new to this board

[tifpnn]

Hello...

I am new to this board. I have tried to stop drinking several times over the last two decades, unsuccessfully. As a mother and wife, I knew that my drinking was inappropriate, so I began to hide it. My husband pretended not to know. Alcohol is repugnant to me, as it has caused me so much pain. I grew up in an alcoholic family. All of my siblings are alcoholics. I just recently lost my brother in a motorcycle accident, because he was under the influence. I don't enjoy drinking. I know it is an addiction. I have been sober for 10 days. And, I never want to drink again. I have done this before and I need to remain here, sober. I feel good and happy right now. I don't feel like a liar and I feel strong. I have never reached out for help before. All advice appreciated. I will make it this time!

[MajestyJo]

Welcome tifpnn, so glad you made the decision to join us. Congratulations on your 10 days. We do this one day at a time. Just for today, I choose not to pick up a drink. For me, it was all mind altering substances, because one always took me to another one.

I had to fill the void, left by my best friend who became my worst enemy. I had to fill it with spiritual things. To do that, I had to go to meetings for me, I qualified for just about any room you put me in. I used the 12 Steps that originated with AA. I went to 90 meetings in 90 days to find a home group, a place I felt comfortable in. I also need a sponsor, someone who had already worked the Steps and more importantly, living them. It is one thing to know the books and the literature, it is about taking the information and applying it to our lives.

It is about finding what works for us. Me, I was one of the really sick ones and went to two meetings a day for two years. I got involved in service in my home group, by being there and sharing. Helping to set up and put chairs away, by greeting at the door, and helping with coffee. In my day, there were ashtrays to be washed. It is one alcoholic sharing with another.

There is a lot of material here on the site. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Just keep coming and you won't have to come back. I hope you will continue to come and share your journey with us.

WELCOME!