Where is the starting point

[James.F]

I am now going on 40 day's clean and i am struggling to find a starting point.What i am trying to say is how do i start examining myself....who i am,what are the underlying reason's i had to use to feel,breaking through all the wall's i put up the last 30 yrs and to get a better uderstanding of myself.:16::21:

[Chewi]

Hi James! Welcome! Congratulations on the 40 days--that is great!

Those of us who go to AA and NA find that working the 12 steps helps us in that process and find that it begins to give us the coping and life skills we need for every day life. It also helps to talk to others in meetings who share your experience. In meetings you can find a sponsor, someone you connect with, who can guide you along the process and help when your thinking doesn't seem right.

You can also begin reading the literature, the Big Book, etc., that you can find in the links above.

This is something that you really cannot do alone. You need flesh and blood support and the best support comes from those who share your experiences.

Some people also choose to go to private counseling, but you have to make sure you talk to someone who knows addiction well.

I am a recovering alcoholic and my best support comes from AA meetings and working the 12 steps.

You will learn this is all done one day at a time--thinking too much and getting ahead of ourselves doesn't help either. Some people say it is like peeling an onion--slow and steady and one step at a time.

Keep coming back and sharing!

[MrSoul1970]

Well this place is a good starting point...I'm not 100% clean yet myself, but probly 85% bettr then I was,and loggin on here everyday has helped me keep in check....reading others stories...browzing the various options on this great forum....Surf around...you'll find your way...and hopefully it keeps your mind in a bettr place....knowing you're far from alone.....

Good Luck.

Peace:1:

[James.F]

Hi James! Welcome! Congratulations on the 40 days--that is great!

Those of us who go to AA and NA find that working the 12 steps helps us in that process and find that it begins to give us the coping and life skills we need for every day life. It also helps to talk to others in meetings who share your experience. In meetings you can find a sponsor, someone you connect with, who can guide you along the process and help when your thinking doesn't seem right.

You can also begin reading the literature, the Big Book, etc., that you can find in the links above.

This is something that you really cannot do alone. You need flesh and blood support and the best support comes from those who share your experiences.

Some people also choose to go to private counseling, but you have to make sure you talk to someone who knows addiction well.

I am a recovering alcoholic and my best support comes from AA meetings and working the 12 steps.

You will learn this is all done one day at a time--thinking too much and getting ahead of ourselves doesn't help either. Some people say it is like peeling an onion--slow and steady and one step at a time.

Keep coming back and sharing!...Thank's for replying.I have been going to meeting's but find it very uncomfortable talking about certain things.I know you have to show humility in recovery,it's like getting naked and allowing yourself to be vunerable and i find it really difficult right now.i will keep trying thak's James

[DaveH]

James.F
I can identify with the sense of being vunerable.....and not liking it. The more meetings I went to, the less vunerable I felt. Looking back, I think the program of AA really allowed me to start laying my weapons down(everything I used to protect my reputation). Getting very real with myself and a sponser through the 4th and 5th step was what started that process for me. Keep attending meetings, it will get better. And congratulations on 40 days!!!! That is a very big accomplishment.
Regards,
DaveH

[Chewi]

Hi again, James. Sometimes in the beginning you just have to listen. You don't have to let certain things out until you are ready. But when you do talk, remember there is nothing you can say or have done that we all haven't heard before. Take time, do what you're doing one day at a time and don't get ahead of yourself. Thanks so much for sharing--it helps me!