Hi, I'm Z and I am an alcoholic. I have managed, 24 hours at a time, to string together twelve years of sobriety, ironically enough, via a Twelve Step program. Due to increasing religiosity at the evening meeting I used to attend, and chastisement at work for attending meetings during my lunch hour, I have not attended a meeting in a few years. (some life changes looming might soon change that for me).
I sympathize with addicts of all kinds. My sobriety tends to be its healthiest when I frequently exchange experience, strength, and hope with other drinkers, So, I hope any lurkers eventually feel comfortable enough to share or ask questions, here.
My sobriety is the gift of life for me. It was horribly difficult at first and I could never have imagined that living would ever become fun again, but it has. The excruciating work to get clean was more than worth it.
[aaagnostica.org]
Are any of you familiar with AA for Agnostics? There are meetings in Madison and Milwaukee but those are both an hour away. I've been considering starting a meeting at my Unitarian Church in fond du lac. There isn't a lot of choice when it comes to recovery groups for secular people especially in smaller towns. I tried Smart Recovery and it is pretty good, but it feels like it is lacking something. Any opinions or insight is most welcomed.
When I first got sober, after returning from rehab, I sought out an AAA meeting in La Crosse, which is about two and a half hours away (Madison is about two, Milwaukee is more like three.) After making the trip, I discovered the group consisted of what is generally considered to be the minimum required for a meeting -- two drunks and a resentment. I didn't return. I strongly considered starting an AAA group in Stevens Point and attempted to gauge the level of interest by talking to attendees at the traditional AA meetings in the area, but received mostly blank looks.
AA for me was always about the fellowship of people who shared my struggle. I never did a 12-step program. In three days I will be two years sober, and I am loving sobriety. The last AA meeting I went to was when I received my 1 year coin. I just can't stomach all the religious stuff. The greatest lie of AA is "The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking." They leave out that you have to believe in a higher power, namely the one referred to as "God."
I have no intention of going to a meeting to receive a two year coin. I guess I'll carry around this one year coin for the rest of my life. lol
Posted by Fibonacci1618This is an article discussing the differences and similarities between a 12 Step Program and SMART Recovery. I'm curious about your thoughts or experiences between the two..... [thefix.com]
Posted by DeeWomanI would only change the word “hero” to “warrior” ?✌?
Posted by Jlangston70Perspective
Posted by ashortbeautyEach step matters
Posted by ashortbeautyFor you...
Posted by Marcie1974Look what I got!
Posted by Jlangston70Today I chose...
Posted by ashortbeautyToday is a new day
Posted by ashortbeautyBelieve in you
Posted by Sherri-VTI’m new to this group.
Posted by ashortbeautyChat will be open from 6-8p EST week nights Weekends I still med y'alls input for a timeframe
Posted by ashortbeautyStole this from the singles group. Thought it would fit perfectly here
Posted by ashortbeautyFind someth ing good about today and let that lead you forward
Posted by ashortbeautyDon't beat yourself up. Recovery takes time. Allow yourself that time to heal
Posted by ashortbeautySomething people forget to give those of us who've overcome xyz...Respect. So mad respect to every one of you for succeeding in today's struggle
Posted by Rudy1962Self sacrificing people tend to forget this.