And in another 84 days you can stand up in front of your home group and get the coveted one year chip. Better than a "Best of Show " award! One day at a time brother!
I may as well be honest. I’m not going to lie. After 297 days sober I relapsed this past Saturday. I’ve never been this sick with a hangover. Was still throwing up yesterday. I don’t want to ever go to that place again. Don’t understand how this could’ve happened? No urge’s nor wants. Wasn’t thinking about it or planned it? Sounds corny, but I believe, somehow even though it’s ultimately my fault…the devil saw weakness and he, it, or whatever had a chance to pounce.
Guy "WE" all fall short.... I strongly believe it is what you do when you recognize that, that can set you apart from others. Stay strong as you are and push forward. "Don't give the Enemy a seat at the table" Prayers will continue
Iv'e heard of people being sober for 20 or 30 years and relapsing or slipping. Oh I can believe the devil saw a opening and pounced. No need or cravings was his ammo. Guy, 297 days was just a number and I noticed you counted the days alot. Kind of worried when you would hit 365 days in your head. It doesn't matter though. Take what you have learned so far and go with it. Do NOT be ashamed to go to a meeting and talk of your slip.. Thats what keeps alot of alcoholics or addicts from recovery.. You can do it!
We appreciate your honesty Guy. Consider that the single misstep on your new road to sobriety forever. I'm sure everyone reading this still has your back. As Peter says, please continue attending meetings and be unafraid to speak about your slip up.
Keep going Guy, we still got your back. I have a kid that went through heroin hell. He's doing great but had to regroup a couple times. Appreciate your honesty.
Yup,it happens. The disease is patient. Sits outside your door...doing pushups and getting stronger just waiting for you to let your guard down. When it senses that your are vulnerable...WHAM! So, now your job is to pick yourself up from this "slip",recognize it for what it is...a slip... and redouble your commitment to sobriety. You've done it before (gotten sober) and you can do it again. You already know how. Share with those in your AA group. They will help you. Good luck!!
While the number may start over, the progress you've made certainly doesn't. As mentioned, one way or another we all have our setbacks, and now you've got a running start!
Good job being honest and just step forward no looking back. I personally don’t count days or months anymore I just try to live sober. I found counting days or months almost tempted me to cheat and slip up with a little bit.... and we know what a little bit leads to for many of us. The good news is that your body rejected the booze and the hangover helps remind you to avoid this. However when drinking a lot often we don’t get very hung over, hence the cycle of abuse and a functioning alcoholic
Huh, never thought about it the way you guys mentioned, including Peter.maybe I shouldn’t be so worried about the day counts. It didn’t work counting so have to figure out another way. Again EVERYONE thank you for the support. I’m sober now but disappointed with myself.
You are in our prayers brother! You’ve done a great job so far! We all fall victim to our Temptations at some point or another. The important thing is to confess it, repent and move forward!
I think you got caught up with the day counting because AA gives alot of chips, 24 hours, 1 month, 3 months 6 etc.. Chips are nice to earn and gives people in recovery some pride and hope. Sean said it plain and simple like AA does, it's just for one day and when tomorrow comes it's another day you try and get through. I wouldn't set a goal like for one year or what ever you might be thinking. It will come one day at a time.
One foot in front of the other, you're not starting over, you are just continuing the Journey. So you got a Flat tire? fix it and keep driving!!
As you were alluding to, for me its like a little devil on my shoulder saying "hey you deserve a little bit of that" and once in a while that temptation wins over. During the first year or so I found I was actually more likely to slip up after a long sober stint. Its often common to "reward" yourself and its normal to go through that self revelations until you fully want to be sober. Don't be hard on yourself, just stay positive and move forward sober.
Ok. This does not make me upset what’s so ever. In fact it brings a sort of laugh and some much needed humor to my life. In a good way. In all of about 17 years of owning my store, I have never received an invitation to become a dealer for this until today. I give it up to my Lord. God truly does make me laugh! And does work in mysterious ways for sure!!! PS, I think I could give myself a discount!
Also, first AA meeting tonight with our usual team. Since my relapse …slip. I’m excited to learn from all. I do have comfort with telling all. It will be emotional for me for sure…
Guy. The most important day is today, and when tomorrow is today, it will take that #1 spot. Looking at the days past as a milestone is fine, but you do not drive forward while staring fixated in the rearview mirror. Glance at iit everyone in a while, but "drive the moment" one (to)day at a time. And while the sidestep is unfortunate, put that in the rearview. Still one of you greatest fans... -Michael