re: How did you quit drinking?

As trite as it sounds, it is profound - "Just don't drink today".

I have done this for a bit over 25 years now. It is not easy. I actually got sober in 1985 when my firm said that it was time to get help. I did and I hated it. I hated AA, I thought they were a cult. I was "too good" for them. But I kept going and started listening to others and taking advice. I stayed sober until 1994, when I thought I had it under control. I went back out. A lot of bad stuff happened and I was fortunate to get back into AA in November of 1995. I have been sober since.

I heard something at a lawyer's meeting that I will never forget (even though I didn't understand it at the time). A guy said that he finally "raised the white flag and declared victory". I finally came to realize that it is much easier to give up the fight against alcohol (it always whipped my arse); say alcohol won; and quit it.

The most important thing that I learned is that I needed to put as much time between me and my last drink. Only then was I able to start thinking straight. It is important that I gave up trying to determine whether alcoholism is a disease, a moral failing, a weak will, or something else. IT DOES NOT MATTER. I know people who continued to drink while pondering this (we alcoholics are deep thinkers LOL)and are now dead. If you believe that you have a problem, you have a duty to treat that problem and take personal responsibility for it.

I still think of my drinking days. I had a lot of fun, but it came with a cost. I personally believe it is a disease and, as part of the definition, alcoholics are subject to relapse. I was lucky/fortunate/blessed to get back in. I shouldn't have been afraid/embarrassed to go back and admit drinking - that could have killed me. I know I have another drunk in me. I just do not know if I have another recovery in me. That's enough to keep me sober. If I go out again, I hope I have the guts and good fortune to make it back into recovery.

Best wishes to everyone trying to get/stay sober/clean. But wishes are not enough, we all need to do the work.

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It is important that I gave up trying to determine whether alcoholism is a disease, a moral failing, a weak will, or something else. IT DOES NOT MATTER.

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Thats solid advice Sir.

I know that when I did try the AA way it was a better way and it changed the way I thought.

but that part of you that psyched you out in the first place isn't going anywhere.

that's the toughest thing to deal with IMO.

But either you will or you won't.

It takes a man to admit that. Reach out to people who have some time sober. I assure you that they will be willing to help you.

Keep fighting the good fight. NO one can promise that things around you will get better, but you will get better.

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Pics?

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