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I was a drinking alcoholic. I stopped drinking because I joined A.A.

Posted , 8 users are following.

colin30375
colin30375

I was a drinking alcoholic for years. I tried everything and then I found A.A. It changed my life so much it's unbelievable. I believe it's worth trying.

I lost everything more than once. I was pennyless before I joined A.A. Now I can tell you that I've travelled the world, have great friends and a great business.

I know it isn't for everyone; it worked for me.

I'm sober and I have self esteem and more importantly, I have and can help others.

Being an alcoholic is not just about us. 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • ned58436
    ned58436 colin30375

    Posted

    Good for you Colin, fantastic you've found a way to deal with your alcoholism that works for you. RHGB, you seem so bitter about AA. Can I ask the exact detail of your experience of AA?
    • ned58436
      ned58436 RHGB

      Posted

      I came into AA 7 months ago having tried many other ways to stop. I live in Bali. I couldn't get Naltrexone here, but tried Baclofen and it didn't work for me. I'm an atheist. I was before AA and I still am. I can only speak from personal experience. AA has changed my life for the better but I appreciate it doesn't work for everyone. What it has done has helped me understand the nature of my disease and through the 12 step programme, given me the tools to stay sober. So far so good, but it's a day at a time.
    • colin30375
      colin30375 ned58436

      Posted

      Thank you ned. I needed the fellowship of A.A. and was selective about everything else. It's the fellowship that matters mostly, good friends can be made too; 1 is enough really. 
    • ned58436
      ned58436 colin30375

      Posted

      Absolutely! Do you mean step one is enough or one friend?!?!?! How long have you been so err through AA?
    • colin30375
      colin30375 ned58436

      Posted

      HI, I went to my first A.A. meeting in 1994 but I was absolutely hammered so didn't take much in. I went to a couple more then stopped going for a couple of months. I then went back and took it seriously.

      I then moved to Spain to work and joined a few groups there. 

      I did service and had a spell as secretary for a local group and a helper for an intergroup. It did me good to help others.

      I did the steps, took my time with it and although followed them, I interpreted them to suit the lifestyle we lead these days without changing anything - steps or traditions. I really did what I thought was best for me and the fellowship.

      I know why some people are put off but there's only one requirement to join A.A.  and, as you'll know, that's a desire not to drink. 

      I think it's important to follow all the steps (well it was for me) but it's not compulsory and common sense should play a part; I made a lot of new pals but only two who are still best friends in Spain. I meant that one good friend from A.A. is enough. One good friend made in A.A. with similar interests away from A.A. gave me the opportunity to live a 'normal' life with the advantage of having 'one to ones' as well without A.A. being everything in our lives and I was lucky enough to make two. 

      I now live in Asia, and there aren't many groups in the country I live in so these forums and contact with my friends in Spain helps.

      I don't really put much store by birthdays, it's one day at a time for me.

      I'm lucky to also have a 'best' friend in U.K. who is a social drinker who understands my alcoholism. 

      I guess about 21 years sober now and it's definately because I found A.A. and put in the effort. It's been tough at times, life changing, lonely at times but worth all the effort. Another sober day today and I'll think about tomorrow when it comes.

      If people find something else, then good luck to them. Well, we all have to walk our own path.

      Best wishes. 

       

  • Robin2015
    Robin2015 colin30375

    Posted

    HI COlin. YOu are certainly cured which is great. However, your story is a bit short and not enough details. You were penniless and suddenly have money and travelled the world? odd....However, self esteem is CRUCIAL and we ALL gain that once we stop drinking. Me 3 yrs + and proud of it but not with AA.. simply stopped and not starting again. Keep well and best of luck. Robin
    • colin30375
      colin30375 Robin2015

      Posted

      Well done Robin, I did mean to congratulate you when I replied yesterday with some info about how I got back on my feet financially (you thought it odd) but I forgot to.

      Self esteem played a big part ....... well, an enormous part in my case (it is crucial as you say)

      Keep being proud and sober. 

      Best wishes, Colin.  

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