Anyone else "give up" drinking this year that is drunk?

[fNord]

Made it 10 days, best since 08. Snowed in, knew it was coming and said, “what the f**k”

[orangecrush]

1. Sober 4 years.

AA is a great way to do it.

And for those who are uncomfortable with the religious overtones, there are agnostic groups.

[fNord]

2. My goddess insists on it....

AA and I don’t get along.....

That being said, I’m glad it works for you. Not to mention, 4 YEARS! That is an accomplishment to be celebrated.

to you orangecrush

[orangecrush]

5. Thanks!

"higher power AS WE UNDERSTAND him"

But yeah, they close with the "Our Father" at meetings. (though you aren't actually required to say it.)

Lately my 11th step (prayer and meditation) has centered around Austin Osmond Spare (founder of Chaos Magic) and Chinese Taoist medicine and Magic.

So, we are kindred spirits!

Thank you VERY much, and Blessed Be!

[Rhiannon12866]

8. 9 years, 8 months here - and AA worked for me (when nothing else did).

And I had issues with the Higher Power thing, too - but I was just asked if I was open minded. And whatever works for anybody else is fine with me. I was lucky and found the right sponsor - she really found me. She was Jewish and wasn't a fan of the "Our Father" used at meetings - though it's usually The Serenity Prayer in the meetings around here. The meetings she led or started - including the district meeting (I'm a GSR) - use The Responsibility Declaration.

And sober support helped at lot, too, learning I wasn't alone. Congratulations on 4 years, that's an awesome Milestone!

[orangecrush]

9. Thanks for both the kind words

And your important work as a GSR!

(General Service Representative, I believe... )

Sometimes I too get a "fuck it" attitude, as the op mentions.

Seeing people besides one self who have gone through the same wringer, and who actually care about you is, a great help.




And congrats on your continued sobriety!

[Rhiannon12866]

11. Awwww! Thanks so much! And wishing you the same!

And giving back helps, too. I learned that from my sponsor too. I'm GSR for two beginners' groups, many are just out of rehab or in treatment - and there's a lot of turnover - so I was the logical choice since I think you're supposed to have 2 years.

And I order coins for those groups and my women's group, which is where I met my sponsor and has a lot of long time sobriety. The woman I used to celebrate with (she retired and moved down South) has 44 years and last March I gave out a 50 year coin!! That lady actually knew Bill W and used to have tea with Lois! I've learned from those who came before me and try to pass that on...

[orangecrush]

7. ...

[fNord]

3. I just opened a lime seltzer and enjoyed it in your honor.....n/t

[orangecrush]

6. Thanks!

I have no issue with people who don't have an alcohol problem!

[JDC]

4. There is an addiction and recovery forum here in DU

You should check it out if interested.

If you ever want to chat with someone that tried repeatedly to quit and found they could not, pm me or post in A & R. You will get a response(s) w/o doubt.

J

PS: 7+ years sober

[orangecrush]

10. For you...

[Grasswire2]

12. a cautionary tale

My cousin Larry lies in ICU right now.

Long-term abuse of alcohol has delivered many health problems.

While he was in the hospital this week for management of related GI issues, he suffered a cardiac and pulmonary arrest. Despite a Do Not Resuscitate order, he was resuscitated. Twelve minutes, he was out. Now he's iced in order to preserve any brain function, heavily sedated, and intubated. Not responsive.

I saw him two weeks ago. He was looking fairly steady and alert.

He just couldn't give it up.

His son is on the way from Colorado. His long-suffering wife is asking for prayers. Someone will have to make the decision to pull the plug soon.

He just couldn't give it up.

[Optical.Catalyst]

13. Sober for over a decade for me

Drinking was my hobby. I never considered myself to be an alcoholic because I could stop drinking anytime I wanted. After a few bad events (mostly related to excessive drinking), I decided I was being sent a 'message'. I quit cold turkey and haven't taken a drink since.

[zanana1]

14. Sober for 40 years.

In my 20's, I drank All. The. Time. Unless I was sleeping, I was drinking. One day, I woke up in a hospital. I had been found on a sidewalk, very dehydrated, unconscious. I spent five days on an I.V. and then transported to a hospital detox. Thank God for that place. Two weeks later, I attended my first AA meeting. I was still shaking, but I found alot of support there. I didn't like the religious aspect of it, but I kept going. Even I can't believe it's been 40 years!