How You Got Through Alcohol Withdrawal
It wasn't really an issue.What Helped?
Quitting for me started with AA. From the moment that I vocalized that I was an alcoholic and started to share my story with others that were like me I discovered it was okay to be an alcoholic and there was hope for me.
How You Coped With Cravings
A steady diet of AA has helped me through the years. I am not a nightly or weekly student of AA but, every so often when I am feeling particularly vulnerable I go to the rooms. It helps me clear my thoughts, share some of my concerns, and hear from others who are like me. Its a great reminder.
How You Stayed Sober
I stayed sober through the utilization of AA meetings and by constantly telling the world I was an alcoholic, I found that the more that I said the more I created a lack of "perfect places" or spots that I could rationalize that I was able to drink. I wear being an "alcoholic" on my sleeve.
What I Did:
I did it all:
-I attended a ton of AA meetings, in fact probably 50-60 in my first 90 days sober.
-I got a sponsor, I hit the steps
-I went to an outpatient treatment facility
-I went to a psychologist
-I told the world "I am Timmy Grins and I am an alcoholic"
Repitition has ultimately been the key for me. Constant reminders, and meetings when I am feeling weak have been the recipe.
How I Did It:
I was facing a loss of my freedom. That was sadly what drove me finally to explore a life without alcohol. I was a 3 time DWI offender all inside of my first 6 years of having a drivers license. Walking out of the jail knowing that I could very well "lose it all" because of my drinking forced me to do something better.
Lessons Learned
- you are not alone
- don't be afraid
- don't think that an alcoholic is someone that gets drunk every day, all day
- don't think that you are the exception to the rule
- life without alcohol is 1000 times better than it was with it
