“Remember, no matter where you go, there you are.” – Confucius
It doesn’t matter what post-addiction support group you choose, what rehab program you choose, what new pledge to stop drinking that you have pledged to whom, etc. If you cannot reach down deep to find the internal strength, arresting the addiction will not happen! I have learned that the same principle applies to lying, cheating, half-truths etc. You cannot lie ,cheat, steal or tell half-truths just a little bit. As you may have hood winked someone else, at the end of the day and everyday, you are accountable to you!
Here’s another quote that I like. “There is no try, only do, or do not. .” – Yoda.
My experience has been that if you leave yourself a back door, the illness of alcoholism will surely find it. I’m really going to “try” this time. I’ll only have one beer or one glass of wine. OK, only on Saturdays, holidays, full moons etc. You’re better off to keep drinking if this is what you are doing. Commit and don’t look back. The gravitational pull of you addiction will be on your heels, wanting you back..now!
Try everything if need be. If AA works for you, all the better. If not, move on. Life is too short. Try Rational Recovery, a church support group on spirituality, Allen Carr’s book, find a good therapist…etc.
I went to AA everyday for two years and I learned a lot. I would recommend checking it out. You will know, in time, whether or not AA is the right place for you. Have an open mind and pay attention.
After my two years in AA, I chose to continue working with a therapist, wholeheartedly embrace my family and friends and renew my involvement in the spiritual path that I grew up with. That said , I still use some of the more noteworthy principles that I learned from AA. They are with me every day!
Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. Do what’s right for you. Not the person sitting next to you!
My Story 
Good for you for finding something that works for you. It takes enormous strength.
great job, well said and so very true as i’m findin out. i’d like to write somethin inspiring here that would add to your blog but when you tell the truth like that, straight up… what else can you say? i totally agree if you’re not gonna swing at the ball… step away from the plate and go back to the dugout.
People often drink when they’re in pain, and cutting off the pain killer is one of the most difficult things you can do when you’re suffering. But you’re doing the right thing by focusing on relationships. We get naturally occurring, healthy painkillers from close relationships called endorphins, Friends and family are healthy addictions. They enable us to handle stress and provide meaning to our lives. With a group like AA, you’re connecting with others who have been through similar circumstances, which provides more pain relief, as does talking with a therapist.
Good luck, Iceman. 🙂
I was actively involved in A.A. for the first three years of my sobriety. I still follow the principles of the program, and go to the odd meeting, but not regularly. After I stopped being an A.A. regular, I helped lead a women for sobriety group for three years and have done several periods of therapy to work on some of my past that has been in the way of living a clean and sober life. But I could not have gotten sober without A.A.
Best to all who follow whatever path to getting sober. It really is worth it!