how long with MWO

[Guest]

how long with MWO

Mary;

I've been here since 12/05.

Brandy

[Guest]

how long with MWO

I started in 9/05, worked the program...it worked well until spring of '06 with moderation, and then I ended up drinking more heavily, even with the topamax, etc. I am not suggesting that this program wouldn't work for others...it just didn't work for me in terms of trying to moderate.

I have since decided that drinking and I don't mix, and I have gone the abstinence route. I have gone back to AA and have gotten a sponsor. It is working for me this time because I needed a spiritual component...I also realized that, for me, my behavior needs to change...I don't just need to stop drinking, or rather, I need to stop drinking, but if I don't change the behaviors behind that, my addiction will just manifest itself in another way. (i.e. shopping, love, etc) Even if I stop drinking, I feel that I still act "alcoholically" or like an "addict". (for example, I haven't lead a completely or "rigorously" honest life) I I realized that in order to change who I am, I need to work a program like AA. I didn't get that the first time around.

It may not be what everyone needs, but I finally figured out it was what I needed.

[Guest]

how long with MWO

Congratulations and thanks for the inspirational story.

[Guest]

how long with MWO

How timely! I almost completed a post a couple of days ago but had to abandon it and get back to work. I am, as the wonderful Tawny suggests, living a healthy and very, very happy life.

On July 8 it will be 7 months abs and I wish I had done this 10 years ago!

I do check in to see what is happening and don't see many familiar names but not surprisingly very similar life stories and posts.

A brief history of what has 'changed' for me since I've been sober follows -

Moved house.
Recieved much money in redundancy from work.
Found bab new job.
Traveled overseas for the first time.
Lost weight.
No guilty, cringe moments.
Value life 'treasures' much more.
Enjoy being me everyday - even if I'm not so nice.

I just realised I could go on and bore the pants off you but luckily I'm a carer and will spare you!

From the bottom of my heart I say thank you to RJ and MWO. It truly was my way out also.

Love and sparkles, Amanda.

[Guest]

how long with MWO

Amanda

I've got a grin from ear to ear. So good to hear you're happy.

Sparkles all the way back!
Tawny

[Guest]

how long with MWO

misha jo

I would love to talk with you!! I think we have had similar experiences, and I am now also finding success with Topamax. I have been abstinant on the med. for a little over a month. I have not been following the rest of the program, but after reading your post, would love to hear more about your experiences, so that I may avoid some of the pitfalls you encountered. If you read this...post back please. I would love to give you my personal e-mail, but would rather not post it here....maybe I can ez-box it to you, if you check your ezbox. Let me know. Thanks!!

Beth

[Guest]

how long with MWO

Jen ;

Good job and congratulations on getting back on track!

Brandy

[Guest]

how long with MWO

Hi,
I've been sober (abstinent) now for 8 months. 10 months on this site. I havent done topa.. that was a big decision for me... and made the beginning hard, (I reckon).. but in the long run it meant that my approach was different and right for me.. so I've done abstinence. Abstinence is the only thing that I can see working for me. I found it very hard at the beginning but now I do find it easier - sort of more natural... because it means I dont have to think of ''' how many drinks can I have'''' its just no... and for my brain that is manageable.

I have kept up a supporting structure to aid my abstinence and that is what I really took from this site.. so I have done counselling, yoga, eating organic food only, introducing exercise and then keeping at it, and meditation... all good things even if I wasnt trying to get sober... and all good things that help me stay this way.

One thing that really bothered me was what would people say when I stopped drinking.. would they class me as an alcoholic.. would I have to continually put up excuses..etc etc.. all reasons to keep me drinking!!! but people dont even really notice!!!! I just say no and its no big deal - amasing.

Brigid