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...
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...
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