Am I the only "Drunk" here???

[RSV445]

I was scrolling through the threads the other day and stumbled upon this group. To all who know Bill W., there need be no explanation. For all who don't, Bill W. was the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, a social support group to help in the support of persons struggling with alcohol addiction and also maintaining their sobriety. Alcoholics Anonymous has helped change the lives of countless persons in their recovery process and has performed "miracles" since its inception. I would hope to believe that this social group "Friends of Bill W." would not only be open to those who are currently part of, or have completed the 12 Step Program, but to all (like myself) who have admitted their weakness to alcohol or drugs, and have made the effort to change their lives.

I am starting this thread just as an introduction to all the members here who are proud of their sobriety. Because sobriety to an addict, is truly a miracle... Please join this group and drop in and say hello.

If you think that you may have a problem, I'm am sure that there are many who would be willing to help. There is nothing to be ashamed of with an addiction, as long as one is willing to address it. There 'is' life on the other side.




Hello to all. I want to start off by saying that I have not "officially " completed the "12 Step Program", but I have been sober for almost 21 years! I have been to many AA meetings but have not attended one in almost 19 years.

When I first started attending, I would sit and listen to the speakers tell their stories and look around the room. Many of the speakers and attendees (please forgive me for saying this, read on...) looked to me at the time, like lower class unkept individuals who told the same stories of losing their jobs, houses and familys. At 22yrs old, I always made sure my appearance was neat, my clothes were clean and pressed, my hair perfect and boots always shined, lol. Unfortunately, I thought that I might be "above" the others and started to second guess my return. Luckily I continued.

It wasn't until, maybe a month and a half, when one night while listening to a speaker that I realized that no matter how I looked, I had the same problem as every other person in that room. I was a drunk, a bum, an alcoholic... I was no better, in fact, I was worse than the others because I actually had the balls to judge when I should have been looking in the mirror to see where my life was heading.

When I finally admitted to myself, that it was "I" who had a problem and only "I" was the one who would be able to address it, my whole outlook turned a different direction. I continued to attend the meetings for about 2 years, rode my Harley to Vermont and toured the house of Bill W., but did not officially complete "the program".

What I have done, is stayed sober... 21yrs and not one drop of alcohol. My mind is true and my soul is clean. And I will continue this recovery process until the day that I die.

I would like to extend my apologies to those persons whom I had judged, so many years ago, and extend my heartfelt gratitude for helping me understand, realize and admit that I had a problem. Because the road to recovery did not start until we all finally admitted, without shame, that we have a problem.

My name is Rodney, and I am an alcoholic...

[RSV445]

Hard to believe. Over an hour an a half and no posts...

[RSV445]

A lot of shy people here...

[Vince1]

I stop in from time to time but not as often as I use to. I have 6 and 1/2 years clean myself and have been a certified drug and alcohol abuse counselor for almost 5 years.
I would just like to say good job on your clean time. Can we talk? while I am impressed with your time sober, the lack of completion of the 12 steps is of interest to me. You may be an exception to what I have observed. I see a lot of people who fail to complete the steps and manage to "force" there self to stay sober by making it a daily fight to not use, where people who successfully work the steps find themselves going months or even years without even "thinking" about using. Quite a different approach. Either force the issue or change the base thinking. Some people actually work many of the steps naturally without trying.
Either way, great job, nice to meet you and Merry Christmas.

[slybootz]

Joke from the AA Grapevine:

"What's the difference between an alcoholic and a drunk?"

"A drunk doesn't have to go to all those meetings!"

[JEWELOFTHEALB]

Hi, new to the group, trying to switch to full time vaping, as it is my last big hurdle of addiction I have to tackle. Been clean 3 months short of 7 years now, and have just found the courage needed to tackle this I hope. Have had some trouble with my supplier Green Smoke whom I fell in love with immediately product wise but have struggled with on the customer service aspect. Looking for a new 2 part to try, but there are SO many kinds and so much input on this site and others I have become WAY overwhelmed....any input on a personal level from others here would be greatly appreciated. Kindest Regards, Jewel

[Vince1]

Supplier- Rocky Mountain Vapor you have reached the mountain top of electronic cigarettes!

Vaporizer- Model 510 manual button. Great vapor, holds a lot of juice, very reliable.

Juice- Taste is subjective to what you like and strength you need.

[slybootz]

510 is a great model. I am a fan of the m401, which is a 3 piece(cartridge, atomizer, and battery). Check out some more of the reviews on this site, as well as some video reviews on youtube. Video reviews are particularly good because you can get a good feel for the actual size of the model, as well as SEE the vapor production, and the vaper's satisfaction(or dissatisfaction depending on the model).

Also, great job deciding to give up analog cigarettes! I know a lot of people who have used the 12-steps to eventually give up cigarettes! Keep it up!

[Drewsworld]

Havent Been in here for a while, but thought I would stop in and say that , Through the GOG and the fellowship of AA, I am happy to be celebrating 21 Years Today....Thanks for everything and keep comin!!!!!!!!

[Ladycats]

That is fantastic Drew !!!! Good for you !!!!!