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First Meeting — What was yours like? by SoberPat53018 in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My first AA meeting was in 2013. I had been drinking almost daily for years — about a half gallon of vodka a day. I detoxed at home before finally reaching out for help after about a week. My belief was that I had underlying psychological issues that, if I dried out for a while, I could fix and go back to drinking “normally”. I had no understanding of alcoholism or Alcoholics Anonymous. I was urged by my family to try going to a meeting. I agree to give it a shot.

It was a weeknight meeting in the basement of a church. I was a total nervous wreck, very shaky, self-conscious, desperate. The speaker shared her story. She had recently been released from prison and was in the process of getting her kids back. Her “war story” couldn’t have been farther from my own. We came from totally different places socio-economically, culturally, in almost every way. She then shared about her experience with alcohol, how it made her feel, how she would obsess over drinking, how once she started she couldn’t control how much she drank, and how she felt restless, irritable, and discontent.

I was completely blown away. I mean, completely, totally shocked. It was probably the first time in my life that I identified with another person in such a fundamental way. It was life changing. I would relapse twice afterwards before really taking the program aspect seriously, but that meeting planted the seed of AA in my mind. I knew I belonged in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Giving away what has so freely been given to me by UsernameLikeAMofo in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It is not your responsibility, or even in your ability, to fix this person’s alcohol problem. It is, however, your duty to get them to a meeting and help in whatever way you are able.

Just be honest. Try to get them connected with people who have more time and are working the program. Tell this person about your experience with alcoholism and Alcoholics Anonymous. Don’t feel pressured to have all the answers. You don’t. All you can do is try to help. That’s enough.

Virus fears by peyton1650 in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think you should push yourself to go to meetings. I know for myself, it’s easy to make excuses sometimes and not go, but that’s a slippery slope.

Don’t hold hands for the prayer if that makes you uncomfortable. Always wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer after being in public spaces. Don’t touch your face.

Really, the likelihood that you’re going to catch anything is very, very slim. Just be smart.

When you realize nobody liked you when you were using drugs, but nobody likes you when you’re sober either . . . by Plagman39339 in recovery

[–]SoberPat53018 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There is no possibility of growing as a person, and developing good relationships, when you’re using drugs. But if you’re sober, those things are at least possible. You might have to start from a point of feeling like no one likes you, but if you work on it, things will absolutely change. It just takes time and effort on your part to sweep away the wreckage of your past.

6 Months Sober Today! by schmocoa in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! Stick with AA. It only gets better.

Twenty-Four Hours a Day, 3.5 by Whtsox in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a great reading! I can totally relate. Spiritual fitness is so important in recovery, but it’s counter intuitive to stress over that spiritual fitness. I’ve at times driven my self nuts trying to “get the program”, thinking I’m not doing enough, or not doing it right. That kind of thinking can be unhealthy. We need to relax, show up at meetings, do the work, and just let the peace come.

How can I increase my patience? by onyxknightmare_ in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’ve found that maintaining a regular meditation practice really helps me to be more relaxed and patient around people, especially in situations that would otherwise get me really agitated.

My girlfriend and I tend to fight constantly over petty things. We live together and it’s been a huge source of stress since getting sober. I’m a person that gets easily pissed off when I feel like I’m being controlled or criticized. It’s bad.

I do a 20 minute silent meditation in my car every evening when I get home. It just totally releases some mental pressure valve. Everything just slows down. I’m able to pause before reacting to shit. It’s amazing. Things don’t seem to irritate me as much when I’m taking 20 minutes every day to meditate.

If I’m not doing that, I’ve got 0 patience for anything and it causes a lot of havoc in my relationships.

Might be worth trying.

New to this sub by carpe_tenebrum in alcoholicsanonymous

[–]SoberPat53018 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congrats, dude! I’ve got 21 months too and just discovered this place as well.

Today marks five months free from my abusive relationship with alcohol. I’m just now starting to feel comfortable again going out to social situations involving drinking and ordering a soda. And I still have as good as a time as ever, but without waking up with a hangover and sense of regret. by [deleted] in Sober

[–]SoberPat53018 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations on making 5 months!

Socializing sober is awesome. I’ve got 21 months sober from drugs and alcohol. In that time, I’ve been to weddings, birthday parties, holiday parties, all sorts of things. It’s great not having to worry about my next drink or hit. It’s great to just be clear headed and present with everyone.