Member: Jan BB
Location: Paris, France
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 4:55:20 PM

Comments

Staying sober while traveling.


Member: John H.
Location: Indiana, USA
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 5:33:28 PM

Comments

John, here an alcoholic.It is good to check the locations of AA in the areas that you are traveling. Attending group meetings away from home can be some of the most fulfilling of AA meetings. If there is a language barrier, perhaps one or more will be able to translate in one's language. Having AA literature on hand while gone from home is another important aid. One always has the Higher Power for support thru prayer and meditation. In any case, tho' enticed, don't pick up that first offer of alcohol. Just say no, thank you, and select a non-alcoholic drink. May you have a great and sober travel trip. Good topic! Bless all here and coming later.


Member: Stu K.
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 5:44:00 PM

Comments

I was just wondering if there is anyone still there?


Member: Mike A
Location: El Cajon, CA
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 5:50:23 PM

Comments

Hi my name is Mike, Gratefull recovering alcoholic. I stay sober traveling just like I stay sober at home. I start my day off with a prayer. Which encludes having a safe, sober and sane day. And that my thoughts be divorced from fear, anger, resentments,selfish and self-centerness, worry, self pity, guilt. I ask for honesty,open mindedness, willingness, faith, hope, kindness, tolerance, love and the like. And if I really want to keep it simple I ask for his will for me and the power to carry it out. I used to drink a lot when I traveled, there was something about getting behind the wheel and having to have a drink. That explains the eleven DUI's I recieved up until 1982. So now when I travel which I am getting ready to do in a couple day's.( ride my bike to Sturgis South Dakota ) I go to meetings, "meeting makers make it." Ilove going to out of town meetings. I might even hear something I haven't heard yet. If I listen for the simalarities instead of the differences. It's funny how we hear what we need to hear when we need to hear it. We are all miracles if your alcoholic and your not drinking today. It's cunning, Baffling, and powerfull so I need all the insurance I can get. All we have is a daily reprieve. I try to stay spiritually fit "One Day At A Time" no matter where I am, especially if I'm in unfamilar territory. Happy travels to all, even if your just traveling this road to happy destiny. God bless Motorclocks@prodigy.net


Member: Alan H.
Location: europe, somewhere
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 6:40:49 PM

Comments

Hey, my names Alan and im an alcoholic. Im going out of my mind in switzerland right now. Got like 30+ days sober and decided to go backpacking with my girl (space) friend, thinking it would be really cool and we would have a grand ole time. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!? Shes driving me insane, im driving her MORE insane. I cant get my chewing tobacco over here so im stuck to the patch, or its stuck to me. I have several other addictions that im currently "withdrawing" from so i am not a very happy camper right now. I did get to one meeting in germany, and didnt understand one lick of their gutteral meeting, but it did help a little. Ive been trying to find meetings in all the small towns i visit accross europe, but its damn hard to ask questions and get directions or rides if i cant talk to the person on the other end of the line. Its about 1am here now and i wanted to call my sponsor back in TX but of course, i dont have the right kind of calling card to do it from this hostel. Whoa, i guess ive been needing to vent a little:) I am still very much your average ordinary hopeless alcoholic without this program and what little contact i do have with my higher power. I have been trying to pray as much as possible, but being the complete scatterbrain that i am, i usually lose track of things and zone out. If anyone wants to email me, please feel free to drop me a line at alan_h24@hotmail.com. i will be checking my email as frequently as possible. i pray that i have the strength to make it thru this trip without having to drink/use. i wish i could be at home, going to 3 meetings a day like i need. be glad you have your groups to go to, it sux here:) maybe grateful is a better word:) anyway, thanks for letting me vent.


Member: Bonny G
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 6:41:17 PM

Comments

Bonny, grateful recovering alcoholic, thanks for the topic Jan. I, too, will be traveling soon, the month of September. I learned that I can visit our Intergroup Office and they can give me the information I need to find a meeting in the town I'll be visiting. I am sure that could come in very handy while traveling about. As John and Mike said, there is an awful lot out there today for us, we are not alone anymore. I thank God for that today, I hope you have a happy and safe trip, thanks for letting me share.


Member: Lessa E
Location: Chicago
Date: 7/28/2002
Time: 7:36:09 PM

Comments

Lessa E here, very grateful recovering alcoholic. Great topic, JanBB!!!! I've been told around the tables that I need to plan my trip - and how I'm going to work my AA program while gone - as diligently as I plan my business trips or vacations. And as diligently as I used to plan my drinking.*g This means I arrange with my sponsor how often and when I'll call. We talk over any potential 'slippery circumstances' I might encounter and how I'll handle them. And we go over what literature I'll take and how I'll work the program. All things we do NOT cover when I'm home. I also get in touch with the AA office of where I'm going to be and get a list of meetings and plan which ones to attend. All this may sound extreme. But I've relapsed twice now. I have a couple of years sober again and I honestly don't know if I have another recovery left in me. So I do not want to take any chances that I'll go back out there. Once, as a last resort, when our company internet access was limited and I couldn't find a local meeting I even walked down the street from the hotel to a Kinkos copy place. They had 24/7 internet access PC's you could rent by the hour. I got online and 'attended' my weekly email meetings. I also got into a solid AA program chat room and talked to other drunks like me. Saved my life/sobriety on that one. Good luck to you Jan. Have a great time and let us know how the trip went and what you did. lessa_e@hotmail.com


Member: Jeff
Location: Ne.
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 12:27:11 AM

Comments

Staying sober while traveling ? One time i went to see my brother when i was only a year sober, this was my first sober venture. I asked my sponser for advice on how i was to handle this & stay sober cause when me & my brother got to gether it usually was to drink (alot). He told me that i could go any where & do any thing as long as i had a legitimate reason for being there & not to worry but read pages 101 & 102 in the big book before i went. I did & called him with still more questions? He said look its like this if you are spiritually fit you will stay sober if not then you still have an alcoholic mind & that i should stay home. By this time i worked through the steps at least once, made all my amends..etc, I prayed that nite before i left, asked the God of my understanding that if it be thy will help me to stay sober on this trip. Well i`m greatfull to say i stayed sober & my brother & i had a long talk about alcoholism, my past & present & why it was so important to me to be sober. Hope this helps, thanks.... Jeff


Member: Tami H
Location: Washington State
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 1:41:38 AM

Comments

Staying sober while traveling I have a difficult time because everywhere I turn there is another person asking me if I would like a glass of wine or something, I have to say no thanks yet I would like to have possibly just one. I don't, and then I feel like an idiot. I want that drink, but I don't. I want to be able to say no, feel good about it and move on. I haven't drank in over one month. The longer I go without a drink the easier it gets to not drink, but I don't think I'll be able to fly anywhere because of my axioties. I could ask the Doctor for Valume, but I would still be medicating. Train? I am not going to take the bus with my kids.


Member: AnilG
Location: Mt Vernon,IL
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 9:28:16 AM

Comments

I am an alcholic and for me staying sober while traveling had not been easy in the past especially when I am gone for meetings for weeks and there are lot of parties going on this meant that I miss them all. I learnt it to connect with the Internet and attend my meetings and steps this way.It helps me and works for me. thanks to aa and alanon;


Member: Jay L.
Location: Arizona
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 9:33:32 AM

Comments

Good morning, everyone. I've been to meetings in Nebraska, Iowa and Sarasota, Florida. They were great meetings. Travelling for me, now that I'm in recovery always includes looking up the central office in whatever area I'm in as well as getting a meeting list. It's astounding for me to be able to walk into any room in North America(at the very least for what I've heard from others)and feel right at home. Thanks for the topic.


Member: shelly s
Location: lk orion mi
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 11:32:45 AM

Comments

hi i'm shelly a greatful recovery alcoholic. great topic! my sponors tell me it's up to me. do i like what i have now or do i want to go backwards. play the tape thur. promises and miracles are happening now, i left the past for a reason. keeping a constant contact with higher power, positive attitude and people i believe in helps my life continue to grow. always working on the next right thing, listening to my inner voice, and being honest with myself keeps life simple for me. life still has curves but its easier excepting help!! thanks everybody for sharing have a great day. if your not change it!!


Member: Ginny C
Location: Maine
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 4:54:01 PM

Comments

Hi everyone I am new to this site. Just got back online after being off for awhile. I love the fact that I can just turn my computer on and be in touch with other alcoholics. The topic I would like to propose is the importance of a sponsor in AA.


Member: Kelly F.
Location: St. Louis
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 7:40:23 PM

Comments

Hi all, Kelly F., alcoholic. Thanks JanBB for the topic. One of my last big drunks was while staying in a hotel suite in London on a holiday. I pretty much cleared out the mini-bar and hid the bottles in the closet. My husband found them the next day, and the humiliation and shame I felt after that experience helped lead me to treatment shortly afterwards. At 3 months sober, we took a trip to Dubai, UAE, and stayed in another beautiful hotel suite. I simply asked the conceirge to remove all the liquor from the mini-bar. I remember my husband looking at me a little strangely, but I just knew that it wasn't a good idea to have it around. I don't have to fear the hotel mini-bars anymore in sobriety, (thanks to AA and my Higher Power whom I call God) -- but I'll always remember those early experiences that teach me I have to go to any lengths in a practical sense, too, to stay sober. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Barbara H.
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 9:28:53 PM

Comments

Hi, Barbara, alcholic here. I'm fairly new to this site but I did share last week on "complacency". I had 11 years sobriety on 8th June (while in Rome, Italy) and , as I shared last week, two weeks later (when I came home) on 22nd June I got drunk. Needless to say I am devastated!!! I have been back to meetings but I have been drinking at the same time (not every day). I haven't had any trouble staying away from the first drink while travelling before because, as has already been said, I took precautions...went to meetings while I was away and really enjoyed meeting new people, phoned home to my group and made sure I always had a contact number. It's crazy because I have been through so many things in my 11 years and not taken a drink e.g. both my parents died plus my sister (on my second A.A. birthday). Also when in Majorca with my mother, she ended up in hospital quite seriously ill and I didn't drink. I believe then I was "in the middle of the bed", but I moved closer to the edge by not doing meetings (at home), being full of sick pride and almost every other "sin" one can commit, therefore I got drunk at home...someone said earlier that if we are spiritually well we will be O.K. I know now that I wasn't and still am not and I know what I have to do....I still can find action difficult but my life depends on it, so no matter where I am I have to be vigilant, in my case I was more vigilant when away from home and I am suffering now. Please, whether you are travelling or not take good care of your sobriety, it's hard to get it back (in my experience). Sorry to have gone on but I love the contact with you all. Please just don't do what I did...keep on refusing that first drink. Thanks for your patience. Happy travelling anf God Bless.


Member: John B
Location: Rhode Island
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 10:38:43 PM

Comments

Hi, John alcoholic. I'm traveling now and have attended two meetings in Providence last two days and am at a cyber meeting now. I tried early in sobriety going on a trip and not attending meetings and was miserable. Since then whenever and wherever I'm away from home, I find meeting(s) to attend and my trips go much saner and smoother. Recently I went to Taiwan and was unable to get to a F2F AA meeting, but did log onto Staying Cyber almost daily. Thanks for all the help and God bless.


Member: John B
Location: Rhode Island
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 10:39:02 PM

Comments

Hi, John alcoholic. I'm traveling now and have attended two meetings in Providence last two days and am at a cyber meeting now. I tried early in sobriety going on a trip and not attending meetings and was miserable. Since then whenever and wherever I'm away from home, I find meeting(s) to attend and my trips go much saner and smoother. Recently I went to Taiwan and was unable to get to a F2F AA meeting, but did log onto Staying Cyber almost daily. Thanks for all the help and God bless.


Member: AndyM
Location: W.Pa.
Date: 7/29/2002
Time: 11:02:09 PM

Comments

I have found that it doesnt matter whether you are travelling or not, its the thinking before the drinking, I travelled a lot to various countries and states here in the USA, I got drunk in every place I been with the exception of Ireland, that was because I had my head screwed on right in Ireland.There are no safe places, booze is everywhere and travelling or a geographical change is nothing more than an excuse.The 24 hr clock doesnt change time zones.I know there will be some out there that will disagree with me thats fine, however it works for me.DOS 4-14-98


Member: John B.
Location: boonies tn.
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 2:12:25 AM

Comments

My name's John and I'm an alcoholaddict. In sept. I'm 50 years old, done working, have money for today, been sober a bit over ll.5 yrs.,and intend to travel or at least not be tied to one place from here on out. I am probably not an AA role model. In my recovery, I've studied Job in the Bible because I couldn't understand how God would allow such misery in my life. Just a few months earlier I stood in a thunderstorm and thanked God for the wonder of His Grace in my life but if wanted me today then bring a bolt of lightening and I would gladly go. Both were experiences of my second year in recovery. At nine years sober(?) I had a nervous breakdown and learned the full meaning of alcohol being but a symptom. As page 133 suggests, I also had to have outside help. All this has resulted in disability retirement and the freedom to travel. I have an old motor home which I'm fixing up and I will travel America. Every time I stop for more than a few hours, I WILL have a meeting contact from my AA directory or other source. After drinking until age 38, I found a society into which I fit just as I am. When I say I'm John an alcoholic, the other AA's in that room instantly know half my life story. I apologize for the babble but I feel like Alice in Wonderland. Other than the successful consummation of Step One, I guess what helps most in hard times is "nothing, absolutely nothing, happens in God's world by mistake". Peace and Love john b.


Member: Melissa B.
Location: Canada
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 12:11:33 PM

Comments

What a great topic...I just returned from a vacation and for the first time in sobriety, I did not feel safe. We were with all my husband's family at a rather secluded resort. The heat was quite extreme for those of us used to living in the rainforest (it was 39 degrees) and the moon was full, agressively full, it seemed to me. We were all together in a villa with no air-conditioning and though we have done this before, this time we were existing in this wierd, soupy, swampy energy, very tense, very brittle. On Tuesday night, a week ago, we went out for dinner as a group, and when the waiter placed a martini in front of me instead of my mother-in-law, I felt something in me shift and I could literally hear that drink talking to me. It would have been such a relief to get away from the tension for awhile. There was nothing to do except excuse myself from the table and not care what anyone thought. I felt scared and shaky and my first thought was 'no human power, no human power.' I called the local AA office and got the time and directions for the nearest meeting the following day. I called my sponsor, no answer, I called my other sponsor, no answer, I kept calling until I found someone at home who was quite willing to listen to how I felt and reminded me to just breathe and don't drink. Later, I told my husband how I felt and as usual, honesty was responded to with understanding. It was the first time I had had to pray to stay sober through the night, as there was so much alcohol downstairs and I didn't believe I could stay safe without divine help. I slept very peacefully and woke up early to write and write in my journal and sit and think about my truth and alcohol, my step one, and the reality for me when I drink. I asked for gratitude and it came in a reassuring flood, and I felt safe and well again and remained that way for the rest of our vacation. This was the first and only time in my thirty-seven months of sobriety that I felt threatened by alcohol and I am grateful beyond words that it appears that I have listened and learned at AA. All I can say now is that 'this program works'. It really does. Thank you again for the topic, Jan, and I hope your trip is filled with joy and peace, and FUN!


Member: Tony P.
Location: Brooklyn
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 1:53:02 PM

Comments

Hi Tony, alcoholic is back: As I shared last week I had ten years of sobriety and it took me sixteen years to come back. I’ve been sober for eight days now. Barbara H. from Dundee please don’t take as long as I did to come back and stay back. Your story last week helped me back into the rooms of A.A. I’m trying to do what I didn’t do the last time I was sober, and that is to use and abuse my A.A. membership. I did everything wrong the last time now my goal is to do everything right. I joined a home group and I’m willing to take suggestions and get a sponsor. I can no longer think of being sober forever when I think that way I get discouraged. I have to keep it simple and just worry about one day at a time. July 18, 2001 I had open heart surgery by praying to my God I came threw that with flying colors. I also was sober for five months that I was out of work recovering. When I went back to work I forgot the pain I had gone through and started drinking again. My excuse then was that my wife and children would be better off if I was dead because they could collect insurance, along with my 401k and pension. How stupid of me. I’m sorry I got off the subject but after eight days I’m not really ready to travel. Thanks for letting me share and GOD BLESS US ALL


Member: Mary Allen
Location: Austin,Mn
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 3:22:39 PM

Comments

Hi I'm an alcoholic and my name is Mary. I like the topic. Traveling is something that is different to do. The first few times I traveled I asked fellow members to write encouraging notes in a notebook that I would be able to read if things became difficult. I also asked for help on how to deal with different situations. I was told to all readys have a beverage in my hand, that way I could avoid all the "helpful" people wanting to get me something to drink. I also found out where the meetings were before I went to a different area. The directories from General Service Office are a great help with locating meetings in "unknown" areas. I take my big book or grapevines or someother material with me so I am able to "read" A.A. I also know that the members of my regular meetings are thinking of me when I am gone. I hope that everyones journey is safe.


Member: terry t
Location: concord ca
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 6:48:12 PM

Comments

my name is terry and im an alcholic.I love to travel,and have traveled alot.the last six years of my drinking iwent in a circle from home to work to the bar and back home.I have ben sober for seventeen months and i am amazed how my circle has grown. I stay sober when traveling just like at home,pray go to meetings,but most important i just dont take that first drink.


Member: Barbara H.
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 8:32:04 PM

Comments

Hi, Barbara, alcholic here. Sorry to share again but it's great to hear Tony P, Brooklyn, that you are back at meetings and involved. I am finding it very difficult to stay stopped.....I should know better, BUT...as they say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing! I need to put the ACTION in. I am very fortunate that I do have support and feel very guilty and disappointed and disgusted with myself. Anyway hang in there Tony - if my experience can help others then all is not lost. God Bless All. Thanks for putting up with me again!


Member: Chris D
Location: NJ
Date: 7/30/2002
Time: 11:29:50 PM

Comments

Hi, Chris alcoholic here. I have done my share of traveling while staying sober. Meeting different people can be great, seeing how meetings are run differently. In early sobriety it was important for me to rely on face to face and my network of friends and sponsor, so I limited my traveling. I found that if I missed meetings my attitude quickly changed. Now I actually have a job that requires travel, up to 36 weeks a year. I rarely go to meetings while traveling for my job. I think it has more to do with my attitude than my being "more" sober. SO I agree that the difference depends on me and my spiritual condition.


Member: Virginia D.
Location: Oklahoma
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 12:54:47 AM

Comments

Love the topic and love to travel! I went to many meetings in many different places but one that I remember most was when I was stressed to the max and *fighting with my travel partner about this and that* I was really being nasty and "knew" I needed to connect with AA'ers but was in the mountains in New Mexico, way out in the boonies. Having no idea where to locate a meeting I stopped my car at the side of a restaurant in Cuba, NM and planned to go inside and ask if anyone there knew where I could find AA but just as I looked up I saw the Triangle within a Circle on the side door. I could not believe my eyes! Right in front of me was the AA sign and to this day I feel that my higher power, whom I choose to call God, directed me to the very spot I needed to be and this ain't bad for a gal who at one time "thought" she didn't believe in God...huh?


Member: Chris G.
Location: Traveling
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 12:56:14 AM

Comments

Chris here an alcoholic. I've traveled much of the world, and alot of it drunk before the program, and plenty of it sober now. Distance means noting to alcohol, you're just as close to booze where you sit then where you'll be. Here's my thought. Travel is change, and change is exciting and stressful. So carry AA literature, tapes, CDs, and phone lists when you travel. Check into the centeral office when you get somewhere you want to hit a meeting, either pull it off the web from a cyber cafe, or call AA central office in New York. Hook up with the central office wherever you land, and check out some meetings and get to know some new cool sober people. I've had a bit of a tougher time in remote places south of the equator versus north, but you can always find expatriated communities with sober drunks that can point you into the right direction, no matter where you are. Remember, it only takes two drunks and a Big Book to have a meeting, so you'll be okay, and don't forget the most important thing, your HP will not fail you, just turn it over and you'll see the miracle. God love ya all, travel's great for sobriety, and if you're on slippery ground, you're just as likely to blow it at home as abroad, so just get right with your HP and enjoy your ride. Life's just too short to spend every day worrying. Sober blessings to you all, and "to thine own self be true, as they say." Chris Bonny G, have a safe trip. You'll know this site will always be here while you're traveling, and all ya got to do is check in. Also, from my experience, there are meetings, and ways to contact sober alcoholics no matter where you are, if you reach out, the program will be there. Barbara H., easy does it but do it. I have a bit over 18 years, a day at a time, and I am sponsoring a guy with almost a year that had 20 years before he went out and lost nearly everything in his life. You don't have to go down the street he did. Like i've told him, any time away from alcohol for an alcoholic is good time, and for the time you did have you have not lost that, you just get do it again, so now's what counts. Many blessings to you Barbara, keep coming back okay!


Member: Don Y
Location: Manassas, Va
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 12:09:14 PM

Comments

I've found while travelling that not drinking helps a lot in staying sober!!


Member: Don Y
Location: Manassas, Va
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 12:09:36 PM

Comments

I've found while travelling that not drinking helps a lot in staying sober!!


Member: RAYMOND MAC
Location: SCOTLAND
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 1:35:29 PM

Comments

Hi everybody my name is Raymond and i am a recovering Alky, my life changed when i got sober on 15th Sept 1986, i found god and a place were i belong, ive had the same Sponser and i have brought this program in to my life, I re-married and have two great kids now we also foster and we have a loving threeyear old boy, and i owe it all to A.A. and my friends in this wonderful fellowship. i have been to three 16 year birthdays to date this year and 6 still to do A.D.A.A.T THE CLASS OF 86, THIS WORKS, AND HELLO TO MY FRIEND PAM.S FROM LOUISVILLE.


Member: Phil S.
Location: N.J.
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 2:44:08 PM

Comments

Hi everyone, I'm Phil and I'm an alcoholic. I had the opourtunity 2 years ago to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. I made it thru sober not tempted even once to pick up. I had a wonderful time. I made it thru because I put my power and trust in the hands of my higher power who I choose to call God. I had a sober friend along with me and made a meeting as well. If nothing else seeing some of the people there kept it green for me and made me realize how great it was NOT to be drinking. I have a trip planned for October to take my daughter to Key West for a week and look forward to another fantastic trip, sober!! I want to thank all my friends who trudge the trail of happy destiny with me. Peace to all.


Member: Anne M
Location: NY
Date: 7/31/2002
Time: 3:57:02 PM

Comments

Hi, Anne here, alcoholic. Thanks, ((Jan)) for the topic. I will be vacationing in August, and it will be my first sober trip in many many moons. Prior to having our child, my vacations with hubbie consisted of "sightseeing" all the local gin mills in whatever town we were in, interspersed with some really awful hung-over touristy visits. Once our daughter was born, we scaled back to doing family things all day, but still having that bottle or two of wine with dinner. I am slightly concerned about my ability to be in vacation mode without drinking, but I already have the meetings lists for where we will be, and I will have my cell phone and list of numbers, along with AA literature. I am really looking forward to the enjoyment that a vacation can bring, without the hangovers.


Member: Phil S.
Location: Castro Valley, California
Date: 8/1/2002
Time: 1:15:03 AM

Comments

I'm Phil and I am an alcoholic. I had planned to get to the bottom of the page before I spoke as I do in my regular meeting. Barbara's comments got me here though. This wonderful program and travel. I'm struck with what life was like for the traveling alcoholic before A.A. There are wonderful stories now-a-days about people finding books in impossibly miraculous situations when they thought hope was lost. Spirituality seems to be the key. Working the program and allowing "God" (s/he/it/them) to do what we cannot ... take care of the little things (keep working the steps, keep up with your sponsor, attend meetings, and work with other alcholics) and the "big" things will work their own way. I appreciate the chance to attend a meeting when I couldn't attend my home group. Thank you to all responsible. Thank you God.


Member: Teresa B.
Location: Elkhart, IN
Date: 8/1/2002
Time: 11:25:00 AM

Comments

Hello everybody, Teresa grateful alcoholic here. Great topic Jan, esp. this time of year. One thing I'd add, for the newbies, if the Significant Other/family members (or the people you are traveling with) are supportive of you staying sober, by all means grab your literature, phone and meeting lists and go have a great time. If your S.O./family is not supportive, i.e. whines about how you can't drink, makes digging comments about attending meetings "even on vacation???" etc., I would hold off for a while. Sure, staying sober is but a 24 hour daily reprieve from this terminal disease. But, when you are new at it and you have troublesome family/friends issues, IMNSHO you should wait until you're on steadier ground. Thanks for being here and helping me stay sober another 24.


Member: Silvia W
Location: Korea
Date: 8/1/2002
Time: 12:16:16 PM

Comments

I'm Silvia and I'm an alcoholic. Before I came to Korea 9 months ago, I researched on-line and found http://www.aainkorea.org/meetings.html As I had to travel light, the two books I brought with me were the Big Book and Mel Ash, "The Zen of Recovery." When I got here, I took the train to Seoul on Sunday and found both the meetings after calling the contact phone. The "Queen of Directions" not only guided my way, but gave me her home number, in case I got "antsy" and needed someone to talk to. The folks here have been very welcoming and supportive. I can't say enough about their gracious hospitality, both the expat community and the Korean AAs. I've found a local sponsor and friends that make my life so much richer. It's absolutely true what the Big Book says about being able to go anywhere that I have a good reason to be, as long as I follow a few simple suggestions. My higher power goes everywhere I go. My conscience is my "direct line to HP" and daily contact is just a thought away. I've been blessed! DOS=9-9-80, but this disease is sneaky, so I joined a group and got involved in service work. I need to be "in, not around AA." Dear Barbara, I know how hard it is to stop after drinking again. I must have quit a hundred times before finally getting sober. You know what to do, to call an AA before you take that first drink, so DO it!


Member: Billy Jim Bob
Location: Charlotte NC
Date: 8/1/2002
Time: 8:08:37 PM

Comments

High, I can't go on. I'am going to kill myself. God please give me the strength to go through with it. Life sucks, and I want to die.


Member: Ray C
Location: Haines Alaska
Date: 8/1/2002
Time: 9:01:39 PM

Comments

Hi...I'm Ray an alcoholic,can't think of a thing to add to whats already been said.Got to agree if you don't drink you won't get drunk so just do whatever it takes to not take that drink.I've been alot of places and it works the same for me everywhere,meetings,my hp and attitude.Think your at the wrong site there B.J B.I believe AA is for people that want to live not die.Keep coming back if you change your mind.Thank Y'all for helping this alkie through another 24.


Member: Mike K.
Location: Marin, CA
Date: 8/1/2002
Time: 11:58:33 PM

Comments

When traveling you should remain in the company of other sober people as much as possible. Resist any temptation to "go out" alone. It could lead you to places of drink. This is also a time to be extra careful because you may get the bright idea that nobody would ever know if you were to sneak a drink. Stay with sober folks. Avoid places of drink.


Member: V.F.
Location: Midwest
Date: 8/2/2002
Time: 8:37:05 AM

Comments

Hi, I'm V. alcoholic. I'm being pressured by my husband to go to a big wedding reception and a big football game, both of which would throw me in among many drinkers and much drink. At minus 4 mos. I am NOT ready for this! God, give me the strength to stick to my guns and refuse these "invitations." Thanks to all of you for sharing your experience, strength and hope.


Member: Michael B.
Location: AZ
Date: 8/2/2002
Time: 9:16:08 AM

Comments

Hi! My name is Michael, and i am a recovering alcoholic and addict, sober today only by the Grace of God and the Fellowship. Thanks for the sincere shares. Welcome newcomers! I travel at least once per year, and I find that sticking to my normal AA routine as closely as I can has been the key to keeping me sober during my travels. Most helpful for me is to bring plenty of AA literature, especially that litearture i read on a daily basis, and to say plenty of prayers. Of course, while not always possible, being able to get to meetings during travel is a real plus.


Member: Ben D.
Location: New Britain, Ct
Date: 8/2/2002
Time: 11:23:41 AM

Comments

Being sober is hard...cant do it on your own, no matter where you are.


Member: J-Rae
Location: N.D.
Date: 8/2/2002
Time: 2:12:09 PM

Comments

J-Rae, alcoholic here. Great Topic. I agreee that keeping spiritually fit is the best way to stay sober....ANYWHERE. That includes taking my Big Book with me, and other literature of A.A., finding meetings by looking up before hand where they are, keeping in contact with other A.A. members, and whatever works. Think the first drink through. (That will help not to even pick up that first drink). Thanks everyone for sharing. Have a great 24.


Member: Rebecca
Location: Dundalk md
Date: 8/2/2002
Time: 2:55:25 PM

Comments

Every day I face leaving my comfortable bed and going into public. Some days are fine other are not. I take my lunch, reading stuff(24hr, Little red book, other spirital stuff). No matter where I go I must pray. Sometime a lot. Sometimes about everything. And try to remain on positive thinking or happy thoughts. because a thought of God will chace evil away.


Member: Rich R
Location: Detroit
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 4:09:14 AM

Comments

Hi, Rich R, alcoholic. Talk about coincidences. We drove from Detroit to Boston this week. I found a 'new' AA meeting Thursday at noon in this small town. Then Thursday afternoon, I happened into the town library and logged onto this site to find the topic of staying sober while traveling! Neat. Anyhow, the last time we were visiting our son in this town was 15 months ago. I had a heck of a time locating a local AA meeting. I kept searching on the Internet and sure enough there was one EVERY weekday - get this - right across the street! Some guy from the next town decided to start it. He patterned it after his Lexington, MASS. meeting where each weekday at 6am they read a chapter from one of 5 AA books. He said he has a tough time reading, so this forces him to go thru the AA literature. He's been thru the Big Book 6 times this way so far! Today we travel from Boston to the beach at New Hampshire. Last August I went to a Saturday night meeting on a boat in Hampton Beach harbor (they call the meeting 'don't rock the boat'). At that meeting they announced a new meeting weekday mornings on the beach (actually a picnic table at the end of the beach). For the whole 2 weeks, I faithfully biked the ~5 miles for the 7am meeting. We read a whole lot of the big book while we watched the sunrise and enjoyed the fellowship of other AAs. Thanks for the topic and the memories!


Member: Tammy M
Location: Chicago
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 10:57:54 AM

Comments


Member: Tammy M
Location: Chicago
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 11:02:18 AM

Comments

I have been sober now for one year as of July 16 2001. I thought that as time passed, it would get easier, but the element of confidence and distance actually has been posing a greater challenge for me. I have been away from meetings for awhile, especially when stress in my life has kicked up; my son just had open-heart surgery. I feel extremely grateful for my sobriety, and am really starting to see life turn for the better. I don't know, but I thought these words may be encouraging to someone out there. Take care and God Bless,


Member: sheree j
Location:
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 12:41:26 PM

Comments

i can relate to all your stress i have a husband who has been sick


Member: DanaJ
Location:
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 12:44:03 PM

Comments

just saying hello


Member: Arnold T
Location: Yonkers
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 3:45:21 PM

Comments

I happened upon this website by accident. With God's help, I have been sober for 12 yrs in program. I came upon this board in searching for meeting locations in King of Prussia Pa. where I am going on a business trip. Whenever I travel, I check for meetings where I am going. I make a point to go to them as I usually travel by myself and get quite lonely. Solitude is a dangerous place for me so I make more meetings when I am on the road then at home. I have found the web a wonderful tool in finding meetings to attend. I do it one day at a time!


Member: Don A
Location: Arkansas
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 5:49:35 PM

Comments

Hi Fellow Travelers... Last January my Alanon and I opted to try the "snowbird" routine for a month in Gulf Shores, AL. We departed from home and as we leisurely drove that direction, I casually mentioned (with tongue in cheek) "we wouldn't have to attend those 'd---' meetings now for a month! She smiled. Only a few days after settling in we were at an Open Meeting....and we made several more during our stay. That is the way it has been for over 31 years. When away from the home group, we don't skip meetings...we seek them out. The new friends we have yet to meet are there.


Member: JimB
Location: RMI
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 5:59:02 PM

Comments

JimB. happy to know I'm alcoholic and grateful to be sober today. When I'm traveling I try to bring along sometype of A.A. literature to read in times of temptation. I can end up feeling very isolated and alone in unfamiliar surroundings in a strange local and naturally "earth" people have no concept of what A.A. is and why it is so very important for us as an alcoholic to stay sober, no matter what. Since these situations do not offer familiar support from like minded fellow alcoholics I can turn to the literature to reinforce my thinking towards staying sober. Also while flying on an airplane it is possible to ask the stewardess if she will ask if there are any friends of Bill W. onboard. This could be a great help to those of us trying to stay sober once the free drinks start being served. I myself have never used this method but I have heard of several instances of people who have. Just a thought. I also try to connect with meetings at whatever location I am going to. I like to see how the meetings are conducted at all of the various places I may venture to, so it is as much a part of the travel plan as any tourist destination. Finally when I was drinking travel and vacations were something that were automatically forfeited to the rapacious creditor of alcohol. I am so deep down happy now that that is not the case and by the grace of God I am able to partake of these luxuries once again! Thanks for 12 steppin' me.


Member: Jan BB
Location: NYC
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 6:22:58 PM

Comments

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for the shares, they have helped quite q bit. I got to a couple of meetings this week with my three year old who is with me on this month long trip. He has been a real trooper and well received in the meetings. Got to the Mustard Seed and a member told me of a meeting on Fridays that is held at GSO. We did get to the meeting, it was great and we were given a special quick tour of the offices, that was very interesting. In the evening when the little one is down, I read a bit of the Big Book and The Little Red Book. Everyone I have been visiting is in the program, three of whom I met via this site! We have been gone almost a week and my faith that all is well is strong, as is my connection the fellowship. Thank you so much everyone, we are indeed everywhere, well, almost.


Member: Jennifer G.
Location: Ottawa ,Ont.
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 8:22:58 PM

Comments

I am new to this kind of meeting. I am in my last week of Treatment at the Homewood Institute in Guelph, Ont. The Treatment team there has recommended that I go to a long term treatment facility. I am debating whether that would be right for me or not. If there is any one else who has gone to a longterm treatment home, I would welcome some feedback.


Member: Ann
Location: MA
Date: 8/3/2002
Time: 10:47:53 PM

Comments

Jennifer, Without knowing your story it's hard to say but I would guess that they have a good reason for thinking you need longterm care. I had gone to outpatient treatment after detox and I ended up drinking during that time. My case manager suggested I go to a halfway house. I had a 3 year old and a husband at home and I thought " what is this lady thinking - I can't just pick up and move out for 6 months - who's going to take care of my little girl (like I was doing such a great job!) It took me awhile to get sober though and when I look back I know I was crazy - I wasn't capable of taken care of myself let alone anybody else. My guess is that there might be pretty good reasons why the people taken care of you think you need longterm care. If it's not for you you can find out by going.