Replies to 'Addiction Support'

OK here goes. First a little history - I am an alcoholic and addict. Over the past 30 years I have been a daily drinker of hard booze (my primary addiction) plus I have had flirting affairs with Sleeping pills, pain meds and Benzo's. Up until September of last year I never really considered quitting. The longest I had been dry (not sober) was 9 mos when I was pregnant with my son. I say I was dry because sobriety entails so much more than just stopping the use of alcohol and/or drugs. It requires a change in the way you think about and react to life. For me this change came after a thankfully failed suicide attempt. I went into a rehab program and a 12-step recovery program. I admitted that I was powerless over alcohol and drugs and that my life had become unmanageable. I came to believe that a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity and I became willing to turn my life and my will over to the care of God as I understood Him. Of course there are 9 more steps and I am currently in the later steps 9-12. My life has changed in ways I could never have possibly imagined. Mostly I am free of the worry and fear that ruled my life before sobriety. I talk to a lot of people these days to offer experience, strength and hope. When I decided to get sober I was a medical professional with a family and a six figure income. I almost lost my license to practice, and nearly lost my family to divorce. Today I am sober, living a life of service to others, working in my field (though not for 6 figures) and am slowly rebuilding my family. If I can do it so can you. The first step is admitting you are powerless - quitting comes next in conjunction with steps 2 and 3. It is hard to quit when someone else in the house is using - my husband still drinks alcoholically and I maintain sobriety. I will be sober 1 year on September 28 2005. Start each day by saying a prayer - I like this one written by Reinhold Neibuhr in 1926.  

God grant me the serenity    

to accept the things I cannot change.   

The courage the change the things I can   

And the wisdom to know the difference.   

Living one day at a time   

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace.   

Taking as He did this world as it is,   

not as I would have it.   

Trusting that He will make all things right   

If I surrender to his will.   

That I may be reasonably happy in this life,    

And extremely happy with Him forever in the next.   

Peace and God bless  

Mischif