Posted by Tootercat on April 20, 2004, at 14:49:20
In reply to for jyl, posted by rainyday on April 20, 2004, at 13:46:18
I am sober and have been for a little over 14 years. I think I've probably mentioned this before. It is a sickness of the soul. It is not something that can be overcome alone or by will power. Just not drinking doesn't make a person sober. I call that "so-dry-ety" because you do the same behavior just no alcohol to make it worse. My personal answer was and is AA. It isn't for everybody but it saved my sorry butt. And I didn't want it in the beginning...DMV forced the issue (bless their little peapickin hearts)It has taught me to be honest and how to live life on life's terms even at it's worst. there is NOTHING a drink will make better but it will always make it worse. AA meetings in alot of cities are NON-smoking (especially here in CA) I didn't want to be an alcoholic because it would mean I was a "loser". Now I am SO happy that because of my alcoholism I have been given a second chance to live life not survive it. Nobody can make you admit that you are an alcoholic; tell your T to back off. Only you and God (if you believe in one)can make that decision. Alcoholics are not old men in raincoats drinking out of a paper bag in the gutter (as I once believed) they are people of many races, genders, and professions who have been given a challenge in their lives and the bottle was the answer for a period of time. For me booze gave me beauty, courage, wit, and a kinship with people. At a point it stopped working and became my master and I began self destructing. I feel for both of you and wish you courage to do what is right for YOU!
It is not easy but the thing to remember is that you don't have to do it alone and it is ONE DAY AT A TIME!Love to both,
Toots
poster:Tootercat
thread:337997
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040414/msgs/338144.html