Hi. My Name is......

UberLutheran · Apr 23, 2007

Hi, Norm!

Grateful co-dependent here. 20 years ago, I didn't think I'd ever imagine myself saying that!

I'm the kind of co-dependent that if there is one alcoholic in a room of 5,000 people, I will find that one alcoholic!

If people come equipped with Doppler radar for alcoholics -- mine is installed and picking up signals!

I'm still an Al-Anon; probably always will be an Al-Anon -- and that's just fine with me!

justanobserver · Apr 27, 2007

UberLutheran said:
Hi, Norm!

Grateful co-dependent here. 20 years ago, I didn't think I'd ever imagine myself saying that!

I'm the kind of co-dependent that if there is one alcoholic in a room of 5,000 people, I will find that one alcoholic!

If people come equipped with Doppler radar for alcoholics -- mine is installed and picking up signals!

I'm still an Al-Anon; probably always will be an Al-Anon -- and that's just fine with me!

Hey Uber! Sorry for the tardiness in replying. I been neglectful with the thread and my apologies to all here.

Its good to see you back and posting at CF. I was looking at some older photos of me earlier today. The pictures was when I was active Army within a month or so befor they shipped me off to rehab (military rehab - was like going thru boot camp again).

Well, several of the photos I looked long and hard at and it wasnt easy to look at what i was once. I guess how bad I gotten wasnt too hard to spot...Here is one of me in early Dec '99 - I shipped out to Rehab on 28 Dec 99.

Anyways, good to "see" you again!

BigToe · Apr 29, 2007

Is the one in your profile a recent one of you? You know something to compare the healthy you now to the photo you attached. You look miserable in that photo. I do hope you're genuinely happy now.

justanobserver · Apr 29, 2007

BigToe said:
Is the one in your profile a recent one of you? You know something to compare the healthy you now to the photo you attached. You look miserable in that photo. I do hope you're genuinely happy now.

My profile pic is couple years yrs old AND sober - the one attached in uniform is Dec '99 when I was at my bottom (or so I thought; actually, all I did was dig the bottom deeper later on).

Am working on the happy. its a process I guess but its also one day at a time. I just need to get an itchy sweater...

Big Toe - yer such a sweetie!!

wmc1982 · May 1, 2007

Hello, I'm Will. I was set free of the bondage of alcoholism about 2 months ago.

justanobserver · May 1, 2007

wmc1982 said:
Hello, I'm Will. I was set free of the bondage of alcoholism about 2 months ago.

Hi Will! This is great news!!!

You going to meetings? Getting together with others in recovery?

desperatelyseekinghelp · May 3, 2007

Hello:

I am in recovery. Today is day number one. My wife just left to stay with someone else for a while, and I am crushed.

I started drinking when I was fairly young... perhaps my childhood friends / neighborhood kids were a bad influence on me. It really does not matter... I am where I am today.

I do not get up in the morning and drink, but when I do drink, I cannot leave it at just one. Over the past few years, I have spiraled out of control. Lately, I have started to make a fool out of myself and act like a drunk.

If my wife drank like I did, I would probably want to leave as well.

I have tried to get hold of this 'problem' for quite some time. I tell myself that I'll quit drinking, but always end up back where I started. I went for 30 days with no drink, and it was not that big of a deal... but I am still in trouble, and the problem is still here as well.

Alcohol has robbed me of myself. Friday nights have always been about 'partying', and relaxation. Whenever I have had a choice to either go visiting with friends or to go home and 'swill' a few beers, I chose the latter. Now I have very few friends, I am as smart as I was 10 years ago, my wife isn't staying with me, and I am once again all alone.

The marriage is on the rocks, and I have hit bottom. Either I get help, and beat this thing, or I'll be without the love of my life. She has told me that she will work with me through anything ... except this... and I have been lying to myself saying that I can control 'it'.

So... here I am. Tomorrow I find help, and start getting better not only for myself, but for the family I so desperately want to have.

God has a plan for me... I just hope I can recognize it this time.

Divinah · May 3, 2007

Yes, it was stupid of you Chris. You are forgiven.

I’m glad Celebrate Recovery was brought up.

All an AA meeting ever made me want to do was have a drink. When I say the Lords prayer with those people I always have to pray additionally for cleansing and forgiveness of God that it is not an abomination to be said in that “any gods a god” context.

I am very strong in my faith these days and Praise God, in sobriety. God’s Glory!

But I do go to Celebrate Recovery meetings to help, witness, minister and bless others and of course am blessed in turn.

I am so excited that such a thing is happening. The idea of God Based 12 Steps just thrills me so and makes me so want to be a part of it!

And I do agree…Christ is necessary to overcome the vice and all the other stuff cause and reaction that goes with the problem.

Oh, been sober since 04/27/05

Praise the Lord!

desperatelyseekinghelp · May 3, 2007

desperatelyseekinghelp said:
Hello:

I am in recovery. Today is day number one. My wife just left to stay with someone else for a while, and I am crushed.

I started drinking when I was fairly young... perhaps my childhood friends / neighborhood kids were a bad influence on me. It really does not matter... I am where I am today.

I do not get up in the morning and drink, but when I do drink, I cannot leave it at just one. Over the past few years, I have spiraled out of control. Lately, I have started to make a fool out of myself and act like a drunk.

If my wife drank like I did, I would probably want to leave as well.

I have tried to get hold of this 'problem' for quite some time. I tell myself that I'll quit drinking, but always end up back where I started. I went for 30 days with no drink, and it was not that big of a deal... but I am still in trouble, and the problem is still here as well.

Alcohol has robbed me of myself. Friday nights have always been about 'partying', and relaxation. Whenever I have had a choice to either go visiting with friends or to go home and 'swill' a few beers, I chose the latter. Now I have very few friends, I am as smart as I was 10 years ago, my wife isn't staying with me, and I am once again all alone.

The marriage is on the rocks, and I have hit bottom. Either I get help, and beat this thing, or I'll be without the love of my life. She has told me that she will work with me through anything ... except this... and I have been lying to myself saying that I can control 'it'.

So... here I am. Tomorrow I find help, and start getting better not only for myself, but for the family I so desperately want to have.

God has a plan for me... I just hope I can recognize it this time.

****************

Well, I went to my first meeting and I was glad I did. By no means am I cured... just going to have to take it day by day.

There were many people there; each with a different story... but I could relate to them all. At the suggestion of a new friend, I have read AA1-3, and I understand that I am unable to win this battle without help from the Almighty.

Tomorrow is another day.

LoG · May 3, 2007

desperatelyseekinghelp said:
****************

Well, I went to my first meeting and I was glad I did. By no means am I cured... just going to have to take it day by day.

There were many people there; each with a different story... but I could relate to them all. At the suggestion of a new friend, I have read AA1-3, and I understand that I am unable to win this battle without help from the Almighty.

Tomorrow is another day.

Good to hear Desperate-. I once was where you are now and as hard as it was God gave me the strength to do this a day at a time, and those days have accumulated to over 13 years worth. I don't say that braggingly because when i first walked in to the meetings I was completely and utterly without power to stop.

God did for me, what I could not do for myself.

wmc1982 · May 4, 2007

justanobserver said:
Hi Will! This is great news!!!

You going to meetings? Getting together with others in recovery?

court ordered classes right now

Trying to get involved in a local church. I am friends with the pastor but I don't really know anyone else in the church and I'm not that great at meeting new people.

I just started working with my dad, and I'm a senior at Liberty University so I'm pretty busy, that helps.

I'm not sure about going to AA at this point or not. I've contemplated it a lot and I'm still not sure if I want to be dedicated to the program.

justanobserver · May 4, 2007

wmc1982 said:
court ordered classes right now

Trying to get involved in a local church. I am friends with the pastor but I don't really know anyone else in the church and I'm not that great at meeting new people.

I just started working with my dad, and I'm a senior at Liberty University so I'm pretty busy, that helps.

I'm not sure about going to AA at this point or not. I've contemplated it a lot and I'm still not sure if I want to be dedicated to the program.

court ordered? been there, done that, got the completion notice and went out drinking to celebrate...

It takes what it takes to help us do what we need to do. sometimes we need external assist to help us make the right choice.

But may I suggest an alternate program called Celebrate Recovery? Dont know if you read the threads here in recovery on it. I went to one years ago when I was stationed in central CA and started attending one again here where I now live (northern CA) at a church that started doing it a year ago.

its a christ9ian based AA style program, 12 step, sponsors, singing, etc. plus good folks, christian centered recovery theme. I am not yet a christian and I enjoy the meetings.

wmc1982 · May 4, 2007

justanobserver said:
court ordered? been there, done that, got the completion notice and went out drinking to celebrate...

It takes what it takes to help us do what we need to do. sometimes we need external assist to help us make the right choice.

But may I suggest an alternate program called Celebrate Recovery? Dont know if you read the threads here in recovery on it. I went to one years ago when I was stationed in central CA and started attending one again here where I now live (northern CA) at a church that started doing it a year ago.

its a christ9ian based AA style program, 12 step, sponsors, singing, etc. plus good folks, christian centered recovery theme. I am not yet a christian and I enjoy the meetings.

yea, I started a thread on it. - http://www.christianforums.com/t4640512-celebrate-recovery-alternative-to-aa.html

I haven't gone yet though. They meet about 30 minutes away from where I live and transportation will be an issue for the next 4 years

I know that God will provide a way for whatever I need though.

I'm still adjusting right now to everything. Going to this place (http://www.christianforums.com/t5137344-bethel-colony-of-mercy.html ) was great. It was an experience that I will never be able to put in words.

Probably the best 2 months I will ever experience on this earth. People from all over the U.S.; broken, ready to give up, some homeless, most have lost everything. After the first week or two there everyone was praising God, and people attitudes would change, their appearances would change, their outlooks would change.

I better get off that subject or I'll start rambling. Best place in the U.S. for a person with an addiction problem to go in my opinion.

justanobserver · May 6, 2007

just a quick post saying howdies to all. going thru some heavy emotional challenges but keeping my eye and mind on the prize - sobriety.

My dad passed away this past friday, my son has his court trial for prison starting tomorrow, a side of me wants to stop fighting the uge to drink and the other wants to stay sober.

In dealing with this disease of alcoholism, sometimes you just want to run away! being sober now for over 2 and half years helps but its one day at a time, sometimes one breath at a time.

Hi, My name is Norm and I am a recovering alcoholic.

LoG · May 7, 2007

Hiya Norm. Good to hear from you. My condolences to you and your family on your dad's passing.

As for your son, only God knows what the final result will be. Picking up a drink is not going to help it any and will likely not even give you any peace anyway. Boils down to Let go and let God as you understand him.

You know the drill, repeat after me:

God grant me the serenity...

Old George with almost 55 years of sobriety used to tell me again and again that every problem he ever faced in sobriety was covered by that one prayer.

BigToe · May 7, 2007

Norm *snuggles* I know you want sobriety and I know you know it is the choice of life. I also have faith that you can stay strong and firm in that choice. You have tools at your fingertips to help you when you're struggling.

Naturally, we're here to chat if you need us.

I'm sorry to hear your father passed away. Grief is never easy nor pretty. I can only imagine the difficulty that can be added to it with the added challenge to continue to choose sobriety as you grieve. But you're a strong man and you know you can take it a day at a time. Don't worry about tomorrow, just do what you need to make it through today.

Prodigal7 · May 7, 2007

Hi All,

I've been sober about 5 years and 3 months.

I go to AA meetings and also go to church. I don't think I would have come back to Christ if I didn't get sober through AA.

I know AA isn't exclusively Christian but there are a lot of Christians in it. I'd be interested in this "Celebrate Recovery" if I could find a meeting.

Be aware that there are many different types of AA meetings. One of my old sponsors told me if you want a quality meeting you go to get out of the Alano Clubs and Fellowships.

I think part of the watering down of AA is the same "anything goes" philosophy that has infected many parts of our society including elements of the church.

Anyone who is truly familiar with AA will tell you that AA doesn't claim to be the only way to get sober. It's not for everyone. I have seen a lot of people relapse with the "church only" approach. I haven't been exposed to Christian 12 step programs yet.

I believe fully in the power of Christ. Alcoholism is tricky and I believe God gives us tools to use. I wouldn't risk, for me, going it alone with my alcoholism. It's too risky. If I relapse I'm toast. I don't do the controlled relapse thing very well.

Praise God for anyone that gets sober.

wmc1982 · May 7, 2007

Prodigal7 said:
Hi All,

I've been sober about 5 years and 3 months.

I go to AA meetings and also go to church. I don't think I would have come back to Christ if I didn't get sober through AA.

I know AA isn't exclusively Christian but there are a lot of Christians in it. I'd be interested in this "Celebrate Recovery" if I could find a meeting.

Be aware that there are many different types of AA meetings. One of my old sponsors told me if you want a quality meeting you go to get out of the Alano Clubs and Fellowships.

I think part of the watering down of AA is the same "anything goes" philosophy that has infected many parts of our society including elements of the church.

Anyone who is truly familiar with AA will tell you that AA doesn't claim to be the only way to get sober. It's not for everyone. I have seen a lot of people relapse with the "church only" approach. I haven't been exposed to Christian 12 step programs yet.

I believe fully in the power of Christ. Alcoholism is tricky and I believe God gives us tools to use. I wouldn't risk, for me, going it alone with my alcoholism. It's too risky. If I relapse I'm toast. I don't do the controlled relapse thing very well.

Praise God for anyone that gets sober.

You can find a CR meeting near you here.

http://www.celebraterecovery.com/global.shtml

justanobserver · May 8, 2007

took today off as a "grief day" - we get 3 days for it but I can only justify taking one. so just been reflecting, reading some old mail, looking at some family photos, slowly shutting a door that is harder to close that I thought it would be.

but, I do appreciate the kind words and thoughts and yes the rpayers from the folks here.

I feel them and need them and I appreciate them.

Yes, its one day at a time and sometimes down to one thought at a time.

kanga22 · May 9, 2007

Norm, I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling. I have few words of wisdom. I'm sure you know way more than me anyway. You, and your son, will be in my prayers tonight.

I had thought I'd just pop in and let you all know that I'm coming up on four months sober.

Also, I have come to the decision to let my husband go and have the life he wants to have without me. Of course he is doing that with or without my blessing, but until now I was resisting and making it very difficult for him. This decision brings me some peace. Fortunetly his actions have never felt tied to the desire to drink, for me. Yet, he didn't seem ready for my sobriety. Oh well, I'll praise God in all things and keep moving in a positive and forward direction.

Peace in Christ,
Monica, a recovering alcoholic

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