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!

About My Sobriety

First I want to thank publicly all the people I have conversed with since this blog began. I have met several people that are on this journey. Some that just began living a sober life and some that are not yet ready to give up the drink completely. If you're are not ready to let go completely then it is a good thing that you are realizing you are not ready. I am not a psychologist but it is general knowledge that if you are not ready to quit drinking alcohol, you won't. I was ready and will never take another drink. Don't get me wrong, I tried to stop drinking several times and fell back into the hell hole repeatedly. I don't need alcohol to be happy and in fact it is a depressant. I remember times when I dealt with my problems by taking a drink. Ok so I'm depressed so I'll medicated myself with a depressant. What kind of sense does that make? NONE

 Sometimes now I just break out in laughter for no reason! My husband thinks I have a screw loose. hahahahah see?

Moving on....I implore you if you are reading this blog right now, I suspect you are concerned if not downright worried that you have a problem. I am going to start reviewing some books that I have read that made me really think about what was very gradually and unsuspecting creeping up on me. They will make you laugh, cry, and relate. Some of these autobiographies I have read are of hard core alcoholics that waited until they were near death before they took steps to save their own lives. Many were trying to kill the memory of a past trauma by killing brain cells, or sedating themselves. Some lost families, loved ones, and jobs. These are all things that start out with just a cocktail at the end of a long day.....Think about it. 

To the right of this blog there is a link called Great Sober reads. There are self help books but also there is a book by Augustan Burroughs that is a great read called, "Dry." It is a great book to start with. I recommend the audio book because he himself is that narrator and it adds a great personal touch. The Audible link is at the top of the page.