How have you done with the 12 steps?

[RuthD]

I was intimidated by the 12 steps at first and then after I did them all I felt so peaceful. I continue to use them. How about you?

 

[ephraimanesti]

I was intimidated by the 12 steps at first and then after I did them all I felt so peaceful. I continue to use them. How about you?

MY DEAR SISTER,

i think many people use the 12 Steps on a regular/ongoing basis and don't even realize it. The reason the 12 Steps "work" and have led 100's of thousands of users and used-ers into sobriety and freedom is that they are a God-inspired combination of spiritual and psychological principles, each complementing the other, thus working on the two major levels of human functioning--mental and spiritual.

Continuing to "work" the Steps as a lifetime project is a guaranteed way to keep the ball rolling towards maturity--both mental and spiritual. Lasting Peace, as you have found, is the outcome.

Those who just work the steps once to obtain their freedom are selling themselves--and the Steps--short. There is much more to life than mere abstinence from harmful substances and activities. There is a whole new world to be created--within oneself--and the Steps provide the tools and the Holy Spirit provides the directions and the power. What a winning combination! ENJOY!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[madison1101]

I must admit that while I have been around AA for over 20 years, I have never completed all 12 steps formally with a sponsor. This may be the reason I have struggled with my sobriety, especially of late.

In rehab in the past month, I came to that realization, and intend to work all 12 steps with my sponsor's guidance this time.

In the past, I have not been open minded to others' input, especially from people in AA. I have been unwilling to truly work the program. I have not been honest with myself, or God, about my behavior.

Trish

 

[devonian]

I did my first 12 step program about 3 1/2 years ago and had what I call a miraculous recovery after over 20 years of alcoholism. I worked the steps regularly at first, but after about 10 months I started to slowly reduce my 10th, 11th, and 12th step work. Within a month, I relapsed.

Now that I have returned to the 12 steps, am committed to doing them regularly, and have about 2 1/2 years of sobriety. Now, I am grateful that I am an alcoholic, and even happier that I have recovered through the 12 steps. If I was not an alcoholic, I would never had the opportunity to learn the feeing principles of the steps. I know that I need to do the 12 steps, or I will return to selfishness. Selfishness will drive me back to relapse.

But more importantly than my sobriety, is that I am happy in situations that used to make me angry. Joyous when I would have been sad. Free instead of becoming enslaved.

 

[RuthD]

I didn't work the steps at first. I was just scared to and don't even know why now. I'm not perfect now that's for sure. I had 18.5 years years of sobriety and relapsed. I forgot step one! I've had a trying time but am now working the steps again.

 

[mourningdove~]

I was intimidated by the 12 steps at first and then after I did them all I felt so peaceful. I continue to use them. How about you?

I've done well with them. They've been good to me.

God can certainly deliver persons instantly from alcoholism, but He did not choose to do it this way with me.
He gave me the 12 steps, and I'm grateful to Him for them.

 

[HB2012]

The twelve steps brought me to Christ. I couldnt be more grateful. I am still in step 2 though

 

[RuthD]

The twelve steps brought me to Christ. I couldnt be more grateful. I am still in step 2 though

That is wonderful for you to be on the steps. Good going!

 

[Autumnleaf]

After steps 4 and 5 sobriety became easy most of the time. Its just a matter of keeping the steps in mind daily, treating other people right and not holding resentments. I think holding back on steps 4 and 5 mess lots of people up. Its better to take the time and do them early on, from my experience.

 

[ephraimanesti]

The twelve steps brought me to Christ. I couldnt be more grateful. I am still in step 2 though

MY DEAR SISTER,

WOW! If you are "just" on Step 2 and have already been brought to Christ, think of what could transpire as you work the remaining 10 Steps--the sky's the limit!

GOOD LUCK!

ABBA'S fool,
ephraim

 

[RuthD]

I was drinking again and more and more. I'm lonely and scared to go places except to the beer store. I have not drank Sunday or today at all and am taking my Campral from my doctor. It takes away the urge to drink. It takes about a week to get into your system. I hope I will keep taking them. I have to work the first 2 steps now. I need prayers and I am praying too. I feel like I don't care about anything any more.

 

[ephraimanesti]

I was drinking again and more and more. I'm lonely and scared to go places except to the beer store. I have not drank Sunday or today at all and am taking my Campral from my doctor. It takes away the urge to drink. It takes about a week to get into your system. I hope I will keep taking them. I have to work the first 2 steps now. I need prayers and I am praying too. I feel like I don't care about anything any more.

MY DEAR SISTER,

Yes--i have been there and done that and it's not much fun!

You have temporarily stumbled--as we all do occasionally--but God remains steadfast at your side and therefore, of course, all is not lost.

You are correct that your quickest way out of this unpleasant situation is prayer and working the steps. DO THESE TWO THINGS! Given your experience, you should have no trouble with the First Step--alcohol is indeed unmanageable for you. The most important thing now is to realize God's presence at your side (Step 2) and to COMPLETELY--including your addiction to alcohol--surrender to God (Step 3). Let Him take the burden from you--hang on to nothing yourself!

Do you have a Home Group? Do you have a Sponsor? These things are very important in getting your life back on track after this little detour. If these ingredients of sobriety are missing, it means that you are trying to go this alone--which is NOT A GOOD THING!

You are in my--our--prayers. Please post back and let us know how things are going. We love you as one of us and we care!

GOD'S BLESSINGS, STRENGTH, AND HEALING TO YOU!

MUCH LOVE IN CHRIST,
ephraim

 

[RuthD]

Thank you. I am going to find some Recovery meetings. Your post helped me feel better and I appreciate that. I know that alcohol can kick my butt. It happened this weekend. I thought I was in control with 2 beers a day for awhile but then sometimes 4, then 5 or 6 or 7 or 8. I am giving it over to the Lord. Believe it or not I was once sober for 19.5 years and only went to AA for about 4.5 years. I never had a taste for it then one day...boom. I have had periods of sobriety for 2 years since then. My friend who visits me drinks too much. I've been around the wrong people when I relapse. I'm lonely and friends are hard to find. But I can go to some places for Recovery help.

 

[ephraimanesti]

Thank you. I am going to find some Recovery meetings. Your post helped me feel better and I appreciate that. I know that alcohol can kick my butt. It happened this weekend. I thought I was in control with 2 beers a day for awhile but then sometimes 4, then 5 or 6 or 7 or 8. I am giving it over to the Lord. Believe it or not I was once sober for 19.5 years and only went to AA for about 4.5 years. I never had a taste for it then one day...boom. I have had periods of sobriety for 2 years since then. My friend who visits me drinks too much. I've been around the wrong people when I relapse. I'm lonely and friends are hard to find. But I can go to some places for Recovery help.

MY SISTER,

Yes, i can relate to your experience. i had 10 years sobrietyonce and blew it for no obvious reason. Alcohol is indeed "cunning, baffling, and powerful!"

You are correct that you need to be very careful about who you hang with. i understand your problem with finding and making clean/sober friend--i am very introverted myself and making new friends is a very difficult task for me. However, hanging with users makes it almost impossible not to drink also. In reality, i have found REAL friends are readily available at Church, 12-Step Meetings, Community Activities, Continuing Education Classes, book discussion groups at big book stores, etc., etc. If is well worth the effort to reach out and touch someone!

The Number 1 resource for support and friendship is finding an A.A. "home group" where you fit and are supported. Shop around until you find one you feel confortable with and then stick with the winners. Called the local A.A. contact number where you live--they can give you a list of available Groups. You might check out some of the "women only" Groups--good place to find friends, that!

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND MAKE HIS FACE TO SHINE UPON YOU AND GRANT YOU PEACE!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[Christos Anesti]

The Twelve Steps are wonderful. I've been clean about a year and I just finally started on the step working guide with my sponsor. Some times it's a little irritating answering the tough personal questions and it gets in the way of my natural laziness but I always feel better after doing it.

It's always good to hear from other people who have found hope in the 12 steps!

One thing that can keep me from going too deep into depression when I battle with my addiction is the knowledge of Gods infinite compassion and mercy.

 

[madison1101]

Sweetie,
You know I can relate to your pain, shame, guilt, remorse, and confusion. I found I needed a little more than AA at one point. That is why I went to treatment inpatient, and why I go to outpatient treatment. Please look into a rehab for yourself. If you have been having a couple beers for a while and now increased it, you may also need to get professional help detoxing.

AA is my ultimate program for recovery, but I have been getting professional help as well both inpatient and outpatient. My treatment groups have helped me in many ways, and I am so grateful for them. I also hated rehab at first, but am so grateful I went.

At one point, I had over 8 years of continuous sobriety. Then, after a few years of slipping and sliding, I got over 6 years of sobriety from September 26, 2001 to December of 2007. Since that horrible December, I have not been able to accumulate even six months. I have been in outpatient treatment since October of 2008, and finally went to inpatient rehab in January of this year.

Alcoholism is progressive. It will continue to get worse and it is fatal, if not treated. Please give yourself the gift of treatment. Rehabs I have worked with all encourage AA participation.

Feel free to PM me, and if you would like, we can begin to correspond via e-mail. I really am concerned for you.

Hugs,
Trish

 

[outOftheLoop]

I was intimidated by the 12 steps at first and then after I did them all I felt so peaceful. I continue to use them. How about you?

i think the meetings help me most of all... but not all meetings, just the ones where the people accept that you love Jesus. There are some meetings that frown on you mentioning him

i probably need to do a few of the steps again.

we humans are prone to the One Step Forward 2 Steps Back Syndrome... :o

 

[madison1101]

i think the meetings help me most of all... but not all meetings, just the ones where the people accept that you love Jesus. There are some meetings that frown on you mentioning him

i probably need to do a few of the steps again.

we humans are prone to the One Step Forward 2 Steps Back Syndrome... :o

I have never been discouraged from mentioning that Jesus is my God. I don't preach when I share, I just share what is working for me, and that my relationship with God is vital to my recovery. I have been going to AA meetings for over 20 years, and have never seen anyone discouraged from naming their Higher Power. It would be totally inappropriate to preach at a meeting, but there is nothing wrong with saying that Jesus is my Higher Power.

 

[outOftheLoop]

I have never been discouraged from mentioning that Jesus is my God. I don't preach when I share, I just share what is working for me, and that my relationship with God is vital to my recovery. I have been going to AA meetings for over 20 years, and have never seen anyone discouraged from naming their Higher Power. It would be totally inappropriate to preach at a meeting, but there is nothing wrong with saying that Jesus is my Higher Power.

hmmm... sounds like you think i am lying???

 

[madison1101]

hmmm... sounds like you think i am lying???

No, I do not think you are lying at all. I am sharing MY experiences when I share my Higher Power is Jesus. I am blessed with groups where there are a lot of people who also are Christians, and Catholics. You may be in an area where they are intolerant of differences. My part of the country is culturally diverse, but there are a lot of Christians and where I go to meetings, we are tolerant of everyone's concept of God.

You might want to pray and ask the Lord to show you different meetings where there is more tolerance for believers, as well as ask the Lord for wisdom as to how to share that He is your Higher Power. The most important thing is that it does not matter what people think of your Higher Power. What matters is that Jesus is your Higher Power, and that you are sober, and can work your Steps with or without the feedback you get from naysayers.

I believe that there are people who get flack for sharing who their Higher Power is. I struggle to keep my mouth shut when people say their Higher Power is the door knob, or a tree. I am blessed in my experience. I hope you can find an AA group where there is acceptance, and not flack for you.

Trish