Weekly Recovery Meeting; week ending 18th July 09.

[flick]

We tried to study our alcoholic problem, wondering what was
the cause of our strange obsession. Many of us took special
treatments, hospitalization, even confinement in institutions.
In every case, the relief was only temporary. We tried
through crazy excuses to convince ourselves that we knew
why we drank, but we went on regardless. Finally drinking
had gone far beyond even a habit. We had become alcoholics,
men and women who had been destroying themselves against
their own will.

Am I completely free from my alcoholic obsession?


Taken from Twenty-Four Hours A Day by Hazelden

[janbear]

I am free from my obsession to use, a day at a time with the help of the 12-step program.

[Chewi]

The obsession is not gone, but it is held in check by following the program of AA, by reading the literature, Big Book, etc., going to meetings, working the 12 steps. I have learned that I cannot do this alone. I even already believed and had a strong faith in God, but I could not get sober and cannot stay sober without surrounding myself with the support of others like me who understand this problem/disease and know how to manage it.

When I get complacent, I relapse. As Janbear said above, one day at a time, doing what I need to do. That holds the obsession at bay and gives me the relief from that pressure to grow and move forward with my life.

[Craig A.]

Good topic, and for me yes the obession is gone but occasionally the thought might pop in to see where I am at mentally and spiritually! We are never cured, if we could be we wouldn't need 12 step programs and meetings. If I try to do this by myself I am doomed, destined to drink/drug till it kills me or I kill myself both the same to me! There are things I need to do, pray, go to meetings, stay in touch ( fellowship ), work the steps, help others! Like I am reminded " We are not cured from alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maitenance of our spiritual condition! " B.B.p.85 I look back on it and I had several people tried to help me so that means for me that I had connections with people but no God; today connections with people and I know God! The difference for me is that spiritual connection today, I don't have perfect days but I don't have to drink either! I hope this helps and thanks for letting me share!

[sioux]

With my Creator's help and participation in my own recovery, the obsession has been lifted and the compulsion has been dispelled.

I know it can return out of no where, or if I engage in certain behaviors that invite it back. Diligence, honesty, perseverence, willingness to change my perspective...these are some of the keys of my daily success.

[grateful72107]

For me, the obsession is gone, as a result of working the 12 steps. But my disease is cunning and baffeling, it can creep up on me without thinking of using. It comes up in dreams, people, places, even when watching a certain movie or hearing a certain song. Therefor, I must stay diligent in my quest for recovery and be able to recognize triggers that may start the compulsions and obsessions again. For example, I used to watch thaat show intervention...its about getting clean, it should be good for an addict, right? WRONG! It shows people coping and using and drinking over and over again throughout the show. The last time I watched, the compulsion came back like a hurricane and suddenly, I was in a bad place. Luckily, I had tools to fight it, call my sponsor, talk to another addict, pray and it past. Needless to say, I no longer watch that program.

The obsession and compulsion to use has gone, but I must continue to keep my recovery strong. Thanks for letting me share.