I Started My After Care Group Today

[Guest Emily Ray]

Hi Everyone,

I slept in today so I wasn't able to get as much done today! I did however start a new proccess group for my aftercare program. I am always a little bit nervous when I go to a new group. They had the usual questions why what and what's different this time. Everyone was really nice and even though I pass really well I outed myself to the group. I wanted there to be no secrets and told them that I am done with them! It was a good group and I was able to share comfortably when I felt the need!

Huggs

Emily

[Carolyn Marie]

Good deal, Emily. You certainly are on a roll these days. I hope it continues and your good fortune shines on you.

HUGS

Carolyn

[Guest juliejewelz]

Hi Everyone,

I slept in today so I wasn't able to get as much done today! I did however start a new proccess group for my aftercare program. I am always a little bit nervous when I go to a new group. They had the usual questions why what and what's different this time. Everyone was really nice and even though I pass really well I outed myself to the group. I wanted there to be no secrets and told them that I am done with them! It was a good group and I was able to share comfortably when I felt the need!

Huggs

Emily

Kudos for coming out to the group. They keep saying recovery from whatever means "rigorous honesty" (but not ruthless honesty). I have my last day of after care group tomorrow then back to work. I'm kind of freaking out and wondering if I should ask for more time. But I've had a month or so and it seems like we are going over the same stuff over and over again. Anyway Congrads to you Emily! Hang in there.

Huggs back.

[Michelle 2010]

Hi Emily,

For the benefit of us who don't know, could you explain what a "process group" is. I may know it by a different term but right now I'm drawing a blank. Not really sure if your aftercare and group are relating to trans issues or alcohol

Thanks

Michelle

Btw, welcome Julie!

[Guest Emily Ray]

Yes Michelle I can explain what it is. First it is related to my addiction. A proccess group is a form of group therapy with a facilitator or two and the group of clients. It is an opportunity to proccess things related to your new life in sobriety and get feedback from the other members. It also is a place where you can be accountable for your actions. I participate more than average because I am usually the only girl in the room and men don't often talk about their feelings. I didn't need to start this group because I had completed a different type of group where cognitive behavioral therapy was the focus. But that group ende for me in November and I still need some support so I asked to join the group. I don't want to loose my sobriety and if left to my own self I very easily could.

I hope this explains it better

Huggs

Emily

[Guest Donna Jean]

I hope this explains it better

Huggs

Emily

It does, Em.....

Thanks....

Huggs

Donna Jean

[Guest Emily Ray]

Julie,

I am not sure if you mean you have had 1 month of aftercare since leaving treatment or something else. My aftercare will be an additional 3 months and I had another group for three months as well since leaving treatment. I might suggest inquiring about more time. You've worked hard to get where you are and rushing back into life can set you up for failure and I don't want that to happen to you, me or any addict/alcoholic!

Huggs

Emily

[Michelle 2010]

Kudos for coming out to the group. They keep saying recovery from whatever means "rigorous honesty" (but not ruthless honesty). I have my last day of after care group tomorrow then back to work. I'm kind of freaking out and wondering if I should ask for more time. But I've had a month or so and it seems like we are going over the same stuff over and over again. Anyway Congrads to you Emily! Hang in there.

Huggs back.

Welcome to a recovery based lifestyle Julie. I don't think I read all the way thru your post last night. My experience in sobriety has been that, in order to learn to live life on life's terms, we do go over things over and over again. And that is a blessing. A friend says that the messages carried in his 12 step group have a 24 hour shelf life... He needs to hear them over and over. Those messages teach, not only how to stay clean, but how to be clean and sober with a large degree of contentment and happiness. The spiritual basis of the programs teach us how to achieve that. Its not an easy path for any alcoholic but it is rewarding for those who embrace it. I personally believe the perils of addiction and unhappy sobriety are greatly increased for people like me who are dealing with gender issues. That is why I rigorously embrace a 12 step lifestyle. It keeps me on a path with a solid foundation, minimizes self pity, and allows acceptance of life's uncertainties without agonizing over them.

Best wishes to all

Michelle