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7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

I think it was decided to be anonymous in order for us to protect the people and also to protect the fellowship. This is what I hear why it was decided to keep it anonymous. If someone identifies with the fellowship and starts advertising and then relapses, it doesn't board well for the program.

I don't break my anonymity in public but in friends circle, sometimes, I am forced to tell others my situation. But I take nothing for granted, that is why i attend minimum of 3/4 meetings, talk with people in the network, talk to sponsor, talk to sponsees and also take meetings into the correction facility. The obsession to drink has been lifted. The most important part of my life is to not get irritated. As Eckhart talks about, ensure the relationship with the NOW is good.

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11215

Hi Cryptkeeper,

Stigma is a huge problem for many mental health and addictions issues. It prevents people from getting help earlier and it can prevent people from reaching out to essential social support. There is some evidence that people are more prone to addiction when they are socially isolated but stigma has a tendency to socially isolate. I can see what you are saying about the name of AA - I am assuming it was created that way to ease concern of those joining. But I certainly can see why you would want to change the name. Ending stigma in our world will help so many.

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 154

The appropriateness of the term "Alcohol Anonymous" crossed my mind this morning. I thought to myself (something I do often), is it still valid in 2017 to remain "Anonymous"? What I mean by this is why should we feel guilty or ashamed of a disease that we have little or no control over? If one of us were to suffer from heart disease or cancer, would it be appropriate to join some "Heart or Cancer Anonymous" organization? Is it not true that it is the "stigma" which exists among those who suffer from alcoholism who perpetuate this mindset, at least to some degree? Those people who have a problem with our disease should look at their own hearts before judging us. I believe it is long overdue for us to revisit the AA label. What do you think?

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 154

Thanks Foxman for your best wishes. Hope all is well with you and your loved ones. It is so true and has been my experience that the battle for victory occurs in our minds. Thoughts and emotions both of which are always fickle and fleeting. This is a near impossible task to win each and every day even for people without any addictions (personally, I do not believe there is one human being among the 7.4 billion now living on this planet, even Tibetan monks who meditate over 12 hours each day.). In other words my friend and Donna, as there is none of us without some form of fault or sin, there is no one who is free from that human nature which resides within us all our life. The Divine nature which God imparts to us is the only true and lasting force to combat our corrupt thoughts, emotions and addictions, hence why I have always pointed the way to God. That is not to say we are completely relieved of all responsibility and leave the battle entirely in His hands. It is a collaborative effort.

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

David,

Good to hear you. Yes, we need this power so we don't have the desire to drink or put any mind altering substance in our body. Unfortunately we get shut off from the sun-light of the spirit/HP/GOD/Conscious thinking/Awareness if we don't clean up. In AA we have the inventory process. I have to check myself of my motives. Am I restless irritable or discontented is a good question to ask myself. If I am that means I am taking the reigns back.

Good to hear from you.

Foxman!

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 154

Hi folks, I have been off the forum for a while but thought to check in to see how some of the more regular members, such as Foxman, are doing. You know Donna, every person on this forum and those who are new such as yourself have many many things in common. Alcohol, prescription drugs and deep depression almost ended my life. I have now been alcohol free for almost 100 days. If you or anyone else were to ask me 100 days ago if this were possible, my response would have been an emphatic "no"! My secret? Well, God by far. The other is mY strength came from quitting one day at a time for my loved ones. My wife of 39 years could easily have left me for all the sorrow and heartache brought on by my choice not to seek help. Now Donna, help comes in many forms...mine comes from God and I do not consider myself a religious person. What I am attempting to convey is that perhaps if you do not choose to rely on God to help you, then do so for your loved ones. There is no power in this entire universe as great as unconditional love. Crypt keeper (aka David)

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 11215

Welcome Donna,

I am glad you found us. It sounds like you really want to make a change and have made some progress but also have had some set backs. Set backs are common. The program and the group can help you problem solve those set backs.

Setting a solid goal for yourself can sometimes help. Are you hoping to moderate or abstain? If you would like to moderate often a period of abstinence can make that more achievable. What do you think would work best for you?

Ashley, Health Educator

Here to help :)

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1562

I told myself I would not have a drink.

Welcome to the forum donnas. That we call in AA the peculiar mental twist. Our mind tricks us into believe this time its going to be fine. And we take that first drink. Then something happens bodily and mentally and we drink more. Its the craving part. But what we got to watch for is the first part of our situation. Our Mind. I would con myself into believing I am going to have one 20 oz ice house beer and pick up a bottle on the way home. But I would have finished it in 1/2 hour and would be thirsty for more. Weekends the pain will be more. Sometimes I would start as early as 9am and go on till late Sunday nights. Come to understand I belong to a category of "functioning alcoholic". All the yets were about to happen. Luckily I woke up and sought help. Wish you good luck.

To help understand the vicious cycle we have put together material you may find it at tinyurl.com/aafirststep

7 years ago 0 +0 / -0 1

I am a fortunate person. I have no reason to drink. My husband and I are well off and I have the world at my feet. Except when I drink. I can't have one drink. If I have one, I continue to drink until I am in oblivion. I can't stand myself most of the time.

I went two weeks without a drink. I'm up at 5:00 in the morning to workout before I get my 12 year old son off to school. Last night I went to a social function. I told myself I would not have a drink. But, I had one glass of wine and then many more. I don't remember coming home. Needless to say, I did not get up at 5:00 this morning.

My father was an alcoholic and for most of my life I have stayed away from alcohol because I know what it does to families. Until a couple years ago. Now, I am out of control.

I just wanted to write this. I need to say I have a problem. I need to put alcohol in my past.

-Donna

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