I Haven't had a drink for 4 months now

[Rhiannon12866]

59. Oh, I'm so sorry! I know how tough it can be - and it's so easy to makes excuses for yourself

I've done that countless times - saying "just this once" - but I've learned that's all it takes. And the thing is, not everyone is an alcoholic. Nor is it a "character flaw," which is still how it's regarded in some quarters even at this late date, despite all we've learned over the past 86 years.

One Day at a Time worked for me to begin with - and even that took awhile to sink in. But I had an amazing AA sponsor who was there to support me through some rough times and she had such an excellent understanding of people. I belong to AA and still go to meetings - mostly those where we read out of the literature. "Living Sober" is an excellent book - it's very popular in my beginners' group. And it really does help to share experiences, both for support from others who've been there and learning from others who have faced the same issues.

I quit once before - years ago after I had a bad experience, got really sick - and that lasted for a pretty long time, but I hadn't learned anything and I eventually forgot. That's why I keep in touch with others, both to learn and so I don't forget again - and to pay forward the with the support that I got.

I lost my own mother when I was a little over 2 years in. She wasn't sick, it was an accident. That's where my sponsor came in, she stuck with me, but I also knew that I had to take responsibility and I focused on that - I couldn't afford to be distracted.

Of course, everyone's experiences are different, and it has been especially tough during this pandemic, the enforced isolation. I know that a lot of people have had a rough time. And another thing I've noticed in my years on DU is whenever the subject comes up, how many people here weigh in. There are a whole lot of us, so you're sure not alone. And if I can make it, anybody can. Please let me know how it's going...