You Gotta Want it!

In response to:   http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/overcoming-addiction/201307/how-the-media-misrepresents-alcoholics-anonymous

 

So, it all boils down to one thing. You have to WANT to quit, and be ready to commit. Otherwise, you will not be successful no matter what route you take. No program can make you stay sober unless you want to be sober above all else.  Unfortunately, most people have to hit rock bottom or have their lives endangered in order to reach that point. If you haven't read "Dry," by Augusten Burroughs, you should, its a great read. You gotta love the guy, he went through hell and lived to write about it, and has a successful career as an author.

 

I'm no psychologist. I went through the AA 12 step with my Mom. She stayed sober, but in reality became dependent on opioids because of  rheumatoid arthritis. I was in Alateen and Alanon for years and I saw AA work for many people. I do agree that it isn't for everyone. The best part is having a sponsor, someone to call when you have a rough spot. This is what actually helps to keep you AND your sponsor sober, the  partnership and camaraderie. Doing it alone can be very difficult. I used to go on sponsor calls with my mom and we helped the Alcoholic as well as the family members. Mostly kids. So, AA can work for people, it isn't the cure all for everyone but then no program is. It leans largely on faith, sponsorship, and sticking together with like minded people.

 

As you know there are several if not many programs out there that work from a different angle like for instance:

 

Women for Sobriety

SMART

 

Bottom line, you gotta want it!

Trying to relieve the pain....emotional self medication does not lead to serenity

They always say live in the moment to be truly happy.... At first this was particularly hard for me because I could not stop dwelling on yesterday and tomorrow. Sitting still and clearing your mind is so difficult. Finding a quiet spot in our lives is getting more difficult every day.  Have you ever tried to sit still and think about nothing, nothing at all?

Looking at a tree and realizing how beautiful it is with its branches blowing in the wind and the sun shining with all it's natural power and light is a complete miracle and we get to see it every day, unless of course you live in Alaska.  How do we get to that place in our minds where we can just stop and be still....and nothing can intrude and cause us pain?

I believe we all have things in our past, mistakes we have made, past hurts and trauma. Whether from a family member or something that we ourselves did to someone else that continues to crush us inside constantly and without any sign of mercy. Can we get a grip and somehow find away to stop thinking about that deed or trauma?  Forgiveness is forever sought.

Alcohol acts an anesthetic. For how long does it kill the pain? Does the pain not return upon awakening from a stupor followed by more pain from a throbbing maniacal headache that only time, sleep, water, and aspirin may cure?  I guess this pain takes our mind off the pain that caused us to drink in the first place. When one pain wears off, the next begins, and the anesthetic is again needed.  My, what an obnoxious circle.

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

        

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

 

Great Video by Craig Ferguson:

Please enjoy this video by Craig Ferguson. It will make you laugh and if you have ever had a problem with alcohol you will be able to relate!  He talks about his 15 year sobriety.