Recovery from alcoholism/addiction

Rev. Jimmy · October 17, 2015, 12:10:26 AM

I'd like to start a thread where dudes who are in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction can share their experience, strength and hope. There are many paths to recovery, so whether you're a 12 stepper or found recovery some other way, feel free to share.
I go to AA meetings, but I do not believe in the traditional religious concept of God. So I turn to Dudeist concepts for my spirituality.

Rev. Jimmy · October 17, 2015, 12:36:18 AM

I'm experimenting with non-alcoholic white Russians. Tonight I used leftover coffee, Mrs. Butterworth's syrup and milk. It doesn't quite nail it, but it's close.

jgiffin · October 18, 2015, 12:45:38 AM

Right on, man. I respect any dude trying to take back control of his/her life. Run with what works for you. Don't let anyone, including me, say otherwise.

My own experience with AA was limited and non-productive. They laid out the 12 steps. I took it seriously and as a syllogism for getting sober. But it didn't withstand even a modicum of examination for an atheist or agnostic.

The first problem was tension between (Step 1) admitting I was powerless (which, okay, fine) and (Step 2) believing a "greater power" could fix everything. Well, what the fuck is that power? The best I could articulate was "fate" or "consequence." But, shit, Step 3 says its god and even if it's just a "higher power" what does that mean? Where does this leave shit? It's an entirely flawed foundation. If only a higher power can save me, it doesn't fucking matter whether I'm here or not. Higher power is as higher power does, yo.

I was basically okay with the rest of the steps; I just ignored the references to "god." That may mean I missed the point. Well, fine. Maybe only christians can get sober. They can have it.

Edit - I should also say that, without exception, everyone I met at AA was entirely supportive, pleasant, and apparently well-intentioned. Good peoples.

Rev Nicholas Rehfeldt · October 18, 2015, 11:48:07 AM

Quote from: Rev. Jimmy on October 17, 2015, 12:36:18 AM
I'm experimenting with non-alcoholic white Russians. Tonight I used leftover coffee, Mrs. Butterworth's syrup and milk. It doesn't quite nail it, but it's close.

You might want to try mixing Manhatten Special Coffee Soda and half/half, at least thats what I do when times make me too cheap to buy Coffee Liquor.

Good luck man, I know it ain't easy. I do know you'll physically feel a lot better once you get settled into it.

Rev. Jimmy · October 19, 2015, 06:43:03 AM

Thanks for the replies, Dudes.
Jgiffin, did you manage to stay sober some other way, or did you just learn to take 'er easy with more moderate drinking?
I consider the 12 steps to be much like the Bible, the US Constitution or any other document. It was written by human beings and requires sensible interpretation by human beings. AA co-founder Bill W. wasn't a messiah, because what's a messiah? He was just a man for his time and place who figured out a way to stay sober.
Rev. Nicholas, thanks for the suggestion.

BikerDude · October 19, 2015, 09:39:48 AM

The best "program" for recovery for me was facing the likelihood of losing everyone and everything near and dear to me.
Luckily I was able to stop on my own.
A DWI is also a great motivator. They cost a LOT of money once all is said and done.

jgiffin · October 19, 2015, 07:59:28 PM

Quote from: Rev. Jimmy on October 19, 2015, 06:43:03 AM
Jgiffin, did you manage to stay sober some other way, or did you just learn to take 'er easy with more moderate drinking?

More the latter. I just got older, stopped doing (as much) stupid shit, and recognized what things typically made me overindulge. Turns out booze wasn't the problem, it was just the wrong solution to the problem.

Rev. Jimmy · October 20, 2015, 12:22:26 AM

Glad you're on a better path, jgriffin.
My problem is a lack of self-control when it comes to alcohol. I can abstain if I really want to. Of course, I seldom really want to. But, once I take that first drink, I don't want to stop until I'm good and drunk. Then, I'll have no problem with getting in my car and driving home, much to the concern of various loved ones.
I've tried to have better self-discipline, which seems to fail me every time. Booze seems to just get the better of me, so that's why I turned to a support group to help me keep it out of my life.
I am not so much looking for God to save me. It's more to develop a different way of life with the support of men and women who understand the problem.

BikerDude · October 20, 2015, 12:56:17 PM

Reminds me of what Keith Richards said about heroin.
"It didn't worry me too much then because of the very nature of heroin. Nothing worries you."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeG8T7aZNM8

I can't drink bourbon or hard liquor without going all the way to a blackout and waking up to a cop shaking me. Well at least it seems to happen often.
Luckily I can drink beer in moderation.

Group therapy can really be good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWv6-L6V5gg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WSawiD8Oqw

Bacfie_7 · May 09, 2017, 04:38:33 AM

Recovery from alcoholism or any other drug addiction is not easy and the addict must have a positive attitude to get over their addictions. I was in the same situation but I really wanted to get rid of opiate addiction so went to suboxone treatment virginia clinic for that. They helped me a lot with it.