Member: Jenny M.
Location: Washington
Remote Name: 198.81.26.74
Date: November 16, 2003
Time: 09:25 PM -0500

Comments

Yes HALT is very importand and when I am feeling any of these if I just take care of it I will find my serenity again.


Member: eric q
Location: wi
Remote Name: 12.73.153.60
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 01:43 AM -0500

Comments

Someone smart wrote: "There is NO "magic formula" or "secret recipe" or "silver bullet" or whatever, there's only you and God and finding out what your personal path to sobriety is." Keep up the good thoughts, it helps us ALL.


Member: Ann
Location: Ohio
Remote Name: 205.188.208.101
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 06:38 AM -0500

Comments

HALT... whether drinking or not, HALT is common sense.. those are "triggers" for all of us. Especially us alcoholics who tend to say "poor me". Remember, you are not alone. Everyone is going thru the ups and downs and most of them don't pick up the bottle. So just keep going to meetings and sharing. Here's to another sober 24 to all.


Member: andrew30
Location: k.
Remote Name: 66.191.183.251
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 11:29 AM -0500

Comments

Well, this is day 2 of hopefully a sober and sane life ahead of me after 15 or so years of drinking, irresposibility and craziness. i've tried before but didn't have much luck. i had a real wake up call last weekend and almost went to jail. i'm approaching getting sober this time with a lot more seriousness and motivation. temptations await around every corner, but with a little luck and help from my hp i can remain clean. i just want to make it through today without drinking and i hope that will lead to many sober days to come. i start each day with a prayer and a journal entry of this board. also, i will go to one or 2 face-to-face meetings daily for the first couple of weeks. if i fail this time the only other option is rehab in a treatment center. good luck to all of you out there who are beginning this dangerous and uncertain journey.


Member: Kim D
Location: Bridgewater
Remote Name: 209.113.227.200
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 01:56 PM -0500

Comments

H.A.L.T. - all of those "triggers" relate to feelings for me. Being crabby, irritable, discontent... way too easy to get a case of the "f-its" when faced with any of these conditions. Life can cause us to reel at times. Why not minimize the risk of relapsing by paying attention to: 1) When did I eat last? 2) What am I angry at? 3) Am I lonely? If so, what can I do about it? 4) What's my schedule been like? Am I over tired and need to rest? H.A.L.T. is a good method to check my internal "compass" when it seems to be a bit askew. Better to be vigilant than to be drunk, yes? ;-)


Member: William S
Location: Austin, TX
Remote Name: 128.83.117.23
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 02:07 PM -0500

Comments

HALT is about living sober. Day 40 and most of my quirkier moments are attributable to one or several legs of HALT. But it's a lot more awareness than I had when I was in a dry drunk or actively using. I strongly suggest the "Living Sober" book published by AA. Might seem too basic at first but it's about living day-to-day in sobriety, and the more positive suggestions I get, the better. And as in all things, the key is trying to find balance (versus eating all the chocolate you can get your hands on).


Member: katd
Location: so cal
Remote Name: 67.115.9.22
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 05:27 PM -0500

Comments

I can handle the hungry one. The others seem to be beyond me. My two year old seems to determine my tiredness. He sleeps fitfully, has night terrors and wakes easily. Lonely, I dont know anyone where I live besides husband and son and x. I know i do need to go to live meetings to change that but even when i do that i am so full of fear of people that i rarely interact with anyone. Angry, i suppose it is my attitude towards everything. My prob is i let a lot of things upset me. I get frustrated with people. My x wants to fight me for custody. My current husband acts like a total jerk. My kid wont stop hitting. Whatever. Things I cant control - I havent figured out how to control my responses. I have kinda been mad at GOd. I see too many horrors to think that He can do the job. So what do I do. SOunds great to never get HALT or to immediately remedy them. But doing it is another deal.


Member: AZbill
Location: azbill1172@cox.net
Remote Name: 68.0.184.118
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 08:16 PM -0500

Comments

HI. Bill here Alcoholic from Arizona. I agree with Ann. This is just common sense advice for anyone. It was practiced my last department I worked before retiring. My Boss did not "allow" us to skip breaks and lunch. On top of that he told me that if I was having trouble with a difficult patient just excuse myself and go outside for a minute vacation. Take a deep breath and return. It worked. Thanks for all of your input. Bill


Member: Craig K
Location: Chassell, MI
Remote Name: 24.213.46.179
Date: November 17, 2003
Time: 08:26 PM -0500

Comments

Craig K, alcoholic from Michigan. HALT is very important to remember. After 1.5 years of sobriety, I forgot about the importance of not becoming Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. I relapsed. After a 6-month binge, I'm just clawing my way back. 24 hours down, and a lifetime of sobriety to go. If I go to meetings, work my program, and remember HALT, I know I can prevent another relapse and achieve many happy years of sobriety.


Member: Kelly M
Location: NH
Remote Name: 64.12.96.44
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 02:14 AM -0500

Comments

Hi ((All)), This HALT thing makes sense now sober. I was hungry, angry, lonely and tired when I drank and it was bearable to feel lousy all the time. Now that I feel good and my head is cleared out I seem to notice when I'm not taking care of myself. Being tired is when I am the most vulnerable to snap with anger. I get cranky! I take naps now and that refreshes me. I still have a crazy sleep and wake schedule but refuse to take a sleeping pill. It makes me feel hung over.... lol. I think halt is just good common sense. Kind of like a saying my father used to tell me... "Early to bed, early to rise, make you healthy, wealthy and wise". Since I was so sick with alcoholism I needed to learn to get healthy again. I never ate, drank alone and isolated, hated the world for all the bad things in my life, slept when I passed out, got up when I came to and that (seemed) normal. It's pretty cool sober because I'm actually (present) in my life again and I like to feel healthy and good. The only times recently I thought about picking up a drink were when I was overtired and angry at someone/ something. My guard was down and then the old thoughts came back. I can't leave myself vulnerable like that. I need to take a nap and pick up the phone and talk to someone in AA or get to a meeting and connect with another drunk. It works every time! I walk away feeling better. "Taking care of yourself is not self-centered, it is centering yourself". Kelly :)


Member: Ann
Location: Ohio
Remote Name: 205.188.208.101
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 05:33 AM -0500

Comments

47 days.. wow.. seems like a lot longer. Funny how that happens sober.. when you are using things happen in a much shorter time. :) Anyway, Kelly, I can relate. I also didn't take care of myself, and it seemeed normal. I didn't eat. Drinking made me full. I slept o.k., but had anxiety attacks alot. Now I know that is related to the drinking. I have found if I have trouble sleeping I take melatonin. I take a very small dose, and I wake up refreshed. You might want to read about it on the web. It is naturally produced by our body, but when we get older, it decreases. Anyway, I hardly ever need that either as my body is adjusting to sobriety. Now to just stop eating the sweets.. my next goal. Here's to another sober 24 for everyone! And thank you for all of your posts.


Member: toddc
Location: Indianapolis
Remote Name: 65.26.180.227
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 06:01 AM -0500

Comments

Todd here i'm an alcoholic. Thank you ann for the post about melatonin, I'll check it out on the web, and maybe give it a try. Been 18 days for me and I have noticed a change in my habits, such as eating at least a little something for breakfast. I haven't eaten breakfast for years. I have been tired lately, and wondered why. Someone suggested that it might just be because I'm not passing out into a deep sleep now like before. If that is the case I am more tham willing to get accustomed to it. Here is to another successful 24 for not only myself , but for all my fellow posters out there. Take Care.


Member: andrew30
Location: k.
Remote Name: 66.191.183.251
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 09:22 AM -0500

Comments

wow ... day 3 of sobriety. great feeling to wake up without a hangover. if i can just get through today and the week and the month and the rest of my life. lol. i missed the face-to-face yesterday and can't go today because of family responsibilities, but will go as soon as possible. it's important to not forget how sick we are. i've started a routine that i hope will help me not forget: 1. wake up with a prayer to my hp to get me through the day 2. read commentary on step that i'm working in "Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions." 3. post a journal entry on this board 4. attend one or more face-to face meetings, if possible 5. read a chapter in the big book (until i'm finished 6. end the day with a prayer to my hp I am also trying to improve my nutrition to counteract withdrawal: 3 meals a day, fruit shakes/smoothies and several vitamins daily (B-complex, a multi and a Magnesium supplement). I've never been the kind of alcoholic who wakes up and starts drinking and drinks all day. I'm a daily drinker who starts craving a drink after dinner ... sometimes as late as 10 or 11 p.m. I have a hell of time sleeping without it and suffer anxiety attacks/ restlessness when I'm not using. I'm hoping that will start to cease as my mind/body/soul adjusts back to its natural rythmn. God grant me the serenity not to pick up today. Best wishes to the rest of you struggling with this curse.


Member: Landru
Location: SF Bay Area
Remote Name: 63.205.68.241
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 10:26 AM -0500

Comments

HI - Landru, alcoholic. I had 90 days last week and I'm very grateful. I find that in addition to paying attention to HALT, (and I have to pretty regularly,) that I think exercise is a big part of why I made it this far. Just after I got sober, I started riding my bicycle to work. It also made it so I could make lunchtime meetings by just zipping over several blocks and not worrying about parking. When the time change happened and the rains came, I didn't ride because of the dark and wet, and I really missed it, I was much more stressed, and had some of the hardest times I've had since joining AA. I have recently put on lights and fenders on my bike, and I am feeling great - well, a lot better. Anyway, folks, keep coming back.


Member: Kim D
Location: Bridgewater
Remote Name: 209.113.227.200
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 11:10 AM -0500

Comments

((katd)) I have a 2 1/2 year old who still doesn't sleep through the night. I can relate! Also, I tend to isolate and making friends is sometimes an effort to me. However, when broken down DAILY, managing the effects of HALT really is doable. Keep it in the NOW - right where your feet are planted. Baby slept fitfully last night and your wiped? K... make sure you eat little meals to keep your energy going and get to bed early tonight. Things like that. The OVERALL, BIG PICTURE can be really intimidating... but TODAY, well, I can handle 24 hours. ;-)


Member: Dietrich M
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan for now!
Remote Name: 217.21.147.133
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 02:35 PM -0500

Comments

OM NAMAH SIVAYA, OM SHANTI TO ALL! hello everyone, H.A.L.T, is so very important to me being in the military, for if I'm not in the right state of mind, I can say or do things that can cause alot of problems, possibly even the worst thing.... so anytime I see one of my FLAGS pop up, I do what I need to do to get it put away. my prayers are to all you who are tryiny this program out for the first or second or.... you know, time. your friend from accross the big pond, DM! OM SHANTI!


Member: Tim V
Location: Poconos
Remote Name: 64.21.98.130
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 02:39 PM -0500

Comments

When I first heard someone use HALT at an AA meeting, I rolled my eyes and thought "how simplistic" in a condesending way of course. 24 years later I still use this wisdom to help me analyze what is wrong with me. Now I marvel "how simple". Thanks for helping me stay sober today. Blessings, Tim


Member: katd
Location: so cal
Remote Name: 67.115.8.223
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 04:15 PM -0500

Comments

Hi, Thank you very much Kim for the input. You are right. I live way too far into the future/past and in the mean time mess up today. I had 4 days and then drank last night. Had a number of meetings scheduled but one thing or another ended up preventing me from going. I know you are thinking that is lame. Maybe it is. I am going to keep trying. Will work harder to stay in the now. Still have not told family that I am drinking. Not sure I ever will if I feel this fearful about it. Though my horrid moods are becoming a problem for my husband. Last night he slept on the couch and we have only been married 3 months. Not good. I am glad that I have this place to be honest. It is a relief is some esoteric sense. Thanks for all the good shares.


Member: KellyM
Location: WA
Remote Name: 63.149.217.4
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 05:35 PM -0500

Comments

I think those 4 things are a bad, bad combination. I know that I especially drank when I was Angry or Lonely. You look at alcohol as a friend/crutch. You feel like all we'll be better if you drink. And it obviously only makes it 10x's worse.


Member: Craig K
Location: Chassell, MI
Remote Name: 24.213.46.179
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 09:25 PM -0500

Comments

Craig here, alcoholic in Michigan. I ignored being H.A.L.T for a long time, and then I drifted away from AA meetings after 1.5 years of sobriety and relapsed. That was my first relapse after becoming sober, and it will hopefully be my last. I'm on day 2 of sobriety now, and I just got back from my first F2F meeting in about 7 months. I'm still pretty broken up about my relapse, but it feels great to be back. I know what I need to do, and paying attention to the simple stuff like HALT is a part of it. The program really is simple, but it takes action and not just words. Thanks for being here and being a part of the action I need to take to stay sober!


Member: Gage
Location: swamp
Remote Name: 64.12.96.44
Date: November 18, 2003
Time: 11:56 PM -0500

Comments

Congratulations, Landru, on 90 days!


Member: eric q
Location: wi
Remote Name: 12.73.150.156
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 01:27 AM -0500

Comments

Someone wrote "it's important to not forget how sick we are. " I wrote "do you remember the 1000 pound gorilla on your back? That is what it is like being addicted to a substance." Please remind me how sick I am. I'm surrounded by drunks and people who enable me. I'm still lost. luv to all


Member: Kathy K.
Location: Northeast
Remote Name: 205.188.208.101
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 05:32 AM -0500

Comments

I found in early sobriety particularly I had to avoid caffeine - chocolate. Helped me sleep better.


Member: Jane C.
Location: Alaska
Remote Name: 209.240.205.63
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 08:31 AM -0500

Comments

Jane C...alcoholic..HALT..for me.. getting tired is my nemisis..it's then that I often think, maybe just one and it could pick me up and relax me at the same time, but we all know that one is never enough... I have another thing that sometimes has me think about a drink...when I'm extra happy, like I am now and then..I kind of want to celebrate.. of course, I don't do it with a drink, but I tell myself, maybe just one..LOL..and that's a really big joke..I pray that I never celebrate with alcohol again...we're really so much better off without it,and if we can be really honest with ourselves, we're also happier sober knowing that we'll hurt no one, at least unintentionally, and have no hangovers and it really is nice to remeber what happened to us every day..though sometimes, I have what is jokingly referred to as a "Blonde Moment"..anyway, for me I really try not to get overtired or over exerted If I watch this area of my life, I have a great chance at having good sobriety..may God Bless us all with another sober day..HUGS


Member: andrew30
Location: k.
Remote Name: 66.191.183.251
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 10:33 AM -0500

Comments

Greetings from the sobreity treadmill. It's day 4 finally and I'm feeling pretty good. I'm still in the process of detoxing myself, so next week will be the true test. I'm still sticking to the program .... prayers when i wake up and before i sleep. 1 chapter of 12 steps/traditions and 1 of the big book and a f2f meeting, if possible, along with a journal entry on this board. still not sleeping very good... vivid dreams. i woke up at 4 am after dreaming that i got drunk, blacked out and woke up in a strange place surrounded by strange people that i do not know. god, i will try my best never to let that happen. the next 24 hours i will focus on not taking that first drink and wish all of you the serenity not to do so.


Member: Becky
Location: Seattle
Remote Name: 64.65.147.127
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 11:53 AM -0500

Comments

Hello all. 97 days today totally by God's grace. At first I thought the slogans like HALT were simplistic (and they are) but then I realized that I needed to hang on to uncomplicated tips like that. Starting the steps and looking at how intricate the reasons are for my drinking is enough complication for me right now. So the slogans always make me laugh a little (and I notice I'm not the only one laughing a bit) but dang if they don't help. Thanks everybody for sharing, to you who are struggling, I so relate, your openness helps me to be open. To those who come to this site and share a little bit of encouragement, strength and hope, thanks. There is light at the end of this tunnel after all.


Member: katd
Location: so cal
Remote Name: 67.117.217.212
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 04:29 PM -0500

Comments

to eric q- how sick are we? well if we are married we risk loosing our spouse. If parents, we drink despite the risk of loosing or greatly harming our children. If we are employed we risk our very livelihood. We think a drink will make us feel better even after a 1000 drinks telling the exact opposite. We hurt and alienate our families who want to help us. We love them but a drink is more important. I guess the risks and depend on our own life. Really we risk our own lives too. We drink and drive, we drink in excess to the point where we have liver failure or are malnourished. We do things like having sex with a person we dont know who may carry the AIDS virus. On and on and on. I know all this. I write it. Yet I do it. I drank yesterday. I am praying for a little sanity from God for today.


Member: CinD
Location: Iowa
Remote Name: 68.225.173.209
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 05:04 PM -0500

Comments


Member: CinD
Location: Iowa
Remote Name: 68.225.173.209
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 05:14 PM -0500

Comments

Hi everyone. Day 3 and detoxing. I feel really good in the mornings and then as the day goes on my headache gets worse and worse. I can hardly wait for this part to be over! I know sometimes it's harder when you're feeling better because you delude yourself into thinking you can handle it. I've been drinking daily for about 26 years (out of 42) and have only gone a few days without drinking at any one time. I'm one who's been able to "hide" my addiction, even from my family. I drink 5 or 6 drinks a night without appearing intoxicated, and I don't let anyone see how much I drink. My husband has no idea I have a problem. But I'm a slave to it and it has to stop! Thanks for listening, CinD


Member: Ardis ;)
Location: Florida Central Gulf Coast
Remote Name: 24.161.241.255
Date: November 19, 2003
Time: 11:14 PM -0500

Comments

Hungry, Angry, Lonely and Tired are trigger points for most people. 1 out of 4 makes me edgy, 2 out of 4 makes me snappy, 3 out of 4 makes me reach for a knife, 4 out of 4 makes me bite your head off with a full declaration of war. I was told to always have orange juice and honey available in my home and to use it freely in my first year. We also have become addicted to sugar when we drank alcohol, we get a double whammy, alcohol and sugar withdrawal. Oj and honey stabilizes our bloodsugar, evens us out in an emergency. When on the road from or to work, pick up a small bottle at the 7-11 store, to give ourselves a break while driving. The same before going to bed or when having a headache that will not quit. It worked for me, although it might not work for everybody. Congratulations on one more day, alone I can not, together WE can! ;)


Member: Yvonne
Location: Scotland
Remote Name: 195.93.34.7
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 02:45 AM -0500

Comments

Its trying to identify HALT and do something about it before I drink, rather than recognising it in hindsight, that I find hard right now.


Member: andrew30
Location: k.
Remote Name: 66.191.183.251
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 08:12 AM -0500

Comments

The Book of Sobriety. Day 5. As a problem drinker for more than 15 years, drinking has worked its way into every facet of my life. At this point, samll events like a party or a trip out of town seem strangely unexciting without the prospect of drinking. I can't imagine sitting in a hotel room alone without a bottle somewhere nearby, or going to a party where everyone is drinking and just having green tea. I guess that's why a lot of ex-problem drinkers stay close to home or attend meetings when they have to travel. The whole theory of avoiding former playmates and playgrounds also applies to this. I'm still sticking to my program of reading a chapter of 12 steps/traditions and the Big Book daily, as well as posting a journal entry on this board. I have a date tonight ... I won't be drinking, but sometimes I get the urge to have a drink after a date to help quiet the restless energy. I'm pretty much an introvert and being around people really stirs up the nervous energy. I skipped a f2f meeting yesterday again because i got side tracked doing other things. i hope i can make it today.


Member: buzzsaw
Location: Detroit, MI
Remote Name: 198.70.2.94
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 09:33 AM -0500

Comments

Day 67 ... Lord please remove the urge.


Member: cherie
Location: Ithaca, ny
Remote Name: 24.58.121.246
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 11:07 AM -0500

Comments

today is my first day....I am scared. with the help of all who had their first day I know I will make it.....reading your comments will give my the courage to go forward. cherie


Member: TrixieBelle
Location: San Jose, CA
Remote Name: 192.18.43.10
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 01:25 PM -0500

Comments

TrixieBelle, alcoholic, 2 years, 8 months, 29 days, and oh yeah one day at a time. The one that gets me EVERY time is "angry". I have this committee in my head--you're worthless, stupid, lazy, fat, ugly, fearful ----ack ack. And I become angry with myself and the world. So I pray to my HP for the obession I have over perfection, over people, places, things to be removed. And I ask myself, am I hungry angry lonely tired? before I fly off the handle or start deciding a Coors light will fix everything. Hugs to my AA brothers and sisters.


Member: buzzsaw
Location: Detroit, MI
Remote Name: 198.70.2.94
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 02:10 PM -0500

Comments

I knew they put something in that damn Coors light, it was just 67 days ago that I would romance 12 a day, and that was controling myself. OK first few days. Vitamins, munchies, and busy work. Try to stay away from the sweets and chocolates as they were continue to "feed" your craving. Before quiting lining up some projects, books, and software seemed to help.


Member: LindaS
Location: Baltimore
Remote Name: 12.159.165.10
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 04:08 PM -0500

Comments

Hi, all. I just found this site and decided that I can add this to my list of things to do to work on my sobriety everyday. Today is my 46th day. I was introduced to HALT approximately 3 weeks ago. It never dawned on me that being hungry was part of the list, but it really makes sense. I rarely ever ate when I was drinking. Somehow I survived. I still find it hard to keep a good diet. I usually skip dinner each night. Just can't get busy in the kitchen. At least I'm aware of it and if it gets too bad I at least nibble on something.


Member: Angie d.o.s. 11/16/02
Location: Costa Mesa California
Remote Name: 4.21.203.3
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 07:11 PM -0500

Comments

Trixie ... i have the same committee up in my head ... i sware it just doesnt seem to ever shut up... "you need to loose weight, you know all of your clothes are ugly , god your hair sucks , you need to quit smoking , no body likes you ," wah wah wah wah wah ...All day long .... it gets me angry and mad at the world as well ..... i am constantly battleing that damn committee ... telling myself constantly ... You are no better no worse then anyone else ... No one else is paying even as near as much attention to you as you are .... get over it .... and i pray alot too ... i hope one day at a time i can fire some of these committee guys ...... or they can retire ... and at least narrow it down to just 1 or 2 .... or even 3 .... i8 rarely am ever too hungry .... and i sleep when i am tierd .... lonely i am usually surounded by people wether i like it or not ... and if the inside wants to start feeling lonely i find away to perk myself of ... cause honestly No matter how bad it might seem or how bad i would like to dramatize it up to be ..... i honestly know and feel in my heart .... that i Have Never Had it so Good ... No Matter what i honestly havent!!!


Member: Les
Location: San Diego
Remote Name: 205.188.208.101
Date: November 20, 2003
Time: 08:14 PM -0500

Comments

OK, I'll try not to HALT.


Member: Italiangirl
Location: Canada
Remote Name: 24.69.255.203
Date: November 21, 2003
Time: 12:11 AM -0500

Comments

Hello I'm a alcoholic my name is Savay. Im sober by the grace of god and A.A. and you peope who sit and listen to me daily.I really believe that Halt is when I'v allowed myself to slip into some old character defects. It's all about my degree of willingness to Surrender.I have days when I'm just not into it.I act like a kid and turn my hp off by refusingto surrender to the will of hp.On other days surrender comes easily. My favourite prayer is hp help me be willing to be willing. I pay way better attention to halt today then the past Im learning its painful but not as painful any longer.I'm changing the things I can and learning from the wisdom to know the difference. It's all good. Love ya lots thanks for my sobriety from beautiful Canada B.C.


Member: Ann
Location: Ohio
Remote Name: 152.163.243.67
Date: November 21, 2003
Time: 06:52 AM -0500

Comments

51 days. and going strong.. thanks to all who share on this site! It makes me strong for another day. One day at a time! Here's to another sober 24!


Member: cherie
Location: Ithaca, ny
Remote Name: 24.58.121.246
Date: November 21, 2003
Time: 07:16 AM -0500

Comments

Made it thru my first night....And I feel wonderful.......Finally admitting I need help and finding this web site has give me the courage to take the step......Last night was one minute at a time today will be the same....I am keeping busy with proud thought of myself.......


Member: Donna Park
Location: Graceville, Fl
Remote Name: 12.158.102.23
Date: November 21, 2003
Time: 08:28 AM -0500

Comments

Halt is something I did not come hear knowing how to do. I was very angry at life in general, I did not have a set routine for eating, I believed that I needed a man in my life to take care of me & fix me. Trying not to drink I ran myself nuts doing anything & everything not to drink. I came to meetings with a brain that was going in circles, not really hearing most of what you said. Having a time understanding or believing a lot of it. The miracle happened for me, so it will work for all who want it. What I did do right was pray morning & night. Just please keep me sober today & at night I said thanks. Hung out with a lot of people in the program & listened to speaker tapes. Meetings, meetings, meetings. And a sponsor who could remind me of things like halt, keep it simple, one day at a time. Thanks for another day sober. Wishing you all the same. Love Donna


Member: katd
Location: so cal
Remote Name: 67.115.11.108
Date: November 21, 2003
Time: 06:05 PM -0500

Comments

Telling the truth. Drank again yesterday. While I was driving to sneak it before I got home. I know the risks. I am one sick person. So today is a new day. I am trying by turning the day over to God. I dont get to make any decisions today. I am trying to be open to His directions and if I am unsure I dont get to do anything but my daily responsibilities. Once I start debating wiht my disease I loose. That is what i have been doing everyday and then drinking. If there are no decisions there is no debating and there is no discussion with my disease. I will really try this today.


Member: Romy
Location: Houston
Remote Name: 67.64.172.84
Date: November 22, 2003
Time: 01:32 AM -0500

Comments

New here and haven't been to a regular meeting yet. Haven't had a drink for almost 3 months, and going through a time where it's on my mind alot. Just wanting to go to a place to talk about it. Looked up online meetings, since it is like 12:29am and don't think finding a beginners meeting is open at this time is possible. Ugh! I hate my over analizing brain.


Member: eric q
Location: wi
Remote Name: 12.73.150.22
Date: November 22, 2003
Time: 02:01 AM -0500

Comments

Someone wrote "it's important to not forget how sick we are. " I wrote "do you remember the 1000 pound gorilla on your back? That is what it is like being addicted to a substance." I'm a drunk. Its dangerous sharing thoughts with me, new to the progam(I may inspire you to drink, as I have). How do you give somebody "get it", to stop with the stupid behavior. That is why we are here. Most here "got it" and many alive struggle. Keep sharing thoughts. Ozzy, a good alcoholic said I LOVE YOU ALL


Member: Ann
Location: Ohio
Remote Name: 64.12.96.44
Date: November 22, 2003
Time: 05:39 AM -0500

Comments

Ann, alcoholic, and 52 days happy. (Katd), I understand your mindset. I would try the same, no one will know I'll just have a couple of beers on my way home trick. Wrong. I was lucky that the people I met on the otherside ignored it...or, just didn't say anything. But they knew, and after a while, didn't want to be around anymore. I found while reading up on things that alot of time being a using alcoholic is spent trying to figure out how to use without anyone knowing...and of course, our minds being twisted, we always got it wrong. It caused me jobs, friends, and most of all self esteem. Now I can wake up and know that all I do for the next 24 hrs will be for the good. I know that if I plan something it will get done. But most importantly, the next 24 hrs are for me, and I deserve it! Keep remembering that you are doing it for YOU, and you will be amazed how the days grow. One day at a time. Keep on coming back. Here's to another sober 24 for everyone.


Member: toddc
Location: Indianapolis
Remote Name: 65.26.180.227
Date: November 22, 2003
Time: 07:21 AM -0500

Comments

To Romy in Houston: Don't necesarrily look for just a beginners meeting, but rather any meeting will help. I've been sober for 3 weeks today , but listening to people sharing at meetings that have been sober 15, 16 years, I realize that thier stories are just like mine. They just realized, and sought help, loooonnnngg before I did. Just take it one day at a time and keep working it.


Member: Craig K
Location: Chassell, MI
Remote Name: 24.213.46.179
Date: November 22, 2003
Time: 02:25 PM -0500

Comments

Howdy all, Craig here, alcoholic. Day 6 of sobriety! Last night was the first Friday night I've spent without a bottle in a long time. It feels pretty good. I've been going to meetings, making sure to eat when I'm hungry, and getting enough sleep. I'm not really angry at anybody, except myself for being such a lout. Hopefully, sobriety will help me hold my head high. Starting to snow here, and it's a great day to be sober!


Member: Dietrich M
Location: Kabul, Afghanistan for now!
Remote Name: 217.21.147.133
Date: November 23, 2003
Time: 07:40 AM -0500

Comments

OM SHANTI TO ALL, Cherie, in Ithaca NY: Thank you for being here, keep it real kid, your friend, One day at a time, DM! OM SHANTI!