New from Va.

[H2o]

Hello, folks! I quit drinking about 3-4 months ago(cold turkey). Easiest thing I ever did...BUT...I didn't expect depression, self-confidence problems, weight loss of over 20 lbs, and the mental "demons" that came along. I didn't relate all of that to the stoppage. Didn't "crave" the drink....So I called AA, and talked to a lady there who said my problems were "textbook". I had been drinking since 12 or 13 yrs. of age. She wanted me to go to a meeting, but I have QUIT drinking, so I thought "why go?". So here I am.....Hoping y'all can help me. I'm 48 now. How many months will the "demons" and depression haunt me? Wish I knew..........Thanks.....Rick

[samf]

Rick, meetings really helped me. And so did doing the things in AA that are suggested. It seems like it wouldn't, when I was standing on the outside, looking in, but it really helps.

I felt all those same things and bet that practically everyone here did, too...we are a lot alike, that way!

Someone told me early on to try meetings for a while...to maybe try to go to ninety meetings in ninety days and to do the stuff they suggested. I wasn't drinking, but I sure was miserable, and was scared to death that I would start drinking again, so I tried it.

I'm so glad I did.

I was scared to go, but the scared went away, after a bit, and I'm glad I went past the fear.

You don't even have to say anything. If you get a turn to speak, you can just say, "Hi. I'm Rick, and I'm an alcoholic. I'll pass."

And always, when I did talk or have a question, those other recovering alcoholics sure helped me.

Sending a hug!

So glad you are here!

Sam

[H2o]

Rick, meetings really helped me. And so did doing the things in AA that are suggested. It seems like it wouldn't, when I was standing on the outside, looking in, but it really helps.

I felt all those same things and bet that practically everyone here did, too...we are a lot alike, that way!

Someone told me early on to try meetings for a while...to maybe try to go to ninety meetings in ninety days and to do the stuff they suggested. I wasn't drinking, but I sure was miserable, and was scared to death that I would start drinking again, so I tried it.

I'm so glad I did.

I was scared to go, but the scared went away, after a bit, and I'm glad I went past the fear.

You don't even have to say anything. If you get a turn to speak, you can just say, "Hi. I'm Rick, and I'm an alcoholic. I'll pass."

And always, when I did talk or have a question, those other recovering alcoholics sure helped me.

Sending a hug!

So glad you are here!

Sam
Thanks, Sam...Ironically, my wife and I went into a thrift store today, and I found the 12-step hard-back book. Took it to work and read some of it. 99cents well invested!! Going to see a Christian counselor soon, and yes, I'm going to some meetings soon. If everybody says I should go, I'm out-numbered, so I will...Thanks!

[samf]

Rick, that sounds like serendipity, your finding that book! I agree...would be 99 cents, very well spent! :)

What is the title? Am curious! :)

Seems like a really good thing, too...the things you are planning to do.

Keep it up!

Meetings are great...like I said, for me, it took a little bit of time to get comfortable enough in them to be all right...just because I am a nervous soul, anyway! :)

Now, I really love them!!

Sending a hug and hoping your day today is the absolute best!

Sam

[H2o]

Rick, that sounds like serendipity, your finding that book! I agree...would be 99 cents, very well spent! :)

What is the title? Am curious! :)

Seems like a really good thing, too...the things you are planning to do.

Keep it up!

Meetings are great...like I said, for me, it took a little bit of time to get comfortable enough in them to be all right...just because I am a nervous soul, anyway! :)

Now, I really love them!!

Sending a hug and hoping your day today is the absolute best!

Sam
Thanks, Sam. The book title is 12 steps and 12 traditions. Going to see the counselor today before work...Rick...

[samf]

Hi, Rick!

It all sounds good!

The 12x12 is a great book!! (Nickname for the "THe Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions".)

Here is a link to a copy of the book, "Alcoholics Anonymous", online:

http://www.aa.org/bigbookonline/

I really like "The Doctor's Opinion", in the front of the book...especially starting with the phrase, "men and women drink essentially because they like the effect produced by alcohol." I sure identified with that, and the rest of it.

Another great little AA book is called, "Living Sober."

Sometimes I can find these used, on the internet.

Hope your meeting with your counselor goes well!

Have you checked out any AA meetings in your area, yet?

Have the best day!

Great, seeing you posting!

Samf

[H2o]

Thanks, sam. I know where the meetings are in my area, and the dates and times. My work schedule is interfering this week, but I will go to one. The Christian counselor went good, today. As far as accepting Christ goes, That has been done, even before I realized that it was one of the steps. My 'confusion" has been with the different person that I am now..Things that I couldn't seem to get enough of are not as important to me as they were, and I've had trouble discerning if this is due to the fact that alcohol made me that way, or if God has replaced my old desires with Christian thinking. I am a totally different person now, still somewhat of a stranger to myself, and my wife is now married to a different me. I am very "humble" now, and get emotional often...a BIG change from the old me. When I read certain scriptures in the Bible, I get emotional. Also when I pray, I get that way. I had trouble trying to figure this out. Finally realized that these were tears of something other than "bad" kind of tears. 6 months ago, it would have taken ALOT to get me to shed a tear for most anything... ??? I asked the counselor to look at me and tell me what she saw, as I didn't know myself. She's 82 years old..... She said there was no doubt, in her opinion, that I had been saved. That was comforting to know. I feel good at the moment......Rick

[samf]

Rick, am sending a hug!

Don't know, either, if any of this would be helpful, but thought I'd let you know that there are lots of Christian twelve step things around the internet, too...and at least one message board I know of, although I don't go there, much...have never actually joined it...I do read things, there, from time to time...have not been there, in a while.

I have also heard of a Christian recovery program called, "Celebrate Recovery".

I just mention these, in case you think they might help, somehow, along your way.

Hope you will be able to attend a meeting...or a lot of them! :) That is because getting to AA saved my life, the way I see it.

I cried and got way more emotional, too. Think it was neat...I felt like my heart was opening, somehow.

Sending a hug and hoping your today is the best!

Sam