This forum is both wonderful and much needed.
I myself have tried many drugs over the years. I do love some and hate others, however, I guess I am one of the lucky ones that I do not have an addictive personality.
I have learned a lot about drug use/abuse of the years both personally and professionally.

AA has a wonderful web site. There is a contact phone number on it and if you call them they will send your loved one a BIG BOOK (the offical AA 12 step book) for $5.
It is well worth it and I have sent it to my boyfreind. I have also read it. It's not something you will read in a few nights, but something you will read parts of through out life.
I suggest it for all those moving towards recovery as well as those who have an addict close to their heart.

www.aa.org

Hey.

Thanx a lot this really helped me loads.
I got a problem with alcohol im like a damn spunge, I drink and drink and drink.

However the 12 steps have really helped me move to where I shud me movin, I still drink Vodka but I have cut down, I dont drink as much anymore.

THANX

KEEP COOL!

Well, thanks to what I learned in AA, I've been sober for a little ove 18 years now, so I know it's a wonderful program. I thank you for bringing it up here, bella. The Big Book is wonderful. I'm so glad you sent your loved one a copy. It's a great book. Did you send the fourth edition? I just got that one. My first book was a second edition that an old-timer gave to me. I've been through a lot over the years, and I don't have that book anymore, unfortunately, but I've had a few others and given away many of them. A friend sent me the 50th anniversary commemorative edition from Australia a few years ago, too. It's the same as ours in the first 164 pages, but a lot of the stories in the back are different. It's really fun to read those.

And rap_gurl, I'm glad you've been able to find help in the book, too. Have you ever gone to a meeting? I wish you well in your recovery and if you ever need to talk, don't hesitate to contact me.

I too am glad you brought this up. I've been sober today for 5 years, 3 months and 23 days. I have the big book and I have been in 2 big book studies. However, for this alcoholic, my big book is not the only thing I need to stay sober. Let's not forget about the 12 steps and traditions book, and a loving sponsor who has, guided me in working 3 complete set of steps. Each time a whole new experience. I've also been in 2 step studies and. learned how to bond with other woman, who allowed me to feed off of their strength and courage. The best part of the step studies, was going away for 11 step retreat. We spent a weekend in a cabin on the beach. My HP was awesome that weekend. We watched the sunrise in the morning, and did different spiritual exercises, with candles, incense, water, light, precious stones. It's an experience of a lifetime. I came back from my first retreat, a rejuvinated woman. A must for all woman in recovery to experience at least once. Thanks for letting me share. I am an alcohlic in recovery.
Aloha, Kaleilehua

It's great we have others in recovery here. You're absolutely right about the other AA members, the 12X12, sponsors, retreats, etc. I've certainly got to say that I owe my sobriety to all those, but above all to my Higher Power, too.

I spent nearly twenty years slowly killing myself with alcohol. My wife went through nine years of hell watching me do it to myself. Finally made it to an AA meeting and have been sober for thirteen wonderful years. Through it all God led me to become an ordained minister and prison ministry. Keep coming back, it works if you work it.

It sure does, deaconbill. Congratulations on the 13 years. And welcome to the PTO forum. I know you'll be a real asset here.