AA has really changed my life

[JenniferB]

Last October I was part of the Government shutdown. Being a contractor I was not going to receive back pay for the time missed, after I exhausted the remaining vacation time. And indeed I lost over a week's wages because of this. The time off became stressful instead of enjoyable for I didn't know if I was going to be called back, or if I would even have a job to go back to. So I drank a lot more because I couldn't really do anything or go anywhere. It got to a point where I didn't even enjoy drinking anymore. I would past out after only a few beers.

So I did get called back to work. Yet, I went back with the idea of preparing for a change in life. I realized I couldn't depend on a job that was going to be technologied out soon anyway. I was determined to become more "marketable". But that determination, or will-power wasn't enough to overcome my drinking. I never drank at work, nor even every day, but when that obsession did hit I was powerlessness to overcome it on my own. Maybe if I exerted all my will-power I could stop for the day. But that obsession was relentless. It would always hit me on Fridays right before I got off work. It wasn't so much a physical addiction as a mental obsession. In an instant I wanted to drink, and all logical thought left me, including the plans I made.

Thanks to a desire to quit drinking and a few members of Laura's Playgrounds, who understood what I was going through, I eventually went to my first AA meeting. It turns out to be the best decision I've made in my life.

Right away people at meetings would come up and greet me after meetings. I was given phone numbers I could call, day or night, if I was in a depressed state, or have an obsession to drink. That tool saved me a few times when I had the obsession. Talking to someone helped calm the obsession.

When you go to AA meetings you can't help acquiring friendships. There is something magical about people who have gone through the same obsession in that there is a bond I've never felt before. And the list of friends just keeps growing. I know over 100 people who I call friends, and many of those I spend time with, whether going shopping, run with, playing games at someone's house, or spending time with my home group (a few dozen of us went bowling last Friday).

Things just keep getting better. My life is becoming more stable. I haven't had a drink in about 8 months, I stopped drinking soda over a month ago, same with eating at fast food restaurants. I mostly eat organic foods, and I've been running 3 miles 4 times a week now, and am increasing that to 5-6 days/week. I even found people in AA who run with me. Life is getting better.

Now I am likely going to have to move to Phoenix because my job did indeed end, but there is a new account where I will be placed. But thanks to AA I know everything will be alright because I will attend AA meetings and acquire a new set of friends quickly. It really is a blessing to always have support no matter where you are.

Sober for 8 months, and the longest I've been sober in over 25 years. Now that I'm not isolating anymore and not having to rely on my own will-power my thrill for life is returning.

Jennifer

[Charlize]

Jennifer the changes in your life have been a miracle. It has been such a pleasure to see you change and find not only sobriety but tools you are using to make your life peaceful and full regardless of the difficulties we all experience. Thank you for being here and thanks for sharing your journey with us.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Michelle 2010]

You have the gift of being able to express your journey in printed words. Hopefully, others who need AA's help will realize that it really is inclusive of those who want to stop drinking.

Thanks Jenn :-)

Michelle

[Guest erinanita]

Yes, you really have changed your life through AA, Jenn. It's what happens when we want to quit and we put forth an honest effort. Good luck with your journey. You'll find new friends quickly after your move to Pheonix.

Erin

[Guest NaughtyNadi]

Indeed! AA has changed my life immensly as well. My ex-wife, an alcoholic, started attending AA meetings which is where she met a boyfriend. After 2-3 years of her dating behind the scenes, we divorced. I don't think this would have happened without AA. I am obviously a big fan of this organization!

[Charlize]

That is certainly an amusing perspective. Perhaps it was best for both of you. I found my relationship with my wife improved as i was able to stop lying about my drinking as a start and then later actually get honest about my gender issues. Looking at the world from different angles and enjoying the view is one of the benefits.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest sweetcharlene41]

Iv'e been sober now 25 years, I started going to AA, in the 70's, and said, "I don't need this", I was in denial, me an alcoholic no way. So the drinking got worse and worse, eventually I wound up in jail doing week-end, after a traffic accident. I then turned my life over to my higher power, who I call GOD, and said, "I can't do this by myself, I need help", and he did. twenty five years later, still going to AA,, I'm one of the lucky one's, I still have my sanity, some might say different LOL. Anyway, it was the BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME, GOD BLESS YOU FOR SHARING.