Guy, the same afflicted me years ago, and I too had reached my absolute rock bottom. Alcohol was having an adverse impact on literally every aspect of my life. I forced myself to consider how my behavior was affecting those around me, many of whom actually cared about me, and I then began to put their concerns ahead of my own. I simply decided my perceived need for alcohol was of little importance, and I no longer wanted my addiction to do harm to others. Eventually, every time I reached for a drink, I began to consider the impact it would have on those around me. It helped me to stop cold turkey, and resulted in an improvement of virtually everything. My career, friendships, relationships, my general sense of well being, and I must admit happiness, all flourished. I am by no means an expert on addictive behavior, and sadly don't know if this mindset, putting the concerns of others ahead of your own, will be an effective method to curtail your addiction, but recommend you give it a try. You obviously have a strong support group right here in the Buick community. Reach out any time you feel the need, even those whom you've never met seem willing to lend support. You can, and will, beat addiction.
Guy, hoping your doing the right things and doing better, Prayers and Good Vibes coming your way this morning!
Guy, the biggest issue is your coming for help after taking that first drink, no matter how hard it is to fight the cravings and withdrawals you need to reach out first for help and just maby someone will say the right words that will stop you from taking that first drink that one day. Maby the member friends you talked to know but i'm not sure if you have been to rehab or have been and leave early? No shame if you did because many do leave because the pain for the drink is that strong. If you think now that this is rock bottom, you can go even lower. Like Jim Jones mentioned, he quit cold turkey and it worked for him. I don't know what is better? quitting outright or being weened of with medications? Please give us who haven't spoken to you on the phone a heads up. Have you been to rehab? and did you have a habit of leaving early? Guy, you give us one word answers after the fact my friend and the last accident was brutal worrisome. Nothing should embarrass you, just be straight out..
Yes, Matter of fact I went through two different rehabs and completed them both, received medallions from both for completing them. 28 day at LE Phillips in Chippewa Falls, and 30 day program at RCA at St. Charles Illinois. Learned a lot at both but mainly the most from RCA. It helped... got the right "tools" to put to use, but still went back to the bottle. This time it is different. Funny (not really) how almost dying effects a person. Actually my body was shutting down and my heart stopped for about 80 seconds all with a breathing tube down my throat for 10 days in ICU.. I no longer drink or have the desire to do so 100% at all. Sad, but it took a very bad accident to do so. one car accident, thank God. Started my day out at 7:30 this morning at our local AA meeting...what a great way to start a day. I have been to other bigger out of town AA's with little help. But this LOCAL AA spot is right for me. I know everyone there! Most are my customers, and I can just be myself there. It has been a big help. I'm on the right track, and thanks to you all for the support. It helps more than you can imagine.
I can give you all updates as time goes on if you wish. and if it would help anyone else, I will for sure do so. It was most definitely and certainly not my intent to just stop and leave all you hanging. Have a lot of healing to do and not to mention all the legalities and such to go through.
Yes sometimes it takes something awful to steer you right. I did not know about the long rehabs and so glad they helped. Its amazing isn't it when you have no shame sharing your addiction with the people you know..I'm sure you didn't know that some had addictions themselves.. Just the way your writing now shows us that your doing right..
"I can just be myself there." When you are surrounded by people that truly care, you can put all your energy and mind towards moving forward and away from that which desires to destroy you. If you are surrounded by those who do not care, or are battling alone, you expend so much energy and mind on 360 degrees of possible threat. Almost no one can survive that second reality. Be yourself, and fight for yourself. Alcohol and many other detrimental things, have no heart nor love for you. But people that care, do. I am glad to read you are moving forward, Guy.
Glad to see you are doing alright , Guy. Sometime something tragic is the catalyst for a change. Keep it going, one day at a time. Give me a call even if you just want to shoot the shite. Tim
Thanks Guys. Still going strong. Long day, yesterday. Went to work at 7:30 am. Worked till close at 7:00. Then straight to my AA meeting at 7:30. Not complaining, I wouldn't miss the meeting for nothing. They gave me a Camel Medallion coin last night to keep with me 24-7. When I feel the "urge" I'm to take it out and remember the AA meetings to help take my mind off of the urge. Some people there last night that have been sober 20 to 30 years whipped there coins out to show me they still use them. Just one more "tool" to use and keep in my "tool box". Pretty cool. Thanks Tim- I'll try and make that call.
Glad to hear you are wanting to keep sober now! That’s the key abs only you can decide when you are ready!
Doing Great. If anyone needs help with any kind of addiction, MAYBE I could help. So far I got this. Going to an AA meeting tonight.
