I spent years working on my mental health and childhood traumas BEFORE I got sober

[NMDemDist2]

It was a frightening and disheartening realization that I had come so far in healing my psyche only to realize I was a drunk. A hopeless drunk. No amount of moderation, will power, geographic shifts, counseling, self help or spiritual growth helped me stop drinking.

The people in the rooms and the program of action outlined in the book 'Alcoholics Anonymous' finally showed me a way to stop drinking and (so far) stay stopped.

Since then I have been able to continue growing as a person. To find a hidden strength to walk through difficult (even tragic) episodes in my life. Inter personal skills to improve my relationships. Disciple to follow through to goals I set for my life. And most importantly I have learned compassion and empathy that I never knew when I was thinking only of myself, my problems, my needs or my wants.

AA for me was not an end all - be all, it was a stepping stone to my continued effectiveness as a human being and gave me tools to walk through the additional efforts I needed to continue to improve my self.

What have you found on your journey to wellness?

[Justpat]

1. Well,

besides self respect, a job, a husband, a much improved attitude in general - one of the things
I have found is LAUGHTER!

When I sobered up I was sure that the rest of the world was as miserable as me. I was sure
I would never have any more fun. Yeah, living in that car and being penniless was a blast.

But when I got sober I was astounded to see how many people in the world did not drink like I
did and I was equally as shocked to find out that I actually had more fun sober.

Laughter has been a saving grace for my previously shriveled up soul.

[NMDemDist2]

2. it truly is the best medicine

I laugh a lot and the wise and wonderful Mr. Ketchup cracks me up daily.

he's another gift from this program and our shared laughter is one of the treasures of our marriage.

like the ol' BB says--

"But we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life..... "

and I do!!

:hi:

[commander bunnypants]

3. same here

When I would code someone on the DSM 3 as alcohol dependent I was always thinking to myself. Well you know

CB

[NMDemDist2]

4. hey cb!! how's it going??

:hug:

[commander bunnypants]

5. hanging in there

CB

[Justpat]

6. Howdy!

:hi:

[SPKrazy]

7. oh come on now!

you expect us to believe that those "hokey" steps, you know, the 12 ones, really work :sarcasm:

My journey has been one of the two sided coin. i have found happiness beyond belief, and sadness beyond recall.

yet i have not drank or used during the past 22 years.

AA is not a be all end all, of course not, and the literature of the program NEVER claims to be so.

None of the 12 step programs are.

I have dealt with a lot of childhood issues in recovery. I didn't even know I had any issues to deal with prior to recovery.

The program is simple. I've found the 12 steps useful in dealing with other compulsive behaviors. I discover new areas that I need to address. I don't need a new program for these other areas, I have the 12 step program needs covered well with 2 different programs of recovery for 2 completely different issues.

AA and SAA have literally saved my life.

:hi: