yukonm
04-06-2010, 11:40 AM
I am truly grateful to be clean and sober today after over 40 years of alcohol and drug abuse.
What It Was Like
I began drinking cough syrup when I was about 10yrs old. My mother was a nurse and would bring home those little sample bottles. I remember learning that after I drank 4 of them I would throw up and then go to sleep. This was the first time I used any substance to change my mood.
The first time I ever drank alcohol as a teenager I got sick and passed out. I always drank until I either blacked out or passed out. I was raised in San Francisco during the 60's: sex, drugs and rock n' roll were the culture and I participated.
The first time I lost a job due to alcohol was in 1974 and it was suggested I try going to AA meetings. I laughed at the idea that I was an alcoholic after all I was only 21. My drinking and drug use continued. 15 years later, after another employer paid for a drug rehab, I attended a 12 Step program for a short time as part of a deal. It took 11 years before I attempted to get clean again through another rehab. I attended meetings but never got a sponsor or considered working the steps, I didn't stay clean very long either.
What Happened
I continued to drink and use drugs until I got into trouble with the law and was court ordered to attend 12 Step meetings. I looked at the schedules and saw AA meetings close to my home. At the first meeting I went to there were only 4 older men in attendence but I felt at ease. I felt at home. It was the same way at the other meeting I attended, which became my home group. Even though it was a nudge from the judge that led me to the doors of AA. I believe it was in God's plan for me.
What It's Like Today
Today by the grace of God, the support of a wonderful church family and the encouragement and support of my fellow AA members, I have been clean and sober since Aug 21, 2007.
I start my day off in prayer, meditation and reading and I reach out to others in recovery. My priority is to be grounded in recovery and sprititually centered. I ask God to guide my thoughts and actions and I try my best to share His love with others. I have an intimate relationship with God and I am grateful to believe in a God that is loving, forgiving and patient. The promises are coming true, some faster than others, but I understand that I must work everyday to maintain my sobriety and as long as I do that, I see progress. I look forward to the journey ahead knowing I don't have to travel it alone.
Thanks for taking the time to read.
What It Was Like
I began drinking cough syrup when I was about 10yrs old. My mother was a nurse and would bring home those little sample bottles. I remember learning that after I drank 4 of them I would throw up and then go to sleep. This was the first time I used any substance to change my mood.
The first time I ever drank alcohol as a teenager I got sick and passed out. I always drank until I either blacked out or passed out. I was raised in San Francisco during the 60's: sex, drugs and rock n' roll were the culture and I participated.
The first time I lost a job due to alcohol was in 1974 and it was suggested I try going to AA meetings. I laughed at the idea that I was an alcoholic after all I was only 21. My drinking and drug use continued. 15 years later, after another employer paid for a drug rehab, I attended a 12 Step program for a short time as part of a deal. It took 11 years before I attempted to get clean again through another rehab. I attended meetings but never got a sponsor or considered working the steps, I didn't stay clean very long either.
What Happened
I continued to drink and use drugs until I got into trouble with the law and was court ordered to attend 12 Step meetings. I looked at the schedules and saw AA meetings close to my home. At the first meeting I went to there were only 4 older men in attendence but I felt at ease. I felt at home. It was the same way at the other meeting I attended, which became my home group. Even though it was a nudge from the judge that led me to the doors of AA. I believe it was in God's plan for me.
What It's Like Today
Today by the grace of God, the support of a wonderful church family and the encouragement and support of my fellow AA members, I have been clean and sober since Aug 21, 2007.
I start my day off in prayer, meditation and reading and I reach out to others in recovery. My priority is to be grounded in recovery and sprititually centered. I ask God to guide my thoughts and actions and I try my best to share His love with others. I have an intimate relationship with God and I am grateful to believe in a God that is loving, forgiving and patient. The promises are coming true, some faster than others, but I understand that I must work everyday to maintain my sobriety and as long as I do that, I see progress. I look forward to the journey ahead knowing I don't have to travel it alone.
Thanks for taking the time to read.