Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

[4theboyz]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Mary and UW I listened with intent when a woman expressed her horror over the thought of ever having to go through ever quitting alcohol ever again and how that thought keeps her stone cold sober.

For me it is still one day at a time.

[Doggygirl]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Wow - the drug court graduation was such a moving experience. There were 10 graduates. All were facing felony records, or an option to enter a very structured and strict program to get clean and sober with tons of support, and have a chance at a new life without a felony record. It was moving to hear the judge read a bit of their stories, their experiences in drug court, and their goals now that they are graduating. The court requires them to participate in AA/NA as part of the program. I'm not sure if they accept other options if someone is really opposed to AA/NA. One might not be very opposed if the option is drug court which includes AA and also formal treatment, counseling, psychiatric appointments, etc. versus staying in jail. All 10 of the graduates have sponsors, are working steps, and said AA (or NA for some) is an important part of their on-going recovery. This drug court has a very good track record of people staying out of trouble with the law following their drug court graduations. There have been 260 graduates since the program was started in 1999. It was fun to hear the State's Attorney dismiss their charges.

Between school, AA, a coalition of treatment providers I belong to, and volunteer work I am starting to know a lot of people in the treatment community in my town. I saw all kinds of familiar faces today. I am really over any sort of embarrassment that lots of people know I'm in recovery myself. "No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others." That promise is definitely true in my life today.

DG

[Doggygirl]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

TDN - so sorry about your ankle!!!! Meant to say that earlier and got distracted and forgot! Hope it heals up quickly for you.

DG

[Unwasted]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

DG, I think it's fantastic that you're getting so involved and past the initial embarassment of being public about your own addiction. I'm getting better at that - initially I was so self-conscious. Now, I look at it more like a teaching tool -- like, this is what happened to me, be careful it could happen to you.....with people who know me. It would be interesting to track those 10 people and see how they do long term. I'm older and in a way feel sorry for younger people this happens to. Even though they would be lucky to get sober earlier in their life, they have many more years and much more peer pressure with which to deal.

4, thanks for that post about the woman you know. I still try to think ODAT even though the fear of ever relapsing and having to start over is a powerful motivator for me.

TDN, hope things are ok with your foot!??

[ThreeDogNight]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Good morning, all,

DG, that drug court story was very moving. I hope they all find success. It is terrific that you are so involved with everything! I saw an article in the newspaper last weekend about recovery coaches and a program that is offered. Sounds very interesting to me. There were two weekends devoted to drunk driving in the state. Very frightening, but good for me to read.
I have my sponsor coming this a.m. to continue our work before the noon meeting. We are going to pick up a cake for a guy who has 35 years this week, so should be a nice thing for him.
Wasted, i am wondering if that was a "white" chip and not a "wet" chip. Just wondering, as I have never heard that term.
Pam

[Unwasted]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

TDN, if I remember, I'll ask the next time I go to that particular meeting. Hope you're doing okay with that foot. Did it turn out to be broken? I sprained mine once and they told me it was actually worse than a break. It healed well, though, and I don't have any kind of residual problem (happened when I was young).

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

I have a way to go in terms of being "out there" w/my recovery program but am getting better about it ODAT. When I go into a large meeting now & can recognize most of the people sitting there, I know I've really joined this fellowship.

3 years ago today, I decided to take the first step & admit that I'm powerless over alcohol & that my life was unmanageable. I didn't say: "I'll never drink again!" I just admitted to myself that when I drink, nothing good can come of it for me. Since taking that step, I haven't had to take a drink. It feels very good to be sober today.

Tomorrow night we are having our dinner club over. It's my husband's b-day on Sun. & we'll be celebrating that. Do I miss the drinks that will be served? No. I can have soda & feel perfectly fine about it.

I hope all is well w/everyone.

Mary

[Horsegirl]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Happy Birthday to Mary!!!!!

I haven't posted here in a long time, but follow this thread often.

I just wanted to congratulate Mary on 3 years and thank her for all she contributes. I will always be grateful to Mary for leading me to sobriety. I came to this site I think as a way to quit drinking without going to AA or actually without having to tell anyone about my drinking, but was ironically led right into the rooms of AA through this thread.

Have a good day all and have a super birthday, Mary!!!!!!!!!!

HG

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

HG: Me too. I thought I could quit drinking wo/AA or anyone's help. No so! Thank you. I'll be getting my coin tonight from my sponsor. M

[sugarbeat]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Wow Retteacher, I just noticed your 3 years, that is brilliant, a big genuine congatulations to you, you're an inspiration

[Unwasted]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Mary, terrific! Congratulations.......3 years is wonderful. Thank you for helping us along. SO SO happy for you.

[Doggygirl]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25


:yougo::yougo:CONGRATULATIONS MARY ON 3 YEARS SOBER!!!!:yougo::yougo:
I wish I could be there when you get your chip! Here is a virtual hug since I can't do a real one! :l This thread is so valuable to me too and I join the group in thanking you for always keeping it alive and well!

The recitivism rate in my county for people going to jail on drug related charges, and ending up in jail again is something like 70%. The recitivism rate for graduate of drug court is 7%. So odds are that 9 of the 10 who graduated yesterday will stay out of jail. That is a pretty favorable outcome I think!

Here is a news clip: Will County Taxpayers Save Money Sending Criminals Through Drug Court

It's been a long week and I'm pretty tired. It is such a miracle that I think "I need a nap" instead of "I need a drink!"

Have a good weekend everyone. Mary, enjoy your 3-year celebration!

DG

[ThreeDogNight]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Just wanted to add my Congrats to you, Mary!!!!! Can't wait to read about how your meeting goes tonight.
Thanks for all the inspiration you bring to us!
:lPam

[retteacher]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Thanks all! It was pretty wonderful. Both my sponsor & I teared up a little. My husband of 40 years was sitting right beside me. I'm so grateful to be sober 3 years today. Mary

[Unwasted]

Weekly AA Thread - Mar. 19 - Mar. 25

Aw, Mary, you must feel proud. If it were me, I would have wept. It's such an enormous accomplishment. All of us here can appreciate on a very deep level just what it took. How cool that your husband was there! :l