Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 32335
Shown: posts 48 to 72 of 72. Go back in thread:
Posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 13:08:55
In reply to Re: age of babble landers, posted by Brenda on May 7, 2000, at 11:34:42
I notice a trend among the parents here--a lot of you started very young, at 20 or so. Is this significant?
Posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 13:12:54
In reply to Re: age and registration, posted by Dr. Bob on May 7, 2000, at 11:26:30
Dr. Bob, I usually love it when you pop in to a thread, but this time, I think your timing was off. There was a real energy, group cohesion thing going here. Your post about adding year of birth to the registration form kind of felt like an interruption to me, but even more than that, it felt like you were missing the point of what was happening among us in this thread. Actually, when I saw your name, before I actually read the subject of your post, for an instant I thought you might join in and tell us your age.
Posted by Cam W. on May 7, 2000, at 13:36:22
In reply to Re: age and registration, posted by Dr. Bob on May 7, 2000, at 11:26:30
Dr.Bob - In your post I did notice that something was missing……**** YOUR BIRTHDATE ****. I'm sure it was just an oversight. ;^)…- Cam
Posted by shar on May 7, 2000, at 14:38:50
In reply to Re: age and registration, posted by Dr. Bob on May 7, 2000, at 11:26:30
Works for me, Dr. Bob.
Shar
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 7, 2000, at 15:20:00
In reply to Re: age and registration, posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 13:12:54
> Dr. Bob, I usually love it when you pop in to a thread, but this time, I think your timing was off. There was a real energy, group cohesion thing going here. Your post about adding year of birth to the registration form kind of felt like an interruption to me, but even more than that, it felt like you were missing the point of what was happening among us in this thread.
Sorry, I guess registration's been on my mind lately. I'll start a new thread, which I should've done then.
> Actually, when I saw your name, before I actually read the subject of your post, for an instant I thought you might join in and tell us your age.
You already know my location, isn't that good enough? :-) My age is sometimes an issue I explore with my patients, so I think it's probably better if I don't make it public here.
I know it's already online at least that I graduated from medical school in 1984, so that should give you an idea, anyway.
Bob
Posted by jane on May 7, 2000, at 18:49:45
In reply to Re: age of babble landers (I swear.....), posted by shar on May 5, 2000, at 21:40:59
> On my mother's eyes...
>
> 48 years OLD.
>
> Son, 29
> Depression, 33 yo
> Dog Shadow, 56 in human years--black lab
> Dog Lamar, 28 in human years--rough coat collie
> Therapy, 25 years
> Friend of Bill W., 13 years
>
> So far, I find Gail the MOST amazing person!! A two year old!! Omigod!
> Shar
gail - you're in my thoughts and prayers :-)
a two year old! I don't have enough energy for a four yr old dog -
harry b. - reading this thread is a blast;
something fun for a change. I'm loving it. jane
Posted by jane on May 7, 2000, at 18:58:39
In reply to Re: age and *not* registration, posted by Dr. Bob on May 7, 2000, at 15:20:00
> You already know my location, isn't that good enough? :-) My age is sometimes an issue I explore with my patients, so I think it's probably better if I don't make it public here.
>
> I know it's already online at least that I graduated from medical school in 1984, so that should give you an idea, anyway.
>
> Bob
actually year of birth is listed in directory of board-certified physicans, but I haven't looked you up-----yet :-) jane
Posted by Cass on May 7, 2000, at 23:39:36
In reply to Re: age of babble landers (I swear.....), posted by shar on May 5, 2000, at 21:40:59
> On my mother's eyes...
>
> 48 years OLD.
>
> Son, 29
> Depression, 33 yo
> Dog Shadow, 56 in human years--black lab
> Dog Lamar, 28 in human years--rough coat collie
> Therapy, 25 years
> Friend of Bill W., 13 years
>
> So far, I find Gail the MOST amazing person!! A two year old!! Omigod!
> Shar
Shar, I've been wondering for the longest time who the heck friends of Bill W. are, and who the heck is Bill W?
Posted by Renee N on May 7, 2000, at 23:53:45
In reply to Re: age and *not* registration, posted by Dr. Bob on May 7, 2000, at 15:20:00
>
> You already know my location, isn't that good enough? :-) My age is sometimes an issue I explore with my patients, so I think it's probably better if I don't make it public here.
>
> I know it's already online at least that I graduated from medical school in 1984, so that should give you an idea, anyway.
>
> Bob
No, Dr. Bob, that is not enough, and we aren't your patients. I graduated college in 1980, but I graduated from highschool in three years. So, I'm guessing you, Donnie Osmond, Madonna, Michael Jackson, and I are about the same age. I'm 41. I have a friend who reminds me that Madonna is actually four months older than me. (Aren't friends great?!) I'm guessing you are 42 or 43. Please don't keep us guessing...Renee N
Posted by Annie on May 8, 2000, at 0:29:28
In reply to age of babble landers, posted by harry b. on May 4, 2000, at 22:25:05
> Rats, I replied to this message a few days ago and it didn't show up. I'm 34, live in Canada, and was hoping I'd find out if people were from Canada, USA or elsewhere, simply curious.
No kids yet, I have always felt I can barely take care of myself, can't imagine having to look after little kids!!
>
> It's 11pm and I can't sleep. I was wondering about
> the ages of the people who use this board.
>
> If I had to guess, I'd say:
>
> 5% age 20 or younger
> 25% age 20-30
> 55% age 30-40
> 15% age 50 or older
>
> Sound about right?
Posted by medlib on May 8, 2000, at 0:52:23
In reply to age of babble landers, posted by harry b. on May 4, 2000, at 22:25:05
>
>
> It's 11pm and I can't sleep. I was wondering about
> the ages of the people who use this board.
------------------------------
Harry---I've been hesitant to contribute because of my current mental state (vegetative) and because, chronologically, I'm the oldest poster to these I.D. threads (at least so far). Then I figured,"What the hell--since I'm well into my 2nd childhood, I'm not responsible anyway!"
Currently, I live with 2 children--my "Inner Child" and my "Other Child" (aka Mental Illness). Though my "Other Child" is older than most people on this board, she seems like a slightly autistic two-year-old, forever stuck in the land of NOT.
My two offspring, a son and a daughter, both in their early 30s, appear to have survived and thrived in spite of me. Though reared by a severely depressed, single parent, neither is, or has been, mentally ill. Both were highly successful academically (though each dropped out initially), are happy in their relationships (1 married, the other, about-to-be), and are satisfied and successful in their careers.
It is, therefore, difficult to perceive them as my children. The only genetic similarity I see (turning introspective as Mothers' Day approaches) is that each is, on occasion, a bit of a smartass. During recent birthday calls, my daughter remarked acidly, "You know, in case you haven't been paying attention, you're still alive; and, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Virtual just isn't the only reality." My son asked (rather plaintively, I thought), "Have you given any thought to what you'd like to do when you regain consciousness?" Neither of them has children yet; may they reap what they sow.
Guess I better have the treadmill repaired and kick up the thyroid; my dog (84 in people years) is more agile and interested in life than I am.
"The Raves of the Ancient Babbler"---medlib
Posted by medlib on May 8, 2000, at 2:58:18
In reply to Re: age of babble landers --Shar, posted by Cass on May 7, 2000, at 23:39:36
--------------------------------- Cass--
May I answer for Shar? (I don't mean to butt in, but am afraid she might be reluctant to reply.) Bill W. cofounded Alcoholics Anonymous. Members have traditions of not using their last names and not revealing their membership in the organization to others (lest it become an unintended source of pride that sabotages sobriety, I think). Because I am not a member, I am free to tell you that "Friends of Bill W." is a kind of shorthand some use to refer to AA without naming it.
I believe that the same traditions are a part of most, if not all, Anonymous programs that have grown out of AA's remarkably successful 12-step program. I don't know what shorthand references they use, if any.
Best wishes--medlib
Posted by Greg on May 8, 2000, at 7:39:01
In reply to Re: Cassre Friends of Bill W., posted by medlib on May 8, 2000, at 2:58:18
>
> ---------------------------------
>
> Cass--
>
> May I answer for Shar? (I don't mean to butt in, but am afraid she might be reluctant to reply.) Bill W. cofounded Alcoholics Anonymous. Members have traditions of not using their last names and not revealing their membership in the organization to others (lest it become an unintended source of pride that sabotages sobriety, I think). Because I am not a member, I am free to tell you that "Friends of Bill W." is a kind of shorthand some use to refer to AA without naming it.
>
> I believe that the same traditions are a part of most, if not all, Anonymous programs that have grown out of AA's remarkably successful 12-step program. I don't know what shorthand references they use, if any.
>
> Best wishes--medlib
Cass & Medlib,
Medlib, you are correct that Bill W. is a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The reason why we only use the initial of our last names is protect our anonymity. I have never been reluctant to tell anyone who asks me what my last name is (White), I'm very proud of the 12 years of sobriety I've worked very hard for. I am who I am, a recovering alcoholic. We have many sayings in AA, "a friend of Bill W." is one of them, no secret codes intended, just hard and fast rules that help us stay sober. I use the same principals to get thru my depression that I do with my alcoholism, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, whatever it takes to survive.
If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.
Greg
Posted by Brenda on May 8, 2000, at 10:30:07
In reply to Re: Friends of Bill W. - Cass/Medlib/Anyone, posted by Greg on May 8, 2000, at 7:39:01
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> >
> > Cass--
> >
> > May I answer for Shar? (I don't mean to butt in, but am afraid she might be reluctant to reply.) Bill W. cofounded Alcoholics Anonymous. Members have traditions of not using their last names and not revealing their membership in the organization to others (lest it become an unintended source of pride that sabotages sobriety, I think). Because I am not a member, I am free to tell you that "Friends of Bill W." is a kind of shorthand some use to refer to AA without naming it.
> >
> > I believe that the same traditions are a part of most, if not all, Anonymous programs that have grown out of AA's remarkably successful 12-step program. I don't know what shorthand references they use, if any.
> >
> > Best wishes--medlib
>
> Cass & Medlib,
> Medlib, you are correct that Bill W. is a co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. The reason why we only use the initial of our last names is protect our anonymity. I have never been reluctant to tell anyone who asks me what my last name is (White), I'm very proud of the 12 years of sobriety I've worked very hard for. I am who I am, a recovering alcoholic. We have many sayings in AA, "a friend of Bill W." is one of them, no secret codes intended, just hard and fast rules that help us stay sober. I use the same principals to get thru my depression that I do with my alcoholism, one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time, whatever it takes to survive.
>
> If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to ask.
>
> Greg
Greg, I also have many many years of sobriety. I use the twelve steps for help with my depression. The hardest for me with the depression has been the acceptance. After years of therapy and 7 years of AD's, I'm getting closer. It's still so hard sometimes. The slogans of the 12-step programs do help with my depression though. Especially "act as if ... and the feelings will follow." When I joined AA many years ago, AD's were taboo. The program has come a long way. I remember severely depressed people and even schizophrenics going without meds. Thank God that's all changed. I'll also help to answer any questions about the Steps or whatever.
Brenda
Posted by shar on May 8, 2000, at 21:15:13
In reply to Re: age of babble landers --Shar, posted by Cass on May 7, 2000, at 23:39:36
Cass,
A moment to welcome other Friends of Bill's !!
You've gotten some good replies to your question already. What being a friend of Bill W's. means to me is that (other than being probably the most significant event in my life prior to AD's) when I meet another friend, there is a kindred spirit about.
I discovered my uncle was a friend at another uncle's funeral. We had never really known each other, but there was sort of a comfort set in with that shared experience.
He asked me how long, and it was about 10 years of sobriety at that time, and he said "oh, you're an oldtimer" which was such a hoot because he had about 30 years of sobriety.
One of my favorite sayings (also applies in some ways to depression) --well, AA says 30 meetings in 30 days. Sort of a corollary to that is "30 days and a thousand nights." Yessir!! I can relate to that!
The Big Book is the culmination of how things happened, came about, and AA began. It contains the steps the promises, and a lot of wisdom. Plus some pretty religious stuff I don't relate to too well.
Ask away, if you have any other questions. It's been a (hellish) life saver--both the drinking and the sobriety.
Shar (no reluctance here)
> > On my mother's eyes...
> >
> > 48 years OLD.
> >
> > Son, 29
> > Depression, 33 yo
> > Dog Shadow, 56 in human years--black lab
> > Dog Lamar, 28 in human years--rough coat collie
> > Therapy, 25 years
> > Friend of Bill W., 13 years
> >
> > So far, I find Gail the MOST amazing person!! A two year old!! Omigod!
> > Shar
>
>
> Shar, I've been wondering for the longest time who the heck friends of Bill W. are, and who the heck is Bill W?
Posted by Brenda on May 8, 2000, at 21:31:31
In reply to Cass: Bill W. ( Welcome all friends of Bill W.), posted by shar on May 8, 2000, at 21:15:13
> Cass,
> A moment to welcome other Friends of Bill's !!
>
> You've gotten some good replies to your question already. What being a friend of Bill W's. means to me is that (other than being probably the most significant event in my life prior to AD's) when I meet another friend, there is a kindred spirit about.
>
> I discovered my uncle was a friend at another uncle's funeral. We had never really known each other, but there was sort of a comfort set in with that shared experience.
>
> He asked me how long, and it was about 10 years of sobriety at that time, and he said "oh, you're an oldtimer" which was such a hoot because he had about 30 years of sobriety.
>
> One of my favorite sayings (also applies in some ways to depression) --well, AA says 30 meetings in 30 days. Sort of a corollary to that is "30 days and a thousand nights." Yessir!! I can relate to that!
>
> The Big Book is the culmination of how things happened, came about, and AA began. It contains the steps the promises, and a lot of wisdom. Plus some pretty religious stuff I don't relate to too well.
>
> Ask away, if you have any other questions. It's been a (hellish) life saver--both the drinking and the sobriety.
>
> Shar (no reluctance here)
>
>
>
> > > On my mother's eyes...
> > >
> > > 48 years OLD.
> > >
> > > Son, 29
> > > Depression, 33 yo
> > > Dog Shadow, 56 in human years--black lab
> > > Dog Lamar, 28 in human years--rough coat collie
> > > Therapy, 25 years
> > > Friend of Bill W., 13 years
> > >
> > > So far, I find Gail the MOST amazing person!! A two year old!! Omigod!
> > > Shar
> >
> >
> > Shar, I've been wondering for the longest time who the heck friends of Bill W. are, and who the heck is Bill W?
Shar, I'm curious - I haven't been to a meeting in years - I have almost 20 yrs. clean/sober - Do you find you still have the desire at times to medicate your depression with alcohol? I quit when I was just 25 y.o., and at 44 I still find the urge when the pain is soooo bad or I'm sooo overwhelmed to pick up a drink - and this is with 11 yrs. of therapy and AD's. BTW, I have a 24 y.o. son, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 40 rosebushes, a husband in law school fulltime and my own business. Any help you can offer would be wonderful.
Thanks, Brenda
Posted by KarenB on May 9, 2000, at 11:04:45
In reply to age of babble landers, posted by harry b. on May 4, 2000, at 22:25:05
Hi.
I'm 39, been married to the same great guy for almost 14 years (pretty amazing, huh?) and have two beautiful children, Stuart (5) and Jackson (2 1/2).
I love you guys!! I am so blessed to have found this site. It is so good not to feel alone with my illness. My husband tries to understand but.. well, he's never experienced depression himself, but only through painfully observing mine.
Karen in Denver
Posted by PL on May 9, 2000, at 14:43:16
In reply to age of babble landers, posted by harry b. on May 4, 2000, at 22:25:05
46
Posted by Greg on May 9, 2000, at 17:45:10
In reply to Baby Boomers Rule, posted by PL on May 9, 2000, at 14:43:16
Yes we do! 44
> 46
Posted by shar on May 9, 2000, at 21:03:52
In reply to Re: RE: To Shar - re Bill W., posted by Brenda on May 8, 2000, at 21:31:31
YES, YES, YES! With "all" my years, I do have strong cravings to drink at times, more when stressed out. Since my divorce two years ago, it's become very common to REALLY WANT TO DRINK. I guess I just accept the cravings.
I think it might help you if you could let your sobriety be a source of Pride for you. That you have accomplished something VERY difficult, and very worthwhile, and you are proud of yourself for it. (Without your 20 years, I bet you wouldn't have 40 rosebushes.)
You've chosen a path that is to your benefit, not to your detriment; that is something to be (very) proud of, too. It can take monumental effort to do what you've done! It's a MAJOR accomplishment.
Hooray for you!!
I know that although drinking was an effective survival mechanism for years, it will not get me the life I want right now. I'm very grateful to be sober. I heard an AAer say once "I don't want what I deserve, I want mercy!!" We don't act in very "deserving" ways when we're drunk/high/stoned...remember?
So, I am very careful, and I don't take that first drink, because I am firmly convinced it would not be long until I was back in the saddle again. (I know I have another drunk in me, but I don't know that I have another sober in me.)
It's really (for me) a one day, one hour, one whatever, at a time. I tell myself the craving will pass, I keep myself out of bars, etc. And, I always get my yearly chip. I rarely go to meetings, but my chips are very important to me!
Do you get yours? And I've kept my very first desire chip. They're all a very physical, here and now symbol of how hard I've worked and what I've attained, and I don't want to lose that.
You sound like you know how it is. And, you're still sober (yeaaaa!!) and you are a good alcoholic (like me and a million others) who has the desire to drink at times. No shame in that.
Shar
> Shar, I'm curious - I haven't been to a meeting in years - I have almost 20 yrs. clean/sober - Do you find you still have the desire at times to medicate your depression with alcohol? I quit when I was just 25 y.o., and at 44 I still find the urge when the pain is soooo bad or I'm sooo overwhelmed to pick up a drink - and this is with 11 yrs. of therapy and AD's. BTW, I have a 24 y.o. son, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 40 rosebushes, a husband in law school fulltime and my own business. Any help you can offer would be wonderful.
> Thanks, Brenda
Posted by Brenda on May 10, 2000, at 11:10:29
In reply to Brenda--I think one day at a time is it..., posted by shar on May 9, 2000, at 21:03:52
> YES, YES, YES! With "all" my years, I do have strong cravings to drink at times, more when stressed out. Since my divorce two years ago, it's become very common to REALLY WANT TO DRINK. I guess I just accept the cravings.
>
> I think it might help you if you could let your sobriety be a source of Pride for you. That you have accomplished something VERY difficult, and very worthwhile, and you are proud of yourself for it. (Without your 20 years, I bet you wouldn't have 40 rosebushes.)
>
> You've chosen a path that is to your benefit, not to your detriment; that is something to be (very) proud of, too. It can take monumental effort to do what you've done! It's a MAJOR accomplishment.
> Hooray for you!!
>
> I know that although drinking was an effective survival mechanism for years, it will not get me the life I want right now. I'm very grateful to be sober. I heard an AAer say once "I don't want what I deserve, I want mercy!!" We don't act in very "deserving" ways when we're drunk/high/stoned...remember?
>
> So, I am very careful, and I don't take that first drink, because I am firmly convinced it would not be long until I was back in the saddle again. (I know I have another drunk in me, but I don't know that I have another sober in me.)
>
> It's really (for me) a one day, one hour, one whatever, at a time. I tell myself the craving will pass, I keep myself out of bars, etc. And, I always get my yearly chip. I rarely go to meetings, but my chips are very important to me!
>
> Do you get yours? And I've kept my very first desire chip. They're all a very physical, here and now symbol of how hard I've worked and what I've attained, and I don't want to lose that.
>
> You sound like you know how it is. And, you're still sober (yeaaaa!!) and you are a good alcoholic (like me and a million others) who has the desire to drink at times. No shame in that.
>
> Shar
>
>
> > Shar, I'm curious - I haven't been to a meeting in years - I have almost 20 yrs. clean/sober - Do you find you still have the desire at times to medicate your depression with alcohol? I quit when I was just 25 y.o., and at 44 I still find the urge when the pain is soooo bad or I'm sooo overwhelmed to pick up a drink - and this is with 11 yrs. of therapy and AD's. BTW, I have a 24 y.o. son, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 40 rosebushes, a husband in law school fulltime and my own business. Any help you can offer would be wonderful.
> > Thanks, Brenda
Shar, Thanks for your reply. I printed it out to keep with me. I have my first "chip" and want to go for my 20th in December. I forget that it is an accomplishment, and to tell myself "good work" when I don't take that drink in moments of pain. Talk about crazy - I will jump to thoughts of death before taking that drink. It can be difficult as my husband drinks occasionally (for relief from his stress) and I can get pretty resentful about it. One thing I have learned from him is to take care of myself FIRST. I guess I'm rambling a bit. Thanks so much. BTW - I'm on the west coast.
Brenda
Posted by Greg on May 10, 2000, at 11:31:48
In reply to Re: To Shar - thank you!, posted by Brenda on May 10, 2000, at 11:10:29
Shar and Brenda,
Thank you for sharing (indirectly) your continuing battles with our disease. I get so comfortable with having so many years of sobriety, that I sometimes forget that I'm just one drink away from a drunk. I too, would rather die than drink again and I know that if I do, I'll be dead soon anyway. I also have my "first" 30-day chip, and 60-day, 90-day, etc... Brenda, 20 years!!! That's amazing and I'm very proud of, and happy for you. You both have helped to keep me honest, I go thru those "I haven't had a craving in a long time, so maybe I'm not really an alcoholic" feelings. I need "friends" to bring me back down earth. Thanks.
My favorite saying in the program is: Keep it simple, stupid. Boy does that really apply to me sometimes...... ;-)
Hugs to you both,
Greg
> > YES, YES, YES! With "all" my years, I do have strong cravings to drink at times, more when stressed out. Since my divorce two years ago, it's become very common to REALLY WANT TO DRINK. I guess I just accept the cravings.
> >
> > I think it might help you if you could let your sobriety be a source of Pride for you. That you have accomplished something VERY difficult, and very worthwhile, and you are proud of yourself for it. (Without your 20 years, I bet you wouldn't have 40 rosebushes.)
> >
> > You've chosen a path that is to your benefit, not to your detriment; that is something to be (very) proud of, too. It can take monumental effort to do what you've done! It's a MAJOR accomplishment.
> > Hooray for you!!
> >
> > I know that although drinking was an effective survival mechanism for years, it will not get me the life I want right now. I'm very grateful to be sober. I heard an AAer say once "I don't want what I deserve, I want mercy!!" We don't act in very "deserving" ways when we're drunk/high/stoned...remember?
> >
> > So, I am very careful, and I don't take that first drink, because I am firmly convinced it would not be long until I was back in the saddle again. (I know I have another drunk in me, but I don't know that I have another sober in me.)
> >
> > It's really (for me) a one day, one hour, one whatever, at a time. I tell myself the craving will pass, I keep myself out of bars, etc. And, I always get my yearly chip. I rarely go to meetings, but my chips are very important to me!
> >
> > Do you get yours? And I've kept my very first desire chip. They're all a very physical, here and now symbol of how hard I've worked and what I've attained, and I don't want to lose that.
> >
> > You sound like you know how it is. And, you're still sober (yeaaaa!!) and you are a good alcoholic (like me and a million others) who has the desire to drink at times. No shame in that.
> >
> > Shar
> >
> >
> > > Shar, I'm curious - I haven't been to a meeting in years - I have almost 20 yrs. clean/sober - Do you find you still have the desire at times to medicate your depression with alcohol? I quit when I was just 25 y.o., and at 44 I still find the urge when the pain is soooo bad or I'm sooo overwhelmed to pick up a drink - and this is with 11 yrs. of therapy and AD's. BTW, I have a 24 y.o. son, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 40 rosebushes, a husband in law school fulltime and my own business. Any help you can offer would be wonderful.
> > > Thanks, Brenda
>
> Shar, Thanks for your reply. I printed it out to keep with me. I have my first "chip" and want to go for my 20th in December. I forget that it is an accomplishment, and to tell myself "good work" when I don't take that drink in moments of pain. Talk about crazy - I will jump to thoughts of death before taking that drink. It can be difficult as my husband drinks occasionally (for relief from his stress) and I can get pretty resentful about it. One thing I have learned from him is to take care of myself FIRST. I guess I'm rambling a bit. Thanks so much. BTW - I'm on the west coast.
> Brenda
Posted by Brenda on May 10, 2000, at 21:09:16
In reply to Re: To Shar - thank you! - Shar and Brenda, posted by Greg on May 10, 2000, at 11:31:48
Greg - Thank you for your kind words. I don't feel so alone!
Brenda
> Shar and Brenda,
> Thank you for sharing (indirectly) your continuing battles with our disease. I get so comfortable with having so many years of sobriety, that I sometimes forget that I'm just one drink away from a drunk. I too, would rather die than drink again and I know that if I do, I'll be dead soon anyway. I also have my "first" 30-day chip, and 60-day, 90-day, etc... Brenda, 20 years!!! That's amazing and I'm very proud of, and happy for you. You both have helped to keep me honest, I go thru those "I haven't had a craving in a long time, so maybe I'm not really an alcoholic" feelings. I need "friends" to bring me back down earth. Thanks.
>
> My favorite saying in the program is: Keep it simple, stupid. Boy does that really apply to me sometimes...... ;-)
>
> Hugs to you both,
> Greg
>
> > > YES, YES, YES! With "all" my years, I do have strong cravings to drink at times, more when stressed out. Since my divorce two years ago, it's become very common to REALLY WANT TO DRINK. I guess I just accept the cravings.
> > >
> > > I think it might help you if you could let your sobriety be a source of Pride for you. That you have accomplished something VERY difficult, and very worthwhile, and you are proud of yourself for it. (Without your 20 years, I bet you wouldn't have 40 rosebushes.)
> > >
> > > You've chosen a path that is to your benefit, not to your detriment; that is something to be (very) proud of, too. It can take monumental effort to do what you've done! It's a MAJOR accomplishment.
> > > Hooray for you!!
> > >
> > > I know that although drinking was an effective survival mechanism for years, it will not get me the life I want right now. I'm very grateful to be sober. I heard an AAer say once "I don't want what I deserve, I want mercy!!" We don't act in very "deserving" ways when we're drunk/high/stoned...remember?
> > >
> > > So, I am very careful, and I don't take that first drink, because I am firmly convinced it would not be long until I was back in the saddle again. (I know I have another drunk in me, but I don't know that I have another sober in me.)
> > >
> > > It's really (for me) a one day, one hour, one whatever, at a time. I tell myself the craving will pass, I keep myself out of bars, etc. And, I always get my yearly chip. I rarely go to meetings, but my chips are very important to me!
> > >
> > > Do you get yours? And I've kept my very first desire chip. They're all a very physical, here and now symbol of how hard I've worked and what I've attained, and I don't want to lose that.
> > >
> > > You sound like you know how it is. And, you're still sober (yeaaaa!!) and you are a good alcoholic (like me and a million others) who has the desire to drink at times. No shame in that.
> > >
> > > Shar
> > >
> > >
> > > > Shar, I'm curious - I haven't been to a meeting in years - I have almost 20 yrs. clean/sober - Do you find you still have the desire at times to medicate your depression with alcohol? I quit when I was just 25 y.o., and at 44 I still find the urge when the pain is soooo bad or I'm sooo overwhelmed to pick up a drink - and this is with 11 yrs. of therapy and AD's. BTW, I have a 24 y.o. son, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 40 rosebushes, a husband in law school fulltime and my own business. Any help you can offer would be wonderful.
> > > > Thanks, Brenda
> >
> > Shar, Thanks for your reply. I printed it out to keep with me. I have my first "chip" and want to go for my 20th in December. I forget that it is an accomplishment, and to tell myself "good work" when I don't take that drink in moments of pain. Talk about crazy - I will jump to thoughts of death before taking that drink. It can be difficult as my husband drinks occasionally (for relief from his stress) and I can get pretty resentful about it. One thing I have learned from him is to take care of myself FIRST. I guess I'm rambling a bit. Thanks so much. BTW - I'm on the west coast.
> > Brenda
Posted by shar on May 10, 2000, at 22:46:36
In reply to Re: To Shar - thank you! - Shar and Brenda, posted by Brenda on May 10, 2000, at 21:09:16
> Yes, Greg, you hit a chord with me and the "well, maybe I could be a social drinker" idea. I've tossed that one around many times. I haven't believed it enough yet to try it, thanks be!
But, you make a good point.
There is such a thin line between me/us and the alcoholic who still suffers. I never kid myself that I can drink normally, I may try it on for size, but my heart of hearts knows (like Greg says) disaster is only one drink away.
Thanks to you both for being my kindred spirits here. I never perceived you, Brenda, as rambling. I like hearing what you have to say.
Keep talking, it's so necessary for us to do that, because I know when I am depressed I stop talking, and that is not good.
Shar
Posted by S.D. on May 16, 2000, at 20:23:35
In reply to age of babble landers, posted by harry b. on May 4, 2000, at 22:25:05
.
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