First AA Meeting
#6991373
09/15/20 04:34 PM
09/15/20 04:34 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 670 ND
DakotaBoy
OP
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OP
trapper
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 670
ND
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Well folks, it's been a tough little while for me. I've struggled with alcohol off and on for some years now, and I'm going to try calling it quits. First AA meeting is Thursday night, hoping to find some helpful tips and ways to cope. If you're the prayin' type, please keep me in mind. Hopefully mamma DID raise a quitter.
"Pretty cocky for a starving pilgrim!" "An elk don't know how many legs a horse has!"
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991383
09/15/20 04:43 PM
09/15/20 04:43 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,737 Nebraska, Dawson County
chas3457
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 8,737
Nebraska, Dawson County
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Prayers sent.
If you Believe, and truly want it bad enough, there is nothing that you cannot accomplish, with God's help.
Charlie
Old age and treachery will always overcome youth and enthusiasm.
NRA Life Member ~ GOA Member ~ NFOA Member ~ UNMLA Member
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991389
09/15/20 04:50 PM
09/15/20 04:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,558 Robert Lee, TEXAS
bulletbox
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,558
Robert Lee, TEXAS
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Go with an open mind...
Listen, I mean really listen...
I've never been to a meeting that I didn't hear something, I could use...
GOD - Good ORDERLY Direction
The only person who ever got YOU drunk was you!! The only person who can keep you sober is YOU with GOD'S help...
PS: if you slip, don't beat yourself up, we all did it...
Well, most of us...
Enjoy the journey...
Good Luck and God Bless you and yours,
bulletbox, TEXAS
Even sheep are smart enough to shade up when it gets over 100....
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991418
09/15/20 05:29 PM
09/15/20 05:29 PM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978 potter co. p.a.
pcr2
"Twerker"
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"Twerker"
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 28,978
potter co. p.a.
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cheerin and prayin for ya.
i promise whats on the other side is truly worth it.
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991427
09/15/20 05:38 PM
09/15/20 05:38 PM
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,221 Alaska and Washington State
waggler
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 9,221
Alaska and Washington State
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I think a lot of people think you have some sort of character flaw if you need assistance with something; that couldn't be further from the truth.
I don't want to get sidetracked here, but there can be a real draw for alcohol in a way that many people don't expect. There is an interesting concept out there that a large part of alcoholism is merely a carb addiction. Many of you may think this is a silly idea, but I challenge you; cut 90% of carbs out of your diet for a few days. About 8PM on day four you will get the almost uncontrollable urge to drive up to the store a grab a box of donuts. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it myself.
Stick in there DB, the results will be well worth it. Pullin for ya.
"My life is better than your vacation"
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991465
09/15/20 06:50 PM
09/15/20 06:50 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,221 Oregon
beaverpeeler
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,221
Oregon
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AA has a great track record. If you've decided to quit you surely should succeed with their help.
Best of luck! (Even if luck has zero to do with it).
My fear of moving stairs is escalating!
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991531
09/15/20 08:14 PM
09/15/20 08:14 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,337 The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane
"HOSS"
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"HOSS"
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,337
The Hill Country of Texas
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There are several people I work with and greatly admire that are in recovery. I am not here to tell you it will be easy I am here to tell you it is worth it.
“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.” Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991533
09/15/20 08:16 PM
09/15/20 08:16 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 476 Oregon
SpottedOwl
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trapper
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 476
Oregon
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Sober for a very long time now. AA will help if you want it too. I still attend meetings from time to time depending on life situations, they will be there for a lifetime. Stand strong, know that you will never stand alone in this fight.
Owl
Spend time with your kids while THEY still have time
Your life is an occasion ..... Rise to it
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991608
09/15/20 09:30 PM
09/15/20 09:30 PM
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,435 New York border
Cragar
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,435
New York border
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Stay strong , we all want to hear how you are doing better , in a week , a month , a year and many years.
Do us proud. You know the Tman tribe has your back.
NRA benefactor member
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991622
09/15/20 09:47 PM
09/15/20 09:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,089 Cheyenne Wyoming
Castormound
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,089
Cheyenne Wyoming
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Every night make a list of things to do to keep you busy the next day, nothing fancy, just things that take time. Be patient, it takes time to start feeling "better", don't fall into the trap of I don't really feel that much better than when I was drinking, so why not drink. It will get better, much better. Go to as many AA meeting as you can fit in, they are never wasted time. Good luck on your journey!!!!!!!
Antelope, the original fast food!!
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991649
09/15/20 10:28 PM
09/15/20 10:28 PM
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,990 Montana
beartooth trapr
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trapper
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 7,990
Montana
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You can do it, do stuff that is rewarding. Also keeping positive company around you is a plus, No one likes a debby downer right. Best of luck to you, 12 years sober here. I did it so anyone can do it.
Let me sugar coat this
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991657
09/15/20 10:42 PM
09/15/20 10:42 PM
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bleeohio
Unregistered
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bleeohio
Unregistered
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Good luck and prayers sent. If I can do it, anyone can.
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991686
09/15/20 11:35 PM
09/15/20 11:35 PM
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,224 Kansas
Pawnee
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 6,224
Kansas
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Good for you. Take care and God bless. Prayers sent
Everything the left touches it destroys
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: bblwi]
#6991693
09/15/20 11:55 PM
09/15/20 11:55 PM
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Mark June
Unregistered
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Mark June
Unregistered
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Get a big book, get a sponsor, go to meetings, meetings, meetings and pray for spiritual growth. Don't quit before the miracle happens.
Bryce ^^^ what Bryce said May God bless you
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991694
09/15/20 11:57 PM
09/15/20 11:57 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,960 Northern Nevada
Bob
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,960
Northern Nevada
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Hey man, congratulations. I celebrated one year sober on August 23rd. You can do it. I’m rooting for you
"I have two guns, one for each of ya."
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991704
09/16/20 12:12 AM
09/16/20 12:12 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,960 Northern Nevada
Bob
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,960
Northern Nevada
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Oh, and find a non-alcoholic drink that you like and keep lots of it around all the time. Helps with the physical habit of always having something to drink in your hand. Mine was unsweet tea. I probably went through a gallon and a half a day for a few weeks. Really helped me a bunch.
I don’t know how bad you were, but me, I was drinking at least an 18 pack a day, starting at 4am on the drive to work. By the time I got to the shop at 5 I’d be 4-5 beers in. Every day, I would wake up and first thing I would do is finish the half a beer left on my night stand from the night before. So if I can make it to a year, I’m pretty sure anyone can if they want it bad enough. It took getting fired from two jobs in less than a week and my wife nearly leaving me to get it through my thick skull that it was a problem. I was a good drunk. So good that my wife had no idea that I was drinking every minute of every day for months.
Last edited by Bob; 09/16/20 12:12 AM. Reason: Spelling
"I have two guns, one for each of ya."
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: Bob]
#6991829
09/16/20 07:29 AM
09/16/20 07:29 AM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,963 Central Ontario, Canada
Crit-R-Dun
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,963
Central Ontario, Canada
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Oh, and find a non-alcoholic drink that you like and keep lots of it around all the time. Helps with the physical habit of always having something to drink in your hand. Mine was unsweet tea. I probably went through a gallon and a half a day for a few weeks. Really helped me a bunch.
I don’t know how bad you were, but me, I was drinking at least an 18 pack a day, starting at 4am on the drive to work. By the time I got to the shop at 5 I’d be 4-5 beers in. Every day, I would wake up and first thing I would do is finish the half a beer left on my night stand from the night before. So if I can make it to a year, I’m pretty sure anyone can if they want it bad enough. It took getting fired from two jobs in less than a week and my wife nearly leaving me to get it through my thick skull that it was a problem. I was a good drunk. So good that my wife had no idea that I was drinking every minute of every day for months. WTG Bob! Life is much better with alcohol in the rear view mirror!
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991864
09/16/20 07:59 AM
09/16/20 07:59 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,069 SEPA
Lugnut
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 20,069
SEPA
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If I can do it, so can you. This token is from four years ago. The one I get this time next year will have three X's on it. It's your life, take it back.
Eh...wot?
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991875
09/16/20 08:12 AM
09/16/20 08:12 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,240 West Michigan
Getting There
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,240
West Michigan
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Congratulations for stepping up to the plate and facing your problem, you should be very proud of yourself. I know your family and friends are! I hope all goes well for you. Stay strong.
To Old U.S. Army 60-63 SGT.
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6991878
09/16/20 08:13 AM
09/16/20 08:13 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,453 PA Venango Co.
Ron Marsh
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,453
PA Venango Co.
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Sent with prayer. You pray and God will direct you.
PTA Lifetime #131N. Salvation Army CSM Stakes: Why leave them? ALWAYS John 3:16 814-516-2923
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#6993296
09/17/20 09:54 PM
09/17/20 09:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446 Houghton Lake, MI
strike2x
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,446
Houghton Lake, MI
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I got 10 years sober now. People who knew me figured I would die drinking. But by the grace of God go I. I am afraid jack daniels stock holders lost money when I quit.
Wish I had more time to trap....
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314105
07/26/21 10:00 AM
07/26/21 10:00 AM
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 670 ND
DakotaBoy
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 670
ND
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Well, I didn't start the program as soon as I'd planned, but did manage to receive my 6 month token last week. Things have been going pretty well actually - have stayed busy enough that I rarely have time to think about booze. Did have a hankerin' a couple of weeks back, but made it through without giving in. This winter might be tougher when outside work slows down...might need to hunt or fish more. Tell you one thing, there have been more fish in my boat this summer than any other years! I know I'm working harder for them not being worried about if I brought enough beer with!
Last edited by DakotaBoy; 07/26/21 10:03 AM.
"Pretty cocky for a starving pilgrim!" "An elk don't know how many legs a horse has!"
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: waggler]
#7314121
07/26/21 10:14 AM
07/26/21 10:14 AM
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,448 SE SD
DWC
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,448
SE SD
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I think a lot of people think you have some sort of character flaw if you need assistance with something; that couldn't be further from the truth.
I don't want to get sidetracked here, but there can be a real draw for alcohol in a way that many people don't expect. There is an interesting concept out there that a large part of alcoholism is merely a carb addiction. Many of you may think this is a silly idea, but I challenge you; cut 90% of carbs out of your diet for a few days. About 8PM on day four you will get the almost uncontrollable urge to drive up to the store a grab a box of donuts. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it myself.
Stick in there DB, the results will be well worth it. Pullin for ya. That is interesting. I have nights i get home from work and really want one of three things: glass of vodka, a bowl of chips, or sometimes a glass of milk mixed with protein powder. Really any of them satisfy the urge.
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314158
07/26/21 10:40 AM
07/26/21 10:40 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,605 Green County Wisconsin
GREENCOUNTYPETE
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,605
Green County Wisconsin
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Well folks, it's been a tough little while for me. I've struggled with alcohol off and on for some years now, and I'm going to try calling it quits. First AA meeting is Thursday night, hoping to find some helpful tips and ways to cope. If you're the prayin' type, please keep me in mind. Hopefully mamma DID raise a quitter. I have lost 3 uncles to alcohol , they were 31 , 32 and 61 31 and 32 were motorcycle and car accidents , they were the one intoxicated and caused the accident. 61 he was in and out of AA for decades he had been fat , he had the stomach staple surgery , got skinny then drank it back on , his wife was/is also an alcoholic and in and out of AA he drank him self into organ failure , he had a moment of clarity near the end in the hospital that he had drunk himself to death , then passed. keep with it and be around for your family.
America only has one issue, we have a Responsibility crisis and everything else stems from it.
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314187
07/26/21 11:24 AM
07/26/21 11:24 AM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,960 Northern Nevada
Bob
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,960
Northern Nevada
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Hey man, you can do it. I went from 18 beers a day to zero and I don’t know if I could have without AA. I’ll be sober two years on august 23.
Go to every meeting you can. I went every day for a while. If you slip, don’t be ashamed to talk about it in the meetings because they all have been exactly where you are. They understand, and nobody is there to judge you. Good luck.
"I have two guns, one for each of ya."
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314198
07/26/21 11:42 AM
07/26/21 11:42 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,154 Tug Hill, NY
Redknot
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,154
Tug Hill, NY
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You'll come to understand what one day at a time means...
~Illegitimi Non Carborundum~
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314712
07/26/21 11:28 PM
07/26/21 11:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,739 Iowa
CTRAPS
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,739
Iowa
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Give it time, it works. 9-9-84
Life Member: ITA, IBA & NRA. Member of SA, FTA & NTA
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314964
07/27/21 11:41 AM
07/27/21 11:41 AM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,291 Maine, Aroostook
Posco
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,291
Maine, Aroostook
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Did have a hankerin' a couple of weeks back, but made it through without giving in. I was on the verge of becoming an alcoholic years ago. I knew I had a problem when I was craving a Budweiser at eight o'clock in the morning. It frightened me. I decided not to have a beer that day. I did the same the next and the next and the next. Ten years went by before another beer touched my lips again. I don't drink at all today. I come from an alcoholic home and know firsthand what it can do to a family. Keep after it, you can beat it.
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7314978
07/27/21 11:49 AM
07/27/21 11:49 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,913 Central, SD
Law Dog
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,913
Central, SD
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Spent the last 30 years dealing with people fighting with the same issues your having seen a lot of lives ruined in those years some got it together some did not, find a good sponsor and keep yourself very busy. Drop me a PM anytime but I will tell you what I think not what you might want to hear at the time. Good luck stay strong.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: First AA Meeting
[Re: DakotaBoy]
#7316059
07/28/21 08:06 PM
07/28/21 08:06 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 174 mitchell,South Dakota
stumper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 174
mitchell,South Dakota
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I have not read through all the posts,So if this info is a repeat I apologize !
Things no one told me when I quit drinking By Weston Frank 1. You Find out who your friends are. As cliché as it sounds, you will find that all the friends you thought you had, will seemingly disappear. Drinking is one of the biggest recreational activities for our area. Without being a member of that “club” you will find you won’t be invited or in some cases welcome in some of the circles you once hung around in. No one wants to even consider they may have an alcohol problem, especially individuals who actually have a problem. It’s almost as if they believe being around someone sober will make them sober as well, as if it’s a sickness to be caught. There is no doubt that choosing to be sober, will cost you a few relationships. 2. You will forever have to explain why you don’t drink. One of the most annoying things of choosing sobriety is forever explaining why you are sober. No one ever asks a meth addict why they chose to stop using. For some reason our society has decided that one drug is acceptable and one isn’t, even though they both ruin lives, and even kill people all the time. From now on, when you enter social situations that people are drinking, you will be offered a drink or two. When you decline, people will try to tell you, one won’t kill you... you can try to keep saying no thanks, but most the time you end having to explain that you quit drinking. Sometimes that’s a good enough answer and they’ll leave you be, other times they will pry and ask why. It’s up to you to decide if you want to tell them or not. I personally embrace my story. Tell them why I made my choice. 3. You will not do the same things you always did. It’s always good to stay away from the places and activities that you drank at during the first phase of getting sober. Eventually when things stabilize, you will be ok with visiting the old bar, going to a concert, or watching a football game with friends. Referring back to #1 you’ll find that doing some of those things will show you some of those friends you lost, and some of the experience will show you that the experience was more about the drinking than was about the friendship or activity. 4. There will be days you never think about drinking, there will be days you wonder why you ever quit.... you might even slip and try again.... it will always lead back to the same conclusion... the reasons for you to quit, far out weight the reasons to keep drinking. 5. It’s ok to screw up... seriously... you’re human, making mistakes happen. Don’t let anyone beat you up over messing up now and then. This is your decision and your life. 6. You find out who you friends are. Yes... again... just as you lose friends, you’ll find the ones that stick around are the real deal. You might even meet some new ones that turn out to be pretty fantastic too. 7. Your mind will never be clearer. Making the choice to quit drinking opens up a door in the mind. You will see things you never noticed before, about yourself and others. Some of this will tie into how your relationships are affected. 8. You will be accused of being an (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman). Some will call it blunt, or crass. Really, it’s just you recognizing situations that are harder than they need to be, and looking at them with an extremely realistic view. Part of the reason some of us drink is to escape the reality and gravity of things in our lives. Taking that element away forces us to face a lot of things head on. It also forces us not to sugar coat it... IT IS WHAT IT IS... 9. Do sobriety your way. If you like AA or outpatient treatment, GREAT! If not, that’s ok too... just understand you will need to talk about your feelings and emotions to someone. You will need to figure out how to cope with everyday struggles. You DON’T have to do that alone. I personally don’t attend AA anymore. I think it works great for some folks, I enjoyed some of it, but not all of it. I found a lot of great audio books and podcasts of people like us just talking about the problems they face, and it helped, just to hear that we’re not alone. 10. Try new things. Boredom and self-loathing are a killer in sobriety. Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself gets you nowhere. Do something you’ve never done before. Me... I got into several things. Until I found a few that really hit home with me. I’m a 30-year-old man, and I love sewing baseball caps. I put vintage advertising patches on hats, and use big & old leather sewing machines to do it. I enjoy it very much, and I even make a couple bucks now and then. Find something to put your time and energy into. Find something that is all about making you happy. 11. You have to be selfish when it comes to you. Being sober is not all roses and rainbows. There is an adjustment period. Sobriety has to come before everything else in life. This might mean cutting some people out of your life who are just bad for your mental health and your sobriety. 12. It’s ok for others to drink. Do not become a self-righteous (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) who condemns all those that drink. One of my biggest struggles in sobriety was finding a middle ground with my wife. We both drank and partied. I had a problem, she didn’t. After you sober up your tolerance is very low for people who are inebriated. You have to find that middle ground, and understand your problems is not their problem. It’s up to them to decide if they should drink or not, not you. Fortunate for me, I have an extremely supportive wife, and we found an excellent middle ground. 13. CALL ME. Find someone you can call when things are tough... and just say... I’m having a pretty bad day... allow them to remind you what you’re working towards. 14. Never give up. You may stumble and fall, and it’s ok. As long as you get up again and walk the right direction. Life is a beautiful thing, don’t waste it..
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