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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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micro
bunbun has a gungun



Registered: 05/09/03
Posts: 7,532
Loc: Brick City
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Roostertail]
#22934691 - 02/22/16 06:06 PM (7 years, 11 months ago) |
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Quote:
Roostertail said: I seek of understanding of divine Grace.
-------------------- Any research paper or book for free (Avatar is Maxxy, a character by Mizzyam, RIP)
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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: Thayendanegea] 2
#23008668 - 03/15/16 08:24 AM (7 years, 10 months ago) |
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Picked this up at my 7:00 a.m. meeting. Today is 17 yrs. since my last drink.....Not sure if you can read it, but the words around the chip say " To thine own self be true"...From that and the 12 steps come this odd feeling called "peace of mind"...not overrated.

I tell newcomers to not get caught up in lengthy periods of sobriety...when, in fact....all any of us have is today and those todays add up one day at a time.
-------------------- Look Deep Into Nature,and Then You Will Understand Everything Better. Albert Einstein
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vinsue
Grand Old Fart



Registered: 02/17/04
Posts: 17,953
Loc: The Garden State(NJ)
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Thayendanegea] 3
#23015887 - 03/17/16 08:27 AM (7 years, 10 months ago) |
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Just found this thread, right on time, too.
on 17 years. This will be long (kinda a Step 5 thang) so 
Happy St. Patricks day, a holiday that's mostly about getting shitfaced these days. This will be my 3rd one in a row without the drink. Before that, I was that guy, wearing lot's O Green, already , with pints in every pocket at 10AM on my way to the NYC parade. I've taken off work, without pay, to drink on this holiday. This is me 15? years ago. (I found that sweatshirt on a demo job site, FTW )

I'm Vince, an alcoholic and drug addict, though I don't really admit to the addict part, reason justification excuse being that I quit heroin, coke, most pills back when I was 25 or so, and I don't use psychs much, I was just a beer drinking pothead and I kinda like Kratom lately.
I was drinking at 6 or 8, Pops always had a case of
 Parents had lots of card party's and by helping fetch or clear drinks, I could score free sips. In 1969 I found my brothers pot stash. I was 12.Started huffing stuff, too. I quickly learned that by dealing drugs, my drugs were free, plus the money, then the power then the bitches. Had a pharmacist hook up for anything, he loved the pot. I searched my PDR for new pills and placed an order. I've had pharm coke right from the bottle. I'll leave the junkie stuff out, but I'm still kinda proud of not ODing, in some wierd way. This was happening when John Belushi ODed. Alcohol was always there, though especially during the dreaded pot droughts, lol. I ran hard until I went to prison for 13 months for slingin' meth. ( I love that word 'slinging', thats some newskool shit) 24 years old. I lost my 6 year Union job with Amtrak.
Found work doing Asbestos removal right when that industry was starting. Was married 7 years, then divorced. I drank every day throughout my 23 year career, weed was always there, plus a lot of coke. I was a successful supervisor. Not much drug testing then except Fed. jobs. I could still be working for CDI (imploding buildings)if not for the drink.

Injuries, knee and foot surgery and I stopped working and really started drinking last 10 years or so. Here's my first feeble attempt. https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/22255012#22255012
My sober last drink was Jan. 3,2014, right before I left for 28 day rehab/detox. Wife said go there or GTFO I was done, beatup, sick, pitiful really, plus I had to be sober 6 months to even start any hep C treatment, something that really needed attention.
I got on medicaid, got multiple doctors and dentists fixin' me, and am now virus free(that 1 anyway ), still feel like shit most days, but I know a drink won't fix that.
I recently quit (ran out of) kratom(1 year use), quitting tobacco off and on, cutting back on(running out of) the pot. My head's been really off lately...had a panic attack over nothing, crazy mood swings, hyper sensitive to light reflections, shadows, certain sounds and smells. I actually got a psych referral from my doc 'cause I've just been feeling way too crazy lately. (1st available date is Cinco de mayo, another drinkin' holiday)
I have almost ALL the symptoms of PAWS, which I haven't had in over a year, and sometimes it's pretty bad/strong/whatever. Even my last few 3g. trips were kinda meh...
I know I've sacrificed some brain cells along the way, especially some of the developing ones before I went to jail. I always liked to over do it.
The wife( who has experienced my insanity throuh good and bad 20+ years ) actually just refilled an old script she had for prozac so I'm trying that until I see my shrink. Most important thing is, even with all this BS, I didn't reach for a drink. I thought about it a few times, but I couldn't throw out 2+ years.
I'm gonna go put on some bagpipe music now and cry a bit(a good cry) and then maybe some Poughes... Stay sober my friends especially today, maybe do something kind today... . . .
--------------------
"All mushrooms are edible; but some only once." Croatian proverb. BTW ... Have You Rated Ythans Mom Yet ?? ... ... HERE'S HOW ... (be nice) . ...
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Capybara1
Stranger

Registered: 03/24/16
Posts: 190
Last seen: 5 years, 8 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: Thayendanegea]
#23041798 - 03/24/16 03:20 PM (7 years, 10 months ago) |
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I still love my cognac though     
-------------------- ..Lord, protect me from my friends..
...I can take care of my enemies...
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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: Thayendanegea] 4
#23097063 - 04/08/16 12:59 PM (7 years, 9 months ago) |
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Just wanted to share I am sober 2 years today

Before sobriety and after!!
-------------------- 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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Loyola10
Stranger

Registered: 02/06/16
Posts: 863
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: JustForToday]
#23097458 - 04/08/16 03:03 PM (7 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
JustForToday said: Just wanted to share I am sober 2 years today

Before sobriety and after!!
Alcohol is a insidious drug.
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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: JustForToday]
#23107199 - 04/11/16 03:51 PM (7 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
JustForToday said: Just wanted to share I am sober 2 years today

Before sobriety and after!!
Congratulations Shane...how'd ya do it?
-------------------- Look Deep Into Nature,and Then You Will Understand Everything Better. Albert Einstein
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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: Thayendanegea]
#23107806 - 04/11/16 06:39 PM (7 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
Thayendanegea said:
Quote:
JustForToday said: Just wanted to share I am sober 2 years today

Before sobriety and after!!
Congratulations Shane...how'd ya do it?
I almost didn't tbh. I will come back last saturday of the month and tell everyone how.
-------------------- 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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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: JustForToday]
#23151221 - 04/24/16 07:13 PM (7 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
JustForToday said: Just wanted to share I am sober 2 years today

Before sobriety and after!!
my bad
-------------------- : To define is to confine.
Edited by Rebelutionsssss (04/24/16 09:48 PM)
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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: Rebelutionsssss] 1
#23151275 - 04/24/16 07:32 PM (7 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
Rebelutionsssss said:
Quote:
JustForToday said: Just wanted to share I am sober 2 years today

Before sobriety and after!!
you look wayyy happier fucked up
There is absolutely zero tolerance in this thread for trolling. Refer to the first post. Don't do it here.
-------------------- 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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vinsue
Grand Old Fart



Registered: 02/17/04
Posts: 17,953
Loc: The Garden State(NJ)
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: vinsue]
#23188876 - 05/04/16 02:39 PM (7 years, 8 months ago) |
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Quote:
vinsue said: Nobler Hino, this might be an option, meetings on line. https://www.intherooms.com/livemeetings/list give you an idea what it's about.
Be well people... . . . 
Did you register at Intherooms? I'm vinsue there, too.
Missed the live meeting, I'm on new meds and sleeping more than usual, (that's better than insomnia, I remember those nights)
2 people from my home group with about 8 years each are back counting days. At least they're back. Some don't make it back... . . . 
The Alcoholics Anonymous Camel symbol
The camel each day goes twice to his knees. He picks up his load with the greatest of ease. He walks through the day with his head held high. And stays for that day, completely dry...
. . .
--------------------
"All mushrooms are edible; but some only once." Croatian proverb. BTW ... Have You Rated Ythans Mom Yet ?? ... ... HERE'S HOW ... (be nice) . ...
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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: Nobler Hino] 1
#23285276 - 05/29/16 04:07 PM (7 years, 7 months ago) |
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Sorry for the delay everyone. Last saturday of the month was yesterday. At this time I would like to present two of our celebrates with medallions.
Aaron, 1 YEAR!

TFS John, 1 YEAR!

Tell everyone how you did it.
-------------------- 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: TheFakeSunRa]
#23574209 - 08/24/16 08:56 PM (7 years, 5 months ago) |
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Seriously though, another amazing part of being sober; is not spending close to $500 per month on wine! I am actually saving money for the first time in a long time and it's wonderful.
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Memories



Registered: 05/09/12
Posts: 10,484
Loc: Suwannee River
Last seen: 3 years, 9 months
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: yogabunny]
#23574872 - 08/25/16 01:59 AM (7 years, 5 months ago) |
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Quote:
TheMovement said: aproaching the month sober.............. feel like a champion...
That's fucking awesome!!!!! 
Quote:
yogabunny said:


Seriously though, another amazing part of being sober; is not spending close to $500 per month on wine! I am actually saving money for the first time in a long time and it's wonderful.


Yes, once i added cocaine/crack into my daily cocktail of heroin, benzos, alcohol, and hash oil, i could easily blow 3-500 in a day. I was only able to really get right 1-2 nights a week, and the rest was struggling to maintain.
Oh how i loathed waking up broke and out of drugs, trying to keep my eyes shut for hours after my brain had woken up due to creeping withdrawals and then trying to satiate my various chemical dependencies in order of most urgency. First alcohol/benzos, then heroin, and lastly cocaine if i could somehow manage.
It's pretty amazing to wake up happy these days. I actually love mornings now, and never do i think of drinking/using upon waking.
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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: Amanita86]
#23691173 - 09/29/16 04:38 PM (7 years, 3 months ago) |
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Looks like we have two celebrates this month.
Alexei with one year!

Joel with three years!

How did you guys do it?
-------------------- 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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sprinkles
otd president


Registered: 10/13/12
Posts: 21,527
Loc: washington state
Last seen: 3 years, 15 days
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous [Re: Enjoywho]
#23792749 - 11/01/16 07:46 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Enjoywho said:
Than the death of my dog from cancer. I stopped caring about much as he was the only thing I really did.
animals die, it's hard I know. I just put mine to sleep after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer). It was originally diagnosed as a lipoma (fatty tumor) but I knew it was wrong but I waited and took him back for a second opinion a couple weeks later cause I was hoping they were right and it wasnt what I thought.
Long story short I should have went with my gut. if I had I could have had a lot more good quality swimming and time and spoiling him doing the stuff he loved before putting him down. It's not an excuse for me to be sink lower though. My give a fuck broke a long time ago, not only that but I hate people more than anyone can imagine.
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Enjoywho
Rags to Bitches



Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 20,880
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
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Quote:
TheFakeSunRa said: I'm super sorry to hear about your dog
Thanks man. It fucked me up good and proper. I'm charismatic and make friends wherever I go. But he was mine. He saw what I don't show other people that I'm broken and sad. But he loved me anyway.
My good friends that I lived with over the summer shed some tears. Everyone has fond memories of him. I got him at 20. And we did everything together. I miss him a lot.
-------------------- "I don't give nothin' to nobody, I just pay the cost to do business." - Riley "Young Reezy"-Boondocks "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." "In the days of kings and queens I was a jester." "And then the great lord created bears... too many bears... shoulda really dialed back on the bears." Squidbillies "Can you start speaking words instead of your damn filthy lies!"- Louise "Bobs Burgers"
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Amanita86
OTD Keymaster


Registered: 09/26/12
Posts: 89,464
Loc: hades
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous [Re: Enjoywho]
#23800781 - 11/04/16 02:17 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Quote:
Enjoywho said:
Quote:
TheFakeSunRa said: I'm super sorry to hear about your dog
Thanks man. It fucked me up good and proper. I'm charismatic and make friends wherever I go. But he was mine. He saw what I don't show other people that I'm broken and sad. But he loved me anyway.
My good friends that I lived with over the summer shed some tears. Everyone has fond memories of him. I got him at 20. And we did everything together. I miss him a lot.

That got me a little popcorn salt in my eyes. I miss my dogs too, and cats, chipmunk, etc. I always had dogs around growing up. My last one I rolled up with a littler tighter because I think I was older, and he was just that cool.. I havent gotten another dog since him..cant imagine one that would even compare.. not to be a downer but it's like having a child you know wont see 15.. hella emotional disruption..
" 'Man's' best frriend".. no fuckin joke.
--------------------
Orange clock, pencil "They threw me off the hay truck about noon..."
*Mark 15:34  Gam zeh ya’avor...
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yogabunny
fancy cat



Registered: 11/01/09
Posts: 11,281
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Re: Alcoholics Anonymous (Come and share thread) [Re: JustForToday] 2
#23813513 - 11/08/16 05:45 PM (7 years, 2 months ago) |
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Congrats Shane!!!
Had to share this with you guys - before and after alcohol.
The before shot is 1 year ago yesterday and the after shot was from 9/14 at just a little over 8 months sober.
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