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JustForToday
New Life, New Beginnings


Registered: 09/08/14
Posts: 3,186
Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Alcoholics Anonymous 6
#22559523 - 11/22/15 12:50 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Online copy of the AA Big Book: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/alcoholics-anonymous
Let us open the meeting with a moment of silence to do with as you wish followed by the Serenity Prayer:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
How It Works
Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path. Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program, usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. There are such unfortunates. They are not at fault; they seem to have been born that way. They are naturally incapable of grasping and developing a manner of living which demands rigorous honesty. Their chances are less than average. There are those, too, who suffer from grave emotional and mental disorders, but many of them do recover if they have the capacity to be honest.
Our stories disclose in a general way what we used to be like, what happened, and what we are like now. If you have decided you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it — then you are ready to take certain steps. At some of these we balked. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not. With all the earnestness at our command, we beg of you to be fearless and thorough from the very start. Some of us have tried to hold on to our old ideas and the result was nil until we let go absolutely.
Remember that we deal with alcohol – cunning, baffling, powerful! Without help it is too much for us. But there is One who has all power – that One is God. May you find Him now!
Half measures availed us nothing. We stood at the turning point. We asked His protection and care with complete abandon. Here are the steps we took, which are suggested as a program of recovery:
The Twelve Steps 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable. 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. 5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. 6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. 7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
Many of us exclaimed, “What an order! I can’t go through with it.” Do not be discouraged. No one among us has been able to maintain anything like perfect adherence to these principles. We are not saints. The point is, that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines. The principles we have set down are guides to progress. We claim spiritual progress rather than spiritual perfection.
Our description of the alcoholic, the chapter to the agnostic and our personal adventures before and after make clear three pertinent ideas: (a) That we were alcoholic and could not manage our own lives. (b) That probably no human power could have relieved our alcoholism. (c) That God could and would if He were sought.
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TrippieHunter
Swagger of a cripple


Registered: 04/05/15
Posts: 889
Loc: Your mums house!
Last seen: 6 years, 14 days
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: JustForToday] 6
#22560432 - 11/22/15 04:27 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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remove the GOD and it might be a useful thread to some. I have wanted to go to some AA or NA meetings before but I will never for the simple fact that they
throw GOD at you.
-------------------- Just remember keep the camera rolling and FILM THE POLICE!!! CLICK ME WHO'S SIDE ARE YOU ON? CLICK ME TOO! Let it go and you will trip into wonderland!
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JustForToday
New Life, New Beginnings


Registered: 09/08/14
Posts: 3,186
Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: TrippieHunter] 4
#22560999 - 11/22/15 07:06 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
TrippieHunter said: remove the GOD and it might be a useful thread to some. I have wanted to go to some AA or NA meetings before but I will never for the simple fact that they
throw GOD at you.
Thanks for sharing. I am not trying to push a God agenda. 2nd step specifically states you got to have a power greater than yourself to restore you sanity. Call it whatever you want. There has got to be something out there greater that will help relieve a person of their alcoholism. Sometimes people just say the universe. The universe is in fact greater than all of us. And we don't even understand it. 3rd step says, We made a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God AS WE UNDERSTOOD HIM. That last part is underlined and emphasis because most of us who come into the rooms of AA didn't come to find God, THANK GOD!
-------------------- Hey Shae, Are you still doing that hand thing? I heard you was doing that hand thing today. Oh God what is that?!
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yogabunny
fancy cat



Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 11,281
Loc: Nasty Women Get Shit Done
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: TrippieHunter] 1
#22561054 - 11/22/15 07:20 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
TrippieHunter said: remove the GOD and it might be a useful thread to some. I have wanted to go to some AA or NA meetings before but I will never for the simple fact that they
throw GOD at you.
.
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ReposadoXochipilli
Here, there, inbetween



Registered: 08/30/05
Posts: 7,501
Loc: Sand and sunshine
Last seen: 17 days, 22 hours
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: yogabunny] 1
#22561112 - 11/22/15 07:37 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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just here to throw in my support, we can all use a friendly hand once in awhile.
Matt, alcoholic but not sure of the severity yet. anyways, be well everyone struggling with consumption rate problems.
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yogabunny
fancy cat



Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 11,281
Loc: Nasty Women Get Shit Done
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We DO need a friendly hand.
Alcohol is so insidious because of well much it's accepted and celebrated in our society. It's so attached to all of our celebrations and big life events. I want to get back to that place where I could be out and just not even care, not even crave it, and then be so happy to wake up clear headed day after glorious day!!!!
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JustForToday
New Life, New Beginnings


Registered: 09/08/14
Posts: 3,186
Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: yogabunny] 1
#22583954 - 11/27/15 08:22 PM (8 years, 2 months ago) |
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Shane, Alcoholic
I had a rough time the past few days. My sponsee who had showed such initiative to get better and succeed just went to jail for past crimes committed.
Something I learned about life is, it's like a rollercoaster. It's going to have ups and downs. The important part to remember is to cherish the good times, and when you're going down, hang on because it'll be over soon. It's life. Doesn't change anything. But I know I don't ever have to drink or use again. No matter what.
Thanks for letting me share.
-------------------- Hey Shae, Are you still doing that hand thing? I heard you was doing that hand thing today. Oh God what is that?!
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Roostertail
Registered: 09/27/15
Posts: 300
Last seen: 6 years, 9 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: JustForToday] 1
#22596016 - 11/30/15 07:09 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Joel, alcoholic.
I've been a member for years but haven't harnessed what I have today.
Sober date is 09/18/2013.
Edited by Roostertail (11/30/15 07:23 PM)
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Thayendanegea
quiet walker



Registered: 02/20/12
Posts: 7,596
Loc: 7 Lodges Nation
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Roostertail] 3
#22604524 - 12/02/15 03:03 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Mark, alcoholic. I think Shane did a nice job setting this up. This program saved my life and made it worth living....that is the absolute truth. I try to live the steps to the best of my ability ("try" being key) on a daily basis. I stay active in AA and institution work...I figure...If someone came to see my sorry ass in jail, I could return the favor. I got sober in march of 99 and can't say life has been a gem through the years...life is life, good and bad..but with AA, i can navigate the storms rather than avoiding them with drugs and alcohol. I love what I have today and cherish that above anything money could buy.....I have "peace of mind". If anyone questions whether AA is for them or not....it's simple...lol..Have you tried everything else yet?..AA is usually the last house on the left, so to speak...because it requires actual change in thinking and in behavior. None of us want to let go of that.
Anyway, hope you all have a great day unless you have other plans.
-------------------- Look Deep Into Nature,and Then You Will Understand Everything Better. Albert Einstein
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Thayendanegea] 1
#22604617 - 12/02/15 03:18 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Reuben, alcoholic.
I drink everyday but have cut down drastically these last couple months so I'm proud of that
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Thayendanegea
quiet walker



Registered: 02/20/12
Posts: 7,596
Loc: 7 Lodges Nation
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 1
#22604642 - 12/02/15 03:22 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Good luck, Rueben....hope that works out for ya....for me,cutting back or trying to cut back never worked.
-------------------- Look Deep Into Nature,and Then You Will Understand Everything Better. Albert Einstein
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Thayendanegea] 1
#22604679 - 12/02/15 03:27 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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I went from finishing a handle every 2 days to having maybe 3-4 beers a day at most. Thanks for the words of encouragement though
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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JustForToday
New Life, New Beginnings


Registered: 09/08/14
Posts: 3,186
Last seen: 6 years, 5 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 1
#22606340 - 12/02/15 09:03 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Thanks for sharing.
Shane, Alcoholic. I wanna bounce back off of what mark said. Giving up past actions was hard for me. I stayed stuck in my ways for months even in my sobriety. I did whatever I wanted to do. As soon as I walked into a room, my ego was the first thing people could spot. And guess what, that very same ego kept restless, irritable, and discontent. At first I thought, it was the drugs that was the problem, But then eventually I figured out it was my thinking that was screwed up. Whenever I tried to control my life, bad things happens. I proved time and time again i'm an idiot and I cannot trust my own thoughts. My ways got me nearly dead from a xanax detox. My ways caused alot of resentments with people. My ways don't work. But God and program, works 110% of time. It's in the readings! RARELY have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path.. I think when I became humble, and got rid of the ego, I felt the promises that is talks about in the book. I can't explain how it works. But it does.
Thanks for letting me share.
-------------------- Hey Shae, Are you still doing that hand thing? I heard you was doing that hand thing today. Oh God what is that?!
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Roostertail
Registered: 09/27/15
Posts: 300
Last seen: 6 years, 9 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: JustForToday] 1
#22606412 - 12/02/15 09:20 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Joel, alcoholic
Thank you so much for this thread.
My life goes out to all those stricken with addiction to a substance that is so soul bound.
I have learned that the only time I use alcohol is to sanitize and wash my mouth out.
I enjoy seeing newcomers come in. The look in there eyes remind me of the desperate mess uses I must take in order to survive in a way which surrounds itself with a helping hand to all those who suffer.
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usulpsychonaut


Registered: 05/12/08
Posts: 2,814
Loc: Northland, New Zealand.
Last seen: 2 years, 2 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: JustForToday] 1
#22606418 - 12/02/15 09:22 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Just a whole new void, an brand new black hole, hang with yet another cluster of fucked up humans that are powerless to do anything to help me while I only insult and mess them up. Step 2 is utterly impossible. Step 3 is utterly ridiculous. The most regretful experience in life is the 12 step program. Did I really do that? Oh the shame. Never again.
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Thayendanegea
quiet walker



Registered: 02/20/12
Posts: 7,596
Loc: 7 Lodges Nation
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: usulpsychonaut] 1
#22608240 - 12/03/15 10:46 AM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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lol...Thanks for sharing and keep coming back.
-------------------- Look Deep Into Nature,and Then You Will Understand Everything Better. Albert Einstein
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Thayendanegea] 1
#22608250 - 12/03/15 10:49 AM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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So i've already had one beer today. I generally like to have a drink or two before tests to ease my anxiety.
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Rebelutionsssss
Mdmazing



Registered: 07/23/14
Posts: 13,137
Loc: San Francisco
Last seen: 2 years, 2 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy] 1
#22608254 - 12/03/15 10:50 AM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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so i was clean for 5 days up until now had one beer wich led me into opening some wine. i never really realized how weak i am to alcohols pull
-------------------- : To define is to confine.
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Thayendanegea
quiet walker



Registered: 02/20/12
Posts: 7,596
Loc: 7 Lodges Nation
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Rebelutionsssss] 1
#22608279 - 12/03/15 11:00 AM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Unfortunately, you sound like one of us...But, letting go and giving up the fight is the beginning to getting better. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I can't have a drink...ever...I lost that battle long ago.
First thing to do at the bottom of the hole is to stop digging.
You are already halfway there by coming to this thread.
-------------------- Look Deep Into Nature,and Then You Will Understand Everything Better. Albert Einstein
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yogabunny
fancy cat



Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 11,281
Loc: Nasty Women Get Shit Done
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Thayendanegea] 2
#22608690 - 12/03/15 12:40 PM (8 years, 1 month ago) |
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Nicole, alcoholic.
I'm kind of in the same boat as Malcom. I am still drinking but my drinking has reduced drastically in the past couple of months. That being said, I know myself well enough to know that it can really easily swing back to my usually bottle of wine per day in an instant.
I want to be sober.
Yet again and again I watch myself mindlessly drive to the store and buy a bottle of wine.
I think the last rationalizations that I'm hanging onto are 1) somehow drinking only red wine makes me fancy 2) I deserve it.
The longest I've gone alcohol free was 3 months in 2014. I thought that was it. The starting and stopping and failing at sobriety over and over again also just gives me a FUCK IT attitude.
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