Member: Pat H.
Location: No. Virginia
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 09:22 AM
The first meeting I attended became my first home group. It was not easy for mew to go to a meeting. Isolating was how I always protected myself. The first time I walked into that meeting and somebody greeted me by name,I wanted to tuen and run out the door.--Somebody knew who I was! I felt so vunerable. But I managed to stay. As time went by I began to let go of some of that fear. People here were not judgementle and would just allow me to be me. There is a comfort that is hard to explain in being able to walk into a room where people know you and will accept no matter what you are going through. Find that place of comfort for you and make it your home meeting. You won't regret it.Did I mention?? I'm Pat,I'm an alcoholic.
Member: JohnA
Location: Manchester (UK)
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 10:02 AM
Hi All.John A alcoholic: Not put a posting up for a few weeks but still been reading this page. Does a home group have to be where u had your first AA meeting?
Member: AZbill
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 10:02 AM
One of the things that was suggested to me by my sponsor shortly after my very first meeting was to pick a home group. The home group is the heartbeat of AA. There is a book entitled just that. This is where the AA member begins to learn the "how" of Alcoholics Anonymous. This is where newcomers begin to feel at home. Feel like we belong somewhere. This is where we begin to know people and let people know us. This is where we feel safe. This is where the AA member takes the first tiny step into making the support support system of AA work. By dropping a buck in the basket each week. Or by washing coffee cups. Gives us a chance to participate in service work. This is where our journey begins. Thank you for being a part of my sobriety today. Bill. Email: az-bill@mindspring.com
Member: AZbill
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 10:06 AM
NO John A. it does not. The beauty of AA is that we can always change. This is true of Home Groups or sponsors. Pick one and get started you can alway change it later Bill. az-bill@mindspring.com
Member: bob r
Location: rrrrrrrrrRainbow city
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 10:52 AM
I have only 2 days sobriety this time my situation is desperate I may lose my family while drinking I turned myself in to cps because me and my wifes incessant arguements and my escalating beligerance tothe world in general ahome group would give me a base last week iattende ameeting and expected to ssee a old friend who ihad been sober with before he wasnt there so naturally i drank but kept it down to one large beer and abunch of benadryl
Member: John H
Location: Manchester UK
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 11:16 AM
Hi John A - I'm back from the outback! See you tomorrow? Re Home Groups - I don't have one as I've gone to different venues most nights of the week. We're lucky here in Sth Manchester 'cos there are several within range every night and some day time ones too. Nevertheless I'll always have a soft spot for the place I went on my first meeting - it was supposed to be a Step meeting but they dropped all that and just shared their experiences for my benefit. i felt truly humbled (and a bit embarrassed!) that all these lovely people were baring their souls for my benefit that night and from then onwards I have been on Recovery Road. If anyone out there is scared to go to their first meeting, please believe me that it's a fantastic feeling and you'll get hugs from everyone there (emotional hugs, that is!) - give it a go! Since then I've travelled the globe and have been fantastically welcomed at all the 'foreign' meetings I have visited, both home and abroad. Thanks for reading my shre.
Member: Tech
Location:
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 12:19 PM
Pls be sure to "reply" to the confirming email that we send back after you vote!! ...and be sure to vote!!
Member: Buddy S.
Location: New Orleans
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 12:37 PM
Too much uncertainty to choose a home group now. Don't know where I'll be living. Had a long term home group on Sunday mornings years ago. Went to an AA/Alanon meeting this morning around the corner this morning and enjoyed it. Knew people there from past recovery. If allowed back home, that will probably be new home group. There's something about Sunday mornings. New sobriety date: 12/13/02.
Member: Renee
Location: Apalachicola, FLA
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 01:38 PM
Happy Afternoonn to all ya'll........ Just thought I'd see if kat had checked in today...You are in my Prayers, kat. Keep coming back.. I belong to the Chronic Slippers Club....but I wanted so badly what I saw in other Sober Alcoholics that it finally "took", at least for today. I do it ODAAT...and I try and let God take care of what I can't do for myself....and that was quit drinking. I couldn't stop. We are human beings....with faults and always will be. You can choose to drink or not. But from my experience, I have found that being Sober is a far better way to Live. I am so grateful that I haven't YET had to go to jail or be covered up. I love AA and being Sober. Pls feel free to email me. magnoliagirl_2001@yahoo.com Take care all and have a Happy, Joyous Free Day...I love you all. Renee
Member: Dorine
Location: Manitoba, Canada
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 04:22 PM
Hi all! I'm Dorine and I am an alcoholic. I have a home group down south in Winnipeg. But right now I need to share here. I've just finished venting my frustrations on the coffee post and I'm still feeling blahhhh. I know that I can't drink and I am scared that I might go back out there. This geographic situation isn't the cure to my alcoholism. So right now I'm surfing the net to get out of my stinking feeling. So I think I'll e-mail some of you folks on this site. Later, D.
Member: LukeK
Location:
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 04:46 PM
Luke, here, alcoholic and now 6 days sober. I don't have a home group and don't plan on going to f2f meetings. I have benefited much from this site and another site with online meetings. I am feeling much better. I cycled 35 miles today and feel like I'm getting cleaned out physically and spiritually. I know I have a long, long road ahead of me but that I can get there by taking it one day at a time. That is so key. I shall not be drinking today.
Member: Deb S
Location: NH
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 05:29 PM
HiI'm Deb Sz and Fri the 13th I celebrated 30 days in sobriety. I still feel a bit miserable, but part of that is facing issues sober. I am learning to cope in an after care program called quitting time. I need to fill my "toolbox with what I need to stay sane & sober. I say the serenity prayer a lot these days. I am sober today, (day 32) and I am gratefull to God for that alone.
Member: Deb S
Location: NH
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 05:34 PM
HiI'm Deb Sz and Fri the 13th I celebrated 30 days in sobriety. I still feel a bit miserable, but part of that is facing issues sober. I am learning to cope in an after care program called quitting time. I need to fill my "toolbox with what I need to stay sane & sober. I say the serenity prayer a lot these days. I am sober today, (day 32) and I am gratefull to God for that alone.
Member: JohnA
Location: Manchester (UK)
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 05:36 PM
Hi all, John A, Welcome home John H, I wont be at Mondays Meeting but hopefuly see you Thursday. I have one or 2 places I could call a home group, Thats why I asked the question at the top of the page. Thanks AZbill for your words. Thanks you all for your shares John A..
Member: Pat F
Location:
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 09:29 PM
Hi, Pat F. here. I haven't been to an AA meeting yet. I've been sober for 10 days now - and for the past 3 it's been a real struggle. I have located a meeting and will be going, but doesn't meet til Thursday pm. ODAAT - I have been reading the "Big Book" and this website and am trying to draw some strength of conviction here. Until later.
Member: Karen P.
Location: Georgia, USA
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 10:17 PM
Hi, I'm Karen, alcoholic. I am nine months sober and still tonight I found myself irresistably drawn to a restaurant with a wine list with one of my favorite wines. I prayed the serenity prayer and asked whatever higher power might exist to lift the obsession. No meteor showers or anything, but I did drive past the restaurants and ate at home, no wine. I'm hoping all this will pass. I came perilously close tonight. Support welcome. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Renee
Location: Apalachicola, Fla
Date: December 15, 2002
Time: 11:04 PM
((Pat F and Karen P)) I love the f2f meetings...I was terrified at the first ones I attended, even though I knew almost everyone there.I live in a small town, but after awhile I loved it and it is now just another part of my daily routine...I know every night where I will be at 7:30pm.....7 days a week..Karen...by the time I got to AA I had given up on favorite wines..just as long as it was alcohol based I didn't care...I was finally into the screwtop stuff...But you are doing the right stuff...prayer always helps me and just to be Willing to ask your HP for help...and accepting it from Him/She/It...when I get RID...restless,irritable or discontent...I say the Third Step Prayer....makes me feel better right away...you're doing good..KIS,ODAAT Good Luck to you both Renee
Member: Kathleen
Location: Florida
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 01:20 AM
HI There , Kathleen alcholic. The home group is real important to me. My sponser suggested going to meetings every night, different meetings and find one that I was comfortable to be my home group, then offer to help make coffee, which I did for two years. Committing to a home group and making myself go every week not only helps me to stay sober it helpes me to become a responsible person. When I was drinking woudl always say I'll do this or I'll do that and then never show up. Thanks for being here for me.. Kathleen rambler@atlantic.net
Member: KenC
Location: Foresthill, CA
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 02:59 AM
Hi I'm Ken and I'm an alcoholic. My home group is a real lifesaver for me. when I walk in the door, I feel like I belong, and it's where my friends are now. I've been a chronic slipper also, but no one there gives up on me. I've got three days now. went to a meeting this morning, am going to a group in the next town with one of my home group fellows tomorrow. keep coming back, kcoons@foothill.net
Member: Mike W.
Location: Hillsdale, Mi. USA
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:14 AM
Hi I'm Mike and I'm a real alcoholic. I've been very blessed to be given the gift of a home group that has really opened my eyes to what this AA thing is all about.I wouudn't trade them for all the booze in China. AA offers me a new way of life that Gave me more than I ever could have expected.. I just got out of Prison 3 years ago this month for Fellony drunk driving. I had drank away all that was near and dear to me.. I was helpless and hopeless... Without AA > But when I was In I started grabing hold of this Life preserver YOU PEOPLE IN AA threw me and when I got out Got made a way where there seemed to be no way.. And three years ago if I'd have sat down and made a list with the Highest expectations of what I wanted to get outta this program, I'd have sold myself short. STICK WITH THE WINNERS ! It'll pay tremendous Dividends in every area of Life.. I've found A tremendous AA Speaker tape site I want to share with you.. This is not intended to take the place of FTF mtgs. but its a great source of our collective experiance, strength, and hope.. Check it out and add it to your favorites, won't you.. http://www.aaprimaryporpose.org/speakers.htm#P Thanks for being a part of my recovery.. Mike
Member: Mike W.
Location: Hillsdale, Mi. USA
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:22 AM
Sorry Folks.. Pimary Purpose...Not Porpose .LOL Try this link http://www.aaprimarypurpose.org/speakers.htm
Member: Debbie
Location:
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:51 AM
This is day 1 of soberity. I had 4 years sober, 4 years of drinking. The past couple of months many failed attempts at stopping. How do you get past feeling so bad about yourself because of all the failed attempts. Iam so frustrated with myself and scared I'll fail again. I just want to be free from this bondage. I know I need to go to meetings, but I keep making excuses. Iam sitting at work feeling bad because of drinking last night, fighting the tears, absorbed with self hatred. Please pray for me. Thanks
Member: Lessa E
Location: Chicago
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 11:37 AM
Lessa E here, grateful recovering alcoholic. Something I learned early in treatment was that I "compartmentalized". I never let any one person, certainly not any group of people, know EVERYTHING about me. I was too afraid for one thing. If they knew all about me, especially some of the shameful things I did while drinking, they wouldn't like me. But it also made me not accountable to anyone. By not telling anyone all my 'stuff' I didn't have to explain myself. Having a home group that knows all my 'stuff' is so important to this drunk. They don't judge me (well, most of them don't! *G). But, by opening up, by allowing them to see all of me, they are able to tell when I'm upset, when I'm angry, when something's bothering me before I do. All those things are pre-cursors to a first drink for this drunk. They can help this drunk see parts of her that she isn't always able to see. And, as several have pointed out, here's a place where I belong. I have folks who truly care for me. And that's something I never really had...folks who knew the good and bad - all of it - and loved me anyway. Lessa_e@hotmail.com
Member: Sarah
Location: NW USA
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 01:45 PM
Hi, my name is Sarah and I am a recovering alcoholic. Great topic for a early soberity meeting, joining a home group. When I walked into the door of A.A. as a practicing alcoholic; that was all I could see, myself and my life as a practicing alcoholic. But the A.A. members of the meeting I attended saw something else; they saw the possibility of a recovering alcoholic so these recovering alcoholic's shared their Experience, Strength and Hope. The sharing of Experience, Strength and Hope can turn the 'possibility' into reality day at a time. Keep coming back.
Member: AA woman
Location: USA
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 03:03 PM
Hello, I am once again trying to get sober and yet I still somehow always feel alone. In drinking I could hide my shyness and be this "friendly" person I thought I wanted to be. I did want to be this social person, only it really doesn't work if you fuel it w/alcohol.I'm left feeling more alone than ever plus I feel edgy every day w.out alcohol. I know I need help but to me, hearing others who as I do,will encourage me more than ever.I'm afraid I wil neer be "social" again.
Member: Kevin C
Location: Detroit
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 05:48 PM
Hi, my name is Kevin C from Michigan and I'm still an alcoholic. I'm thanking my higher power today that I haven't had to pick up a drink or a drug for over 5 months now... and that's a miracle! After spending a year in the "revolving door" program (in again, out again) and experiencing more misery and hopelessness than I thought was bearable, I'm slowly learning to let go and let God do it. I'm coming to believe that a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity. A big part of my recovery is my home group. I realize some here don't have face to face meetings within walking/driving distance, and I know God can keep you sober even without f2f, but I am incredibly thankful for my home group. Every time I'm there it really is like "coming home": a group of people who have seen me at my very worst, who have loved me when I couldn't love myself, and by their lives continue to share their experience, strength and hope. For those who have f2f meetings available in your area but are nervous about going, I resisted for a long time. ("Will they be a bunch of skid row losers or nutcases like they portray them on TV?" "Will they condemn me and laugh at me?") The truth is, in my home group I have found a real family, people who have been where I've been, felt what I've felt, and are simply there to give, expecting nothing in return. It wasn't a cliche last week when one member at the table said, "We're all cut from the same cloth. We're all a part of each other." LukeK, Debbie, Ken C, AA woman, Kim C, and everybody else, thanks for helping me stay sober this 24 hours. Keep coming back!
Member: Jerry S
Location: Hong Kong S.A.R.
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 08:23 PM
Member: Jerry S
Location: Hong Kong S.A.R.
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 08:35 PM
Jerry the chronic alcoholic here, I have not been to this site in years. I have been a chronic slipper and am doing my best to stay sober. I have recently moved from Nigeria to Hong Kong and have found a good lunch time meeting. I need a home group to keep me honest and connected. It is when I take trips and am away from my AA friends that I slip. Been sober two months now and doing my best one day at a time. It is embarrasing for me to have been going to meetings for years and having only two months sober. I guess I got humility/ego problems to work on. Feel free to email me if you want jar_head_28544@yahoo.com thanks for being here and sharing your programs with me.
Member: Tim B.
Location: Davenport,,
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:20 PM
Member: Tim B.
Location: Davenport,,
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:20 PM
Member: Tim B.
Location: Davenport, IA
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:22 PM
this page needs more porn and it might be halfway fucking interesting!
Member: Opal
Location: MI
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:38 PM
((Debbie)) so glad you are here!! It takes tremendous courage to get back in there and keep trying until it works. For me, I am not sure I have another recovery in me. My next slip will most probably be my last because I know that the disease is a progressive one. Even though I am not drinking, it is still there growing. ((AA Woman)) Glad you are here!! I drank to be sociable too. It was like a magical potion to make me beautiful, fun and interesting. Only I thought so though, usually I just looked loud and drunk. I promise you will find friends and a social life in recovery. The little, narrow life you lead when you are using is only a part of a normal life. When you stop drinking you notice so many people and things that you never noticed before, never tried before. Go to a meeting and see so many recovering people there laughing and enjoying themselves in recovery. That is something we all can have if we get to AA and try to do what they tell us. It worked for me and I was one step away from killing myself, the only way out I could see in that narrow view of life. There is so much joy I would have missed. God Bless.
Member: Opal
Location: MI
Date: December 16, 2002
Time: 09:41 PM
((Jerry S.)) don't feel embarassed for having attended AA for years. I am sober and will attend for the rest of my life if I want to stay that way. We are all just one drink away from a drunk and only have a one day reprieve. Take it hour by hour if day by day is too much. Keep trying until it works!! God Bless.
Member: Gage
Location: la
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 01:25 AM
We do some things in AA that seem silly. When I want to speak in a meeting or if I'm called on, I always say "I'm Gage and I'm an alcoholic". Then, everyone says "Hi, Gage!" That does seem silly to me, but I know the principle behind it and the principle isn't silly at all. By introducing myself that way I'm saying that I accept that this is the skin I'm in, and I accept that I'm an alcoholic -- two things that will always be true of me in this life. When the room says hello to me, then, they are telling me that they accept me this way. When you think about it, it really is a beautiful exchange. I like it. The place where it means the most to me is in my homegroup because these are people I've been with for a while now and they still accept me. There have always been people in AA who didn't have a group to be with in person. I think they used to call them "lone wolves". Those were people who for one reason or another could not attend meetings, so they got fellowship through the mail and the AA Grapevine. The truth is, I believe, the fellowship can be a huge help to us, but it's the program, the twelve steps, that is going to affect a change in us that will remove our obsession with alcohol and let us be sober. That's what I think is the truth anyway. So, a person could get and stay sober without the fellowship, it's conceivable. But I like my group. If any of you don't have meetings available or if for some reason you're not able to get to meetings, but you'd like to talk with someone occasionally, please feel free to e-mail me. You'd be helping me, and I'd appreciate it. Gage022501@aol.com
Member: Bill P.
Location: Michigan
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 09:33 AM
Hi Everybody, My name is Bill and I'm an alcoholic. ((Karen P.)) - I've been reading your posts since the beginning. I'm seven months sober and relate to your feelings. Yea, this disease just waits outside for us. It keeps asking if we want to come out and play. Thanks again for helping to keep me sober. ((Kevin C.)) - Thanks for checking in. It always gives me comfort to know that there are many of us in early sobriety that can help each other by sharing our observations and feelings. Keep coming back. I need you here to keep me sober too. ((Pat F.)) - Congratulations on your ten days! Get to that Thursday meeting. The F2F meetings have been essential in my recovery of seven months. This site is great, but no substitute for face to face contact with other alcoholics going through the same thing you are. I feel good today, and I thank God and this program (his gift to us) for helping me stay sober and learn to live happily without booze. Thanks for being here and keep coming back!
Member: Kim C
Location: BC, Canada
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 04:46 PM
Afternoon ((all)) Kim here...an alcoholic, on third sober day. I haven't got a home group...I cannot attend f2f meetings right now, though I wish I could. But I have felt very welcomed here...and have receive tons of support, and caring...and great ideas. I am graeftul for this site, you all...and TODAY. Kim
Member: Jan BB
Location: Paris, France
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 06:50 PM
I think a homegroup has been an important part of my recovery. I've always had one where ever I have lived in sobriety. This has been the one meeting that I attend no matter what and freely give service to. Having a homegroup has given me the chance to take the risk of letting other's get to know me and I them. To track the real life week to week of members, to care and be there for them. I learned so much by asking questions my first six months of sobriety, after the meeting at coffee and my homegroup were the people that I felt comfortable in chatting with and feeling close to. Thanks for letting me share, and welcome to the newcomers. janbbparis@yahoo.com
Member: AZbill
Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 08:21 PM
I have just located an old file "Slips and Human Nature" written by Bill Silkworth of the "Doctors Opinion" It really turned on the light bulb for me. It may help over the holidays. I will email it to you on request. Bill. email: az-bill@mindspring.com
Member: Opal
Location: MI
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 09:47 PM
((Kim C.)) Congratulations on 3 days! Awesome accomplishment!! F2F meetings are more support too, just please make sure you mean there are no meetings to attend, not that you won't go. You would be cheating yourself out of alot of support that F2F meetings have to offer. Keep coming back. God Bless. opals@sobercity.com
Member: Kim C
Location: BC, Canada(bc_girl@mail.com)
Date: December 17, 2002
Time: 10:01 PM
((Opal)) Thank you, and yes...I mant there are no meetings readily available to me....which is unfortunate. Thank you for your support, and for being part of what is keeping me sober TODAY. Kim
Member: LukeK
Location:
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 07:59 AM
Luke, here an alcoholic from Massachusetts. I am now 9 days sober. Still working on adjusting my way of thinking. Each day gets better.
Member: Bob r
Location: rainabow city
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 08:00 AM
Hello im in a hurry to start work so iwont share long since last posting i have 3dayys sober I am required now to go to ameeting aday more or less a home group would give me abase stilltrying to hook up with old contacts god bless all
Member: Kathy P.
Location: Mass
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 08:09 AM
Good morning everyone. This is Kathy P. alcoholic. I am seven weeks sober now and grateful for every day. I still don't go to face to face meetings even though there are plenty I could attend since I live in a suburban area. I consider you all to be my home group and feel like I have gotten to know some of you through your posts. Thanks again for being there for me and hope I have been able to pass along some encouragement myself. This holiday season does bring its' own stresses and I notice my desire for alcohol has increased a little, although thankfully not enough to make me seriously want to consider taking a drink. I have been feeling so well physically and so much happier mentally that I would be a fool to wreck that now. Just want to pass along the encouragement to others who are not able to attend meetings that it is still possible to stay sober without them although I know most of you don't recommend that approach. Also for those of you who are around alcohol a lot and find it harder to say "no," my husband still drinks and I never expected him to quit just because I did. He rarely drank to the excess that I did however. I have alcohol in my house everyday, but I choose not to drink it. I try never to forget that no matter what the circumstances or the temptations that it is my personal responsibility to stay sober and my choice to either drink or not. Happy holiday everyone. And love to you all.
Member: Joe P
Location: Chicago
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 09:20 AM
My name is Joe, and I am an alcoholic. Buddy � Make as many meetings as possible. I would recommend that you choose meetings and a sponsor based on where you live today. You can always change those things if necessary if where you live changes. Karen P � You asked for help and you made it through sober. WTG! Bob R � Keep at it ODAAT! I have two step meetings that I attend on a regular basis that I would consider my home groups. I hate to miss these meetings. I don�t know exactly how they became my home groups, it just happened. I was told early on to attend regular meetings on a regular basis. If you return to some of the same meetings over and over, you get the rewards of the fellowship. Don�t drink and go to meetings. Joe � joep041699@mindspring.com
Member: Bill P.
Location: Michigan
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 09:22 AM
Hi Kim C. - How are you doing? Remember, one day at a time. You are on my morning prayer list. Take care and enjoy the day. Bill
Member: Debbie
Location: PA
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 09:58 AM
Bill AZ - Thanks so much for the article "Slips and Human nature. It takes away some of the shame and gives great insight on how to avoid a slip. Day 3- Thanks again! - Debbie
Member: Craig L (Dogmanor@yahoo.com)
Location: Aloha, Oregon
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 10:56 AM
My first home group, was loaded with a bunch of younger people, who were trying to stay out of jail. The West Side Center had become the social center for these social outcasts, and after a couple years they had taken control of the club. The 12&12 calls them �bleeding deacons�. The newcomers were free game for Amway pitches and mean spirited bullying. The meetings there are a riot of disrespect, snickering and side conversations. It�s a real zoo. LOL I often heard them say �It doesn�t matter who is right, only who is left�. Early in recovery I went to 10 or more different meetings a week, so I knew there were alternatives, but my sponsor pointed out that what I see in others is only a reflection of myself, so I committed to going to the Surrender Group every day at 5:30 for a year. I prayed for everyone I resented, but after the year was up, I was sure happy to give up that meeting. Today I call myself a survivor of the Surrender Group and there aren�t many of us. I learned a great deal about tolerance and my own character defects. I was so defeated by alcohol, I was made willing to sit in that group and examine my part in my resentments. Today, I still stop in there occasionally and not much has changed. I encourage the newcomers I meet there to try lots of different meetings, before they let that group define AA for them. My home group for the past several years is a men�s meeting. There are guys there who know everything about me and I can�t get away with my own BS with them. I love many people there and love was impossible for me to imagine just a few years ago.
Member: Ryan
Location: New Mexico
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 10:09 PM
Hi I'm Ryan alcoholic I am greatful I was able to stay sober today, because it is the toughest day of the week for me.Kathy P. I am also 7 weeks sober and also feeling better everyday.Congrats to you.I do not have a home group yet,but checking in here has helped me. Thanks Ryan
Member: Opals
Location: MI
Date: December 18, 2002
Time: 10:26 PM
((Kim C.)) Keep hanging in there, it gets better every day I promise! It is too bad there are no meetings to attend near you but you can use me as a sponsor if you like. Opals@sobercity.com. Congrats to ((Ryan, Luke, Debbie and Bob)) you are doing great. God Bless you all and grant you strength to fight this disease we have in common.
Member: Karen P.
Location: Wrightsville & Atlanta, GA
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 12:25 AM
Hi, I'm Karen, Alcoholic. I've never formally joined a homegroup but I definitely have one. I look for the familiar faces there, and keep up with who's missing. It is the f2f meeting I want to go to, one where I hope I am also missed when I am not there. I'm moving up on a year of sobriety, not without ups and downs, and an ongoing struggle with urges to drink, but I'm working on it and hope that there is a HP that can relieve me of the obsession. I have prayed based on that, and hoping for results. I thank each of you who has responded to my posts. It is confirming and helpful to have your support.
Member: Kathy P.
Location: Mass
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 09:56 AM
Congrats on your seven weeks too, Ryan. Great to hear from you. Good to hear that you are hanging in there too Kim C. and trying again. The first two weeks were definitely the hardest for me and I came close many times to just throwing in the towel. But if you can just grit your teeth and do whatever it takes to stay sober there is smoother sailing ahead. Kudos to all of you who are still trying and not giving up.
Member: Ryan
Location: New Mex
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 10:35 AM
Hi Ryan here alcoholic, this is to Luke K and Bob R.Good job keep hangin in there,you can do it.I don't think there has been one day that has gone by that I have wanted to pick up a 12 pack or a bottle,but you have to fight the urge.Because after that 12 pack is gone,then what do you do. Starts the cycle all over again.And it is not worth it.
Member: JL
Location: The Beach
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 02:03 PM
Jeff here, alcoholic. If you are new to AA and are just wondering how you are going to make it a sober holiday season go to a meeting. Go to a meeting where they celebrate birthdays. Go to a meeting where they hand out chips. This morning I did not want to go to my regular meeting. I was going to use the excuse that we were out of milk at home. I went and today at that meeting we celebrated one year, eight years, seventeen years, and nineteen years. If all those folks had the desire to stop drinking before Christmas and kept it for that amount of time anything is possible. This is my homegroup and if I did not go I would be shortchanging myself of sharing in the celebration of all that sobriety. I heard everything I needed to hear to stay sober for today. Praying the serenity prayer with a bunch of recovering alcoholicw is an experience that I really enjoy. We have lives worth living today and the evidence is in the rooms. Starting next week I will be in a new meeting. Sharing with a new group of folks I have never met. I don't know what the format will be. I don't know if it will be two or twenty, but it doesn't matter. I am on vacation and I will be working the AA program to the best of my ability.
Member: LukeK
Location:
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 02:23 PM
Hi everyone, Luke again. I just want to encourage all that are starting out in sobriety to keep hanging in there! Today is day 10 for me and feel real hope now. Ryan put is so well about the 12 pack. Sure it might feel good but the seeming happy feeling is so fleeting and then you're left with nothing but guilt and a hangover. It is not worth it! Thanks for all the encouragement and for the many principles I've learned through AA. It is possible to gain many benefits just through online AA. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Chris H.
Location: Fla.
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 03:45 PM
I'm chris---I'm an alcoholic/addict....Having a home group has been so important to me because it has given me people who really understand what I go through. It has given me people I can relaly be honest with ...who won't think I am crazy or judge me...They also give me accurate , honest feed back without judging me...From the fellowship I recieved from my home group...I no longer had to feel like a square peg in a round hole. And for the three or so years that I had to miss meetings I really suffered. I got a serenity from being at meetings that I have never gotten anywhere else. Merry Christmas to all...
Member: Renee
Location: Apalachicola
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 04:25 PM
Hello All...Renee here...still an Alcoholic...Since I leave in a very small town, most of my Homegroup is made up of people that I actually drank with. And many of us have been friends for 12yrs or more. When I finally got to AA I realized that I wanted what my friends had and found out that even though I was in and out for almost 4 yrs, they were always there for me before, after and during my drinking. They stuck by me and held my hand when I was whining and bitching. There are some people in my Homegroup whose personalities I don't particularly appreciate, but I know that placinig Principals before personalities is very important to my Sobriety. I choose to look past their irritating comments and holier than thou attitudes and realize that some are sicker than others and that all we are trying to do is get better. This is a Journey, a road to a New Freedom amd Happiness...we cannot do it alone.."we are all just Angels with one Wing; but Together We can Fly". I love my Homegroup and depend on them to help keep me Sober, they each have a different take on Life and the Steps and I take what I think I need and leave the rest,,,knowing that it's always there if I need to go back and pick it up. The disease we suffer from is a family disease and these people are MY family. It is progressive and the only way this Drunk can deal with it is ODAAT witht he help of my AA Family and my HP. I'm kinda rambling and off the subject. Having a Homegroup lets me know I belong somewhere at LAST!! I never belonged before...when I walk in that Room every night I know I am Home. Love, Renee
Member: janet L
Location: Costa Rica
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 05:29 PM
Hi, I'm janet, an alcoholic. I remember home groups. Wish I had one here, but there are none. So I have been reading this site for days and feel like I know some of you already. I really want what ya;ll have. Thanks for being there. Janet
Member: gallagher
Location: seoul, korea
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 10:11 PM
this is off topics once again: has anyone experienced sore gums/mouth/teeth after a binge where one isn't eating correctly? last night was my first night without alcohol in about 3 weeks. the last week was a proper binge, drinking everyday and often only having one lousy meal a day. for the past three days, my gums and mouth have been incredible sore -- just a dull ebbing pain that won't go away. aspirin helps a little, but not much. a korean pharmacist here told me, in broken english, that the pain comes from a vitamin deficiency because of drinking. it makes sense to me, judging from my outrageous diet over the past few weeks. i'm just curious -- has anyone else experienced this after a bender/ poor diet? how long did it last? any way you found relief? there are no visible sores or anything, it's just a vague pain, almost like your wisdom teeth are coming in, but i'm 30 so that isn't possible. i don't know what else to do but stop drinking and force-feed myself with 3 healthy meals a day and taking mega doses of multi vitamins. thanks in advance for any advice. -- gallagher
Member: Marv L
Location: Laurel,Ms
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 10:32 PM
Hi,Marv,alcoholic,enjoyed your shares! Saw the young man who made a new one minute "pitch} for the military training,will be shown on tv,and the thing that impressed me a LOT was what he said about how he had changed with rigorous military training: " What I am is SO much better than what I was!" AA helped me become a sober man,and what I am today is SO much better than what I was! Yeah,early sobriety hurts sometimes,but the changes we make are necessary if we are to live sober.And,I owe a lot to my home groups over the years,to several sponsors (Some were a lot like drill sargents, LOL) I"ve seen groups come and go,havent found a perfect group yet,but when I think about it, maybe thats good--a perfect group might check ME out too closely,and wouldnt let me in!! Without the fellowship,and a higher power,and working the twelve steps on a daily basis,i KNOW this itty bitty shitty committee that can get inta my brain on occasion would weaken my priorites,and DRUNK ID BE!!!Sobriety gets better all the time,I wish for all the best of sober days,hang in there!!!!
Member: FC
Location: CA
Date: December 19, 2002
Time: 11:48 PM
Hi ya all, Wow Home groups, Cant really say what I thought about that untill last night. Been going to AA for about 2 1/2 months dazed and confused, still not getting why I have to do all this stuff like, Keeping regular meetings, commitments, calling your sponser daily. I just kind of figured every meeting was a home group. Last night we kind of had a early christmas party for the group, Yeh know, the secret Santa stuff, I landed up getting a card that said "Welcome Home" and a book called "Came to Believe", boy, they sure know how to hit the newcomers. I was quite overwhelmed, I have never experienced things like this before without some kind of alchohal being involved. So for me, I guess I can call a Home group where your most comfortable at being, and the people around actually give a shit about you, even when you don't yourself. With simple phone calls, cards, or little gifts, or just by asking how your doing today floors me. But the AA program is a powerful thing if you let it in. I definetly have not made the right choices thru the course of going thru AA but as times ticks by, and I stay with the Winners, I know I will be able to achieve Sobriety. Still getting taught how, but the outcome, I'm sure will be prosperous. Have a good night all and don't pick up that first drink!
Member: Karen P.
Location: Wrightsville & Atlanta, GA
Date: December 20, 2002
Time: 12:01 AM
Hi, I'm Karen, and I'm an alcoholic. I spent the last two days at the hospital with my best friend, who had to have a knee replacement. Relationships take a lot of work and so does sobriety. That ain't a lecture, just a fact. The good thing is, I'll be helping her recover at home next week and will be able to attend my home group more than I usually can, because I work out of town. Guess I really didn't have a lot to say tonight, but wanted to check in. Thanks for being here.
Member: Kevin C
Location: Detroit
Date: December 20, 2002
Time: 08:19 AM
Happy holidays, ((everyone)). My name is Kevin C. and I'm an alcoholic. Wow. I'm grateful that I woke up this morning hungry instead of hungover, yawning instead of shaking, in my home instead of behind bars. There's so much to be thankful for, because I have a disease that kills people, a disease that constantly tries to tell me I don't have a disease. I've been given a 24 hour reprieve from this disease... a pure gift called sobriety. I don't ever want to take that gift for granted. I could NOT stop on my own... my sobriety is nothing short of a daily miracle. There was a time not long ago when I had lost all hope that it could ever happen to me, but it really is happening ONE DAY AT A TIME. Life still has its challenges, but when I think about the living hell I was in a year ago, physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually... I can never say THANK YOU enough! I'm learning to laugh again, but I never want to forget how much I cried. It would be insanity to go back to all that shit again, but I need the grace of God and the fellowship of AA (home groups and this incredible group of people here) to keep that sanity! I'll keep coming back. Thanks for helping me learn how to live.
Member: A friend
Location:
Date: December 20, 2002
Time: 11:53 AM
Gallagher: saw your post and wanted to let you know that the most important vitamins you can take right now in addition to a daily multivite are thiamin, vitamin B and B12. I am a nurse who treats alcoholics at the hospital and those are the ones we give them intraveniously when they come in after a bender. Make sure you get the recommended daily dose of those for the time being until your health is more stable, then check back with your doctor.
Member: Kelly M
Location: New Hampshire
Date: December 20, 2002
Time: 02:37 PM
Hi All, Kelly here, very grateful alcoholic. I still don't have a home group yet but have several meetings I like and have friends at. I was at a meeting Tuesday and was asked to speak. I know I should have said yes but don't feel ready yet at 3 months. I have practiced in the mirror type thing but my story is not funny and it makes me sad. It makes me want to drink. This is probably just a new sobriety thing we all go through. Yesterday a really great speaker said that his sponsor said when you are asked to speak it brings up a certain amount of ego in you. The best way to look at it is that they usually ask the sickest person in the room to speak. In other words get off yourself! In my case speaking could only help. I just hope everyone can handle my story... Oh, the crazy things I did! The situations, the insanity, how did I live through it? I have no clue. Will have to pare it down quite a bit. I'll speak when I'm ready. Just for today (babysteps) for this drunk. ODAT................Watch out for people, places and things this holiday season, there everywhere!...........Kelly ;)
Member: Pat F.
Location: California
Date: December 20, 2002
Time: 11:24 PM
Hi Again, Pat F. here - alcoholic. I attended my first AA meeting yesterday... It was scary and I felt very nervous, but everyone there was friendly, supportive and genuine. It was refreshing to go somewhere where no one stands in judgement of you. It was a "speaker" night and I was totally amazed at how this person got up in this room and honestly told his story. I hope someday that I can let God guide me to the point where I can feel so "open" with my fellow alcoholics. I will definately be returning to more meetings. Thanks for being here and (Bill P., thanks for the extra encouragement). You were right. ODAAT.
Member: Gage
Location: La
Date: December 21, 2002
Time: 05:00 AM
I'm Gage and I'm an alcoholic. I hope that all of you here, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, will find this season one full of joy and wonder. You may not think that is possible if you are in your first few days without a drink, but it is. I want you all to know that there isn't a single one of you in whom I can't see myself, your doubts and fears. When I came to AA I was filled with fear and I had no hopes. I couldn't imagine not having a drink for two days, let alone a week, a month, or a year. But God willing, I am about to celebrate my second sober Christmas! The folks in AA, by sharing their own experiences, strengths, and hopes with me, convinced me that my fears were just part of the fabric of the big lie I had woven and had taught myself to believe over all those years of drinking. It had lead me straight into hell and I didn't have any way to get out -- not even alcohol could erase my pain anymore. But I still didn't think that I could live without alcohol. These AA people all knew that was true, and they asked me if I knew it was true. When I was able to answer yes, it's true, they laughed! There I was admitting that I was in this awful fix, totally screwed, and they seemed happy about it! Well, I see you people in one way or another admitting that you are in the same shape all over this board, and it's making me smile too. I'm smiling because I know it means that you are standing in the doorway out of hell. If you can admit that you just can't handle alcohol, but you just can't leave it alone, then, you are in better shape than you know. That's your first step toward freedom. There are eleven more of them. KELLY, you don't have to tell those folks where you've been -- they already know. If you are at the place I just described, why don't you just tell them that? If you feel something welling up inside of you when you do it, I hope you will just let it come on out. It may come out in tears, you may even vomit, I don't know. But what it will be coming out of you, (or at least what it was for me), is that hurtful pride that has been weighing you down all this time. You don't need it anymore, darling. Kick it to the side. Peace be with you all. Merry Christmas!
Member: anonymous alcoholic (DOS 12/12/90)
Location: 2689 Ridgecrest Drive
Date: December 21, 2002
Time: 05:06 AM
I just joined a home group this year. When I first got sober I considered a group near work my home group, BUT I never did anything to be part of that group except show up at meetings and TAKE my annual anniversary cake there. When I retired, I found a group close to home (in fact, I walk there). A few months ago I was elected chairperson (first time in 12 years for this fellowship). This month I was elected group 'librarian'. The main function for our librarian is to buy and raffle off AA literature. In the past this had been AA books, pamphlets, and sometimes bumper stickers. Well, I thot it would be nice to add AA Conference Speaker tapes and CDs to the mix. Since most of AA is verbal and many people do not really like to read that much. Anyway, it has been fun and enlightening to listen to tapes of speakers like Clancy I, Paul O, Jack B, Ed M, Otto M, Earl H, and others in order to select the best ones for our raffle. Plus, I feel so much more a part of the group now that I am taking an active role. Thanks for letting me share.
Member: Donna P
Location: Fl
Date: December 21, 2002
Time: 05:44 PM
Home groups are important to me because these are the people who really get to know me & keep me honest. I was told to get a home group when I was 6 mo sober. I was to pick the one I felt most comfortable in. I was not to look for a perfect one as I was not perfect & never would be. In my home group I learned how to do service work. Started with setting up chairs, making coffee & cleaning ashtrays. Then I started chairing. I became active in my home group (group meetings) Became a GSR & became active in District then in Area. None of this would have been possible for me wihtout a home group. Getting a sponsor does not have to be one in your home group. Just someone who HAS WORKED THE STEPS & CAN SHOW YOU HOW TO WORK THEM. The meetings are the fellowship the program is working the steps. The fellowship showed me that being sober could be fun. The steps showed me how to not always be thinking of drinking or not drinking. The steps will make that of no importance as long as you continue practicing this way of life. At least that has been my experience. When I got here I had not had a day with out drinking in years, now it has been years that I have not drank. Life takes on new meaning. LIFE GETS GOOD. Have a great Holiday enjoy it sober.
Member: Helena
Location: Australia
Date: December 22, 2002
Time: 06:26 AM
Helena, alkie, 5 months sober and gratefully looking forward to my first sober christmas. Two things on this topic - getting a home group was a real struggle for me as I didn't feel really comfortable with any one group so for the first few months I made sure to do some service work at each meeting I went to - setting up chairs, laying out coffee cups, taking a cake etc. This gave me a sense of belonging to AA as a whole and also took some of the pressure off to choose a home group IMMEDIATELY. My first ( declared ) home group was chosen because it was a meeting that was struggling a bit and I felt I had to be a member if I wanted to help it to keep going. I have now joined a women's group that I am so totally comfortable with and am doing service work by helping to choose some new readings based on the women's stories in the back of the Big Book - just on that - there is some FANTASTIC stuff in those 11 stories and I thoroughly recommend any women to revisit our sisters in sobriety - so far I have 35 DYNAMITE readings with so much hope and inspiration for recovering alcoholics, and I am having lots of trouble trying to decide which ones to present to the group conscience. Back to my home group though, it was a big decision for me and I am really glad that I took the time to find the right group for me, but I am also glad that I treated every meeting like it was my home group for those few months - I now have a fantastic support network across many meetings and have made some great friends along the way. I love the intimacy of my home group but I feel just as much at home in any meeting that I go to.