
I think of you guys often and hope you are well. Keep in touch and I hope to see dansangel on the threads again. She is missed.
I was walking 4 miles every other day but I have stopped doing this regularly and need to get started again. Tomorrow.
thanks for the encouragement
Well done!
| If You Suspect You Might Have A Drinking Problem (An Open Letter) |
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| Posted by RobFromGa On News/Activism 12/11/2004 8:37:20 AM EST · 473 replies · 9,183+ views RobFromGa | December 11, 2004 | RobFromGa |
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Do you see AA as a cult?
Well, I've been told that the average social drinker has two drinks in a month. The person that revealed this nugget of information intoned, "Two drinks? Heck, you can give that to my cat!"
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