Let's Get this forum rolling!!!!!

cherrie · #1 07-10-2003, 11:55 AM

I have noticed this forum is not getting alot of activity. I know that alot of us are affected by either being a former drinker or drug user and some of our loved one are suffering also. There isn't alot of rehabiltation in the units today I know that Texas has done away with their counselors and are relying heavy on volunteers to carry the message inside. This forum can give you hope, experience, strength and love and support because as many of you know PTO is very big into supporting our members and the ones on the inside. I wish that PTO was around 5 yrs ago when I started doing meetings on the inside it would have given me so much strength, and hope, and love, and wisdom and most importantly support. I have been sober for 9 yrs now and I know nothing more helps me than helping someone who might be suffering the way I did. So if you want to talk or vent don't hesitate to pm me I will be glad to help anyone that might find themselves needing it.

hugs to all!!!
cherrie from tx

toi_ama · #2 07-10-2003, 12:51 PM

Congratulations to you and your Higher Power on the nine years Cherrie! That's wonderful! I'm sure you have a lot of valuable input to the other recovering people here and on the inside.

I had my last drink 5/5/85 and I know we've got several others in recovery here in the forum, too. Maybe we can get some good posting going on here.

cherrie · #3 07-11-2003, 08:13 AM

Thank you so much. And congrats to you also. I want to see this forum get going because I know it has affected alot of us whether we are on the inside or outside if we have chosen to look at it. I know when I do meetings on the inside they are so willing to get what I have today and I know for me that I could be sitting where they are had I not chosen to take a good look at what was happening in my world because of my drinking and using. I have today the life that I drank and used for so many years and it is truly a wonderful one. I would not trade my worse day here for what I was then.

cherrie from tx

kathy1104 · #4 07-11-2003, 08:55 AM

I haven't had a drink or drug since 11/2/01; AA has really helped me learn how to live a different life, one that I really love. I haven't had a desire to drink or get hi in a pretty long time, but I still have a desire to butt into my husband's recovery (or lack of) on a daily basis. I go to Alanon when I can but their meetings aren't as often as AA in my area, I listen to speaker tapes when I can get them. I was pretty excited when I saw this forum because I need all the extra help I can get on the subject of butting into my husband's recovery or lack of recovery or what I think it should be, and I should know better because it wouldn't have worked for me like it did if someone kept butting into my recovery. I do hope this forum gets rolling because it sure does help to talk things out to people in recovery.

cherrie · #5 07-11-2003, 09:48 AM

Right on Kath!!!!There is a few good books that helped me stay on my side of the street per se. One is the language of letting go. the other one is co-depency no more. Hang in there congrats on your being a part of the program.

cherrie from tx

lovinbilly4ever · #6 07-16-2003, 09:36 PM

well, i just had 3 yrs on june 11. HOORAW!!

i think it would be VERY helpful for us, newbies, or umm..oldbies? lol that doesnt look right. but, i have always wanted to go into the prisons and do meetings there. but, just havent had the nerve to do it. anyways, im glad this is on PTO, it will help me for when i am feeling in the dumps, and want 2 spend some time w/my good friend jack!

PixieQueen · #7 07-16-2003, 11:11 PM

I'm 6 months sober, but it's a start, right?!

--Helen

Sunnie · #8 07-17-2003, 02:41 AM

Cherrie CONGRATS on your nine years and I agree to lets get this forum started. It can be a wonderful place for support and YOU have so much to offer because of your experience, strength AND hope.

Pixie 6 MONTHS WONDERFUL!! It's a terrific start and a true miracle in every sense of the word.

cherrie · #9 07-19-2003, 08:54 AM

Right on sunnie and thank you wow pixie I just noticed also you are off of house arrest. I am glad for you!!!!

cherrie from tx

LadyHawk · #10 07-21-2003, 07:52 PM

Cherrie, this forum is much needed. I have not had a problem with alcohol or drugs, but you have taught me alot. Not just with your words but with your life. You live and breath your recovery. I know that when you speak at the prisons regarding recovery that you inspire and help so many people. Having people like you that have been successful in turning their lives around willing to help those who wish to is a blessing. Sure hope this forum gets going!

cherrie · #11 07-21-2003, 08:01 PM

Thank you ompa I want to see it happening myself girl. It is a needed forum I really believe each of us are affected by it somehow whether it be directly or indirectly somehow alcohol and drugs have played a role in so many others lives and I love going in and doing the prison meetings it truly has given me the insights I so much needed with my problem. And if I can give back just a little of what was so freely given to me then I feel I am doing what I was asked to do for my recovery. I always remember that I could be sitting where they are today and that helps me stay with my recovery and working with others. So thank you for your input and support. Your right my recovery is everything and then some to me today and I am so glad that I have been able to help you when you needed it!!!!

Cherrie from tx

JJH · #12 07-21-2003, 08:50 PM

My son has a severe alchohol and drug problem. I am just wondering if you know what made you finally be able to choose not to use. I know that is a hard question but I wish I had more insite into it. I know that my son has chosen it over everything. They say you have to hit rock bottom but as far as I am concerned, he has hit it many many times. I mean he has ended up in prison over it. How much worse can it get? I want to understand him and why he is this way. I love him alot and am not judging him. I am just afraid of him because he lacks judgement and is dangerous because of this. You know?

JJH · #13 07-21-2003, 08:51 PM

PS I admire all of you that have managed to get straight. I wish you all continued success and to go on to have the best lives ever!

kathy1104 · #14 07-22-2003, 08:28 AM

Kim, I'm a recovery alcoholic/addict myself, and my husband is in prison because of a drug problem. For myself I just reached a point where I couldn't take it anymore, I hated my life and I didn't want to live, yet I didn't really want to die either. I just had a moment where I thought, "there has got to be something better than this, there has got to be a better way." Lots of bad things were happening in my life, my husband had just been sent to prison, I was arrested in front of my 7 year old daughter, my house was raided twice in one night with my daughter present, she saw the police chase after my husband with guns as she screamed, "don't shoot my daddy, don't kill my daddy," a lot happened, yet I continued to use and drink for another 4 months because I was miserable and couldn't think straight. Then one day I just got sick of crying all day, all the time, and I decided to give this AA/NA thing a shot. I told myself I'd try it for 30 days, to get this under control. That was 11/2/01 and I haven't had a drink or drug since, the people there showed me that there really is a better way to live. But it's different for everyone, my husband has been in prison 4 times behind drugs, he is 37 years old and has spent 15 years in prison all together, he has 3 1/2 more years left on this round. Each time it get s worse, it gets harder, yet I don't see him doing anything to change his life (getting into recovery while in there), and I don't understand, he sees it's working for me, he sees I'm happy with my life, so why can't he see he can have this great life too? Well I just have to learn to let go and let God, I just have to take care of me and maybe he will see one day that life really can be better than what he's had so far. Don't feel alone in that you can't understand his actions, why he hasn't hit bottom, I'm in recovery and I have a hard time understanding it. I have more understanding with strangers I meet in a meeting than I do with him, but I just pray for him and I try to make my life what God intends for it to be and hope that he will one day find recovery.

cherrie · #15 07-22-2003, 08:32 AM

Thank you JJH and what motivated me to quit was the same thing kept happening to me and I just didn't want it to continue that way. Plus I knew that when I drank and used drugs that one was never enough and a 1000 was too many. Plus my pain was really great and I didn't like ME at all. So my suggestion JJH is to continue to love him and support him with his recovery! If you need to talk don't hesitate to pm me ok I will be glad to give suggestions!!!!!take care and thank you for your kind words.

cherrie from tx