Hi,

this is the first time i've posted in this section. i was in jail for about 4 months because of a 2nd DWI charge and probabtion violation. i got out 3 months ago and i'm trying to stay clean but i'm finding it really hard. i stopped going to AA after i got out of jail because i just felt it wasn't for me. i know i shouldn't drink for a million reasons but it still doesn't click sometimes. any tips or similar stories would be great.

thanks,

jason

Hi Jason! I don't have any tips, but I would say just think about jail and do you really want to go back there? Is it really worth it? Good Luck with your recovery!

Jason~ really sorry to hear your having such a tough time right now. Try to stay focused and positive. Have you checked to see if there are any other support groups out there. Maybe one you will feel a little more comfortable with? Do you have someone that can go to meetings with you?

Mel

AA/NA is not always the end-all/be-all for everyone. You may want to check out this alternative support program called "Life Ring" Their motto is, "Because people in recovery deserve a choice." You can check out their program at www.unhooked.com

Does any mental health facility in your town offer substance abuse counseling? You must find a program and work it!!! Until you find something else I would suggest you start back attending AA. Maybe go a different time of day and find someone you can relate to---get a sponsor.

I dont know your specific case but Antabuse maybe something that would also help.

Good luck and anytime you want to talk PM me.

I almost forgot---is long term rehab an option for you???

Jason - just as a cautionary tale - my X did 1-3 (an actual 2) for his 3rd DWI. Finally paroled, and within 6 months decided to drink again and bang me around, and I called the police on him. He caught a new case, and got parole revoked. He's down again.

You don't want any part of that.

Does that help? LOL

I was going to bring up Anabuse too....It will stop you from drinking, and maybe it will give you the time you need sober to figure out "how" to live a clean life.
If you can- in-patient rehab is always an option.
One on one counseling is another.
Good luck and keep us posted!

Wow!! I am sorry you are going through it. but trust me when I tell you you are not alone there are so many on this site who can relate. It is a daily struggle trying to remain free of alcohol and drugs. I mentioned earlier I have managed to get 11 months free of any mind-altering drug that does include alcohol. I am both an alcoholic as well as an addict. It is possible though to get your life back trust me!!

No one thought I was going to make it no one thought I would be able to get 30 days let alone almost a year now. I know that for me AA and NA does work I need the support of others around me who are going through the same thing I am. I know that if I tried to do it by myself without the help of such programs I would never have made it this far and that is the truth.

Like the others said though they are not for everyone and I understand that. If you can do it alone my hat is off to you if not you know where you can go tot get help. And the rooms of AA and NA wil never close they will alaways be open for people who want it. It sounds to me like you could use some kind of support from someone.

What about family or friends do they support you in your efforts to stay sober. Do they understand what you are going through and why it is so hard for you to say no to a drink and why once you pick up that fist drink you are completely powerless over what happens next. If they do then that is great maybe they can help you through this if the answer is no they don’t understand then maybe you need to find someone whether it is in AA or to an outside source maybe god or a higher power you need to find someone who does understand these things and who is willing to go through this with you.

I would be more than happy to help you find some support in your area if that is what you decide you want!! Just let me know and I will get you hooked up with a meeting in SF or whatever it is that you need. Being a fellow Alcoholic/Addict I feel you I know what it is like to be surrounded by people yet feel completely alone. If you let me I will help you just say the word!!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers!!

Sincerely Yours

Pita

Hey duiboy....Good luck to you. One thing that I had to learn was that it is the 1st drink that sets the chain in motion for me, not the 3rd, 5th or 14th. It was fine that my friends could drink successfully...I wanted to be like them. Eventually, after years of abuse, I had give up the idea that I was "normal" or anything like that.

"Grown men don't ask for help" was the thought that almost got me dead. I finally got convinced (another trip to jail) that I wasn't going to conquer my alcoholism without getting help. It was very hard for me to ask for and accept help. I hope you can be a little smarter than I was...

Good luck!

Jason, I know exactly what you're going through, except for the jail part. I am trying to stay sober too and it is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I have so much to live for, so I need to just get over it. Doesn't make it any easier, but we all need our own personal reasons for staying this way. Write them down, look at them everyday. Change your thoughts when the urge hits and move on. We can be so much stronger. We just need to be.

Good luck and I will pray for you...

Lisa

Hi DUI boy! First I commend you for reaching out and trying to find help. That says that you are perfectly normal and we all need help at one time or another. If you are finding it hard to stay focused you maight want to evaluate other areas of your life. I know for myself - I can stay focused until a problem comes up and I get hurt or angry-thats when I get the urge to drink. But I also know after that first drink-I have lost. So take a look at your life and who you surround yourself with. If you have many friends that drink maybe and thats when you get an urge when your around them-then maybe its time to start finding some new friends. You might also want to evaluate the time you do spend with them-if its Fridays and Saturdays that your friends like to go out etc. then try seeing them on days that you know they are clean and sober and won't be drinking. Have you made a serious attempt with the AA? Most places have different fellowships/meetings. Maybe the one you tried just wasn't the one for you. Try several and see just maybe you'll like another one better and maybe you'll be more comfortable. If you get the urge to drink when you are going through a tough time, or your angry or your hurt then replace that urge with something more positive. For example, if you get the urge when your angry-try going to a gym or something more constructive until the urge passes. Trust me if you give in-you'll only being hurting yourself! You should be very proud of yourself-you have come a long way. Trust me, my boyfriend is serving time for his 4th DUI conviction and its the worst thing that him or I have ever been through- Was the alcohol that he consumed the night of his 4th DUI worth it? Hell no. Please find the strength to continue and the courage to say no. God bless you and Good Luck-you will be in my prayers!