Member: I M
Location:
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 00:33:50

Comments

THis tradition saves my butt whenever I let the "ism" get to me and I wonder if I really belong.


Member: Judyrose M.
Location: Boston, Ma
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 07:19:31

Comments

My name is Judyrose and I am a grateful recovering alcoholic. Thank God...you guys didn't ask too much more of me....only that I had a "desire to stop" ....because I was incapable of any more!!


Member: Randy S.
Location: Baton Rouge La.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 08:54:18

Comments

I thank GOD everyday for the 3rd.tradition because if anything more where asked of me early on in recovery,I think I would have died. Today,after being around a little while,I owe my life to the steps,traditions,you people, and most of all;GOD, who brought me to all of you. Life today is much better than I could have ever planed it.Left to my own devices I would have and still can screw things up!The 3rd step saved me from me and took me out of the center of the world.Thank GOD I don't have to be in charge any more.Soberity and Peace to all. Sober Southern Boy


Member: Eileen D.
Location: Pa.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 09:06:38

Comments

Yes, I had a tremendous urge to stop drinking. I wanted it to happen as a Christmas present to me 12/97, but it didn't happen. I prayed, but never did I allow God to take over. Then came "staying cyber" in January. I read and listened and put it in God's hands. A MIRACLE happened January 15th. The craving was gone, and only by the grace of God did I get my present a little later. It's been 73 wonderful days. You good people were there to listen and share with me. Wow! My thanks to almighty God and the good people in AA for making me sober today. God bless.


Member: Barbara  B
Location: PA
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 15:29:30

Comments

Yes, and I also thank God for that tradition especiallly in the very beginning when I would get a few months in and drink, and come back feeling like a fish out of water, like I didn't belong, everyone else seemed to be getting it, and then someone would say, you just have to have the desire to stop to be a member. Boy was I ever relieved. It was the concept I needed to hear, and the one I understood the best, because I desperately needed to belong, I am really greatful for that concept many years later.


Member: Stan P.
Location: Haven Pa.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 16:08:50

Comments

HELLO EVERYBODY I"m Stan And an Alcoholic Just back from a FTF meeting topic was gratitude I would like to thank all of you here because of not being able to make enough meetings outside.I agree a lot of suggestions but only one requirement.Turning it over works best before any of the other steps can be worked We only seek progress not perfection. Thanks for being here God blessXXXOOO


Member: donovan b
Location: ny
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 20:35:36

Comments

i'm Donovan, i'm an alcoholic. i'd like to continue to read. thanks for sharing.


Member: Jacque
Location: springtime in Neb.
Date: 29 Mar 1998
Time: 23:29:35

Comments

I couldn't have said it better myself, Judyrose!


Member: Tony G.
Location: Peq. N. J.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 11:06:07

Comments

Hi gang, Tony G alcoholic. The Third Tradition is a tradition important to me. When I first came in I had the desire to stop drinking but not the inclination. I would repeatedly go back out and drink and then come back tail between my legs whipped. You folks always accepted me with open arms, hand shakes, and a question. "WAS IT ANY BETTER THIS TIME?" The mere fact that I had the desire to stop allowed me to enter. That why I feel at home in AA now. Thanks Gang


Member: Chris N.
Location: South Ga.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 11:25:40

Comments

Hey, I'm Chris, and I am an alcoholic Thank God for the third tradition! I'm really having a hard time with things right now. Riding the fence I guess. Have been going to every meeting possible for the last month and a half. Every time I get a white chip, I drink, and everytime I don't get one, I drink. The longest I've made it so far is 3 days, 22 hrs. 24 hrs is a long time! I really identify with pg 24 of the BB. Having a hard time finding a sponsor. It really sucks cause I dont feel comfortable with my family when I stop drinking, and I dont feel comfortable at AA yet. This weekend was the first time I spent some time with the fellowship out of a meeting. It was hard! I really had to force myself. But I'm glad I finally talked to someone. I'm still really lonely. This sure is alot easier than sharing at a meeting, as I dont feel so scared. Any way, Thank God for the third tradition!!!!!


Member: Irene E.
Location:
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 12:48:52

Comments

I've always had a desire to stop and did for five years; now I've started again and am deathly afraid that I can not stop again even though I hate drinking and all it has done to my life and what it is doing to me right now. Please help!


Member: Irene E.
Location:
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 12:49:43

Comments

I've always had a desire to stop and did for five years; now I've started again and am deathly afraid that I can not stop again even though I hate drinking and all it has done to my life and what it is doing to me right now. Please help!


Member: John C.
Location: Ohio
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 12:50:46

Comments

Hey Chris, hang in there and keep coming back If you have the desire to stop drinking (yes), and you want what we have (I hope so) then you are ready to take certain steps. Keep your hand stuck out. some one will take it. Tips on finding a sponsor ; 2yrs. sobriety or more, they have a sponsor, and they work the steps.Oh yeah, guys with guys, girls with girls if possible Having a "crush" on your sponsor won't keep you sober. See you on the road to happy destiny.


Member: Libby W
Location: Glenside pa
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 16:57:05

Comments

Hi everyone!My name is Libby an I am an alcholic.If that was all I had to say in any room of Alcholics Anyonomous every one there knows I paid a price for my seat.Just chaired a mtng. on this tradition and found myself more comfortable with being in the rooms. I know the pain of picking up after a little time. Had six yrs. and went into a blackout first drink,. spree lasted 9 days.Came back with my tail between my legs shame guilt and much remorse.My reason was I only had 1 semester left to get a college degree.So, in I went . Irene ,I got a job in my field and stayed sober 2 more years and picked up againThe third tradition now after 1 yr. of sobriety,tells me to stay in the room of A.A.Can't say I had the desire to stop getting loaded right away but I wanted relief from the pain.The only place I know I can get that is through the 12&12,Big Book fellowship and the God i understand today.Finally I have been blessed with the desire.Got a little wordy but if I helped Irene It was worth it Thanks for being here


Member: Stuart F.
Location: London, UK
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 18:22:45

Comments

Got sick and tired of being sick and tired.When I first came to AA, I don't know if I had an honest desire to stop drinking, but after a few weeks, I knew I was in the right place. As I've heard so many times and it applied to me in early recovery, get your butt on the chair and the mind will follow. I am so grateful AA knows what it's talking about! God Bless..and keep coming back


Member: Jeff N.
Location: CO.
Date: 30 Mar 1998
Time: 21:33:15

Comments

Often times my friends want to come to a meeting with me. Once I explain the third tradition to them with love, they become tolorant of our steps and tridations. Thank God for our founders and the hard work and dedication they put into our program.


Member: mary w.
Location: kansas
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 00:48:31

Comments

the only requirement .... is a desire to stop drinking. the open door, that has helped many of people. i for one. i really questioned my being an alcohlic - took the test and stretched the truth. and passed. but some thing made me keep coming back. the desire to stop drinking. got honest - failed the test. kept coming back. irene - i understand your problem. btdt, when i relapsed tried for months to get sober . tradition three kept me coming back. i took care of my obstruction to my recovery and on 1-29-89 i was back for good. relarse happens the important thing now is that your here. keep coming back. you don't have to be sober to be here just the desire to stop..it does help to be sober though. please tell me is still miserible out there , right? the problem with drinking after AA it really messes up the drinking doesn't it

hugs

mary w.


Member: DAVID S
Location: Ms-Fla-Al-Tex  etc.
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 03:02:22

Comments

My comment is general and applys to all triditions as we read them. I finally realized these triditions are like statements of facts. they describe what has historally happened when recovery is taking place. They are always in place and if they aren't there is no progress toward recovery. They require no enforcement, only I can choose to be a part of them and use my understanding to help them materialize in my space. They enforce themselves. By watching the past 13yrs of AAliving they have never failed or changed. I want to always do my part to help them stay in tact in the positive way by hanging out where they happen and stay out of the situations where they don't. Thanks AA, for the chance to stay sober. DAVID


Member: steve c
Location: michigan
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 04:24:42

Comments

I'm steve,alcoholic-and I just want to relay some things that I heard when I first came into the doors of AA.They've helped me through many rough times, and maybe they can help someone else

"Go to as many meetings as you can, and don't drink in between." -It's that simple, If I don't pick up that first drink, I wont get drunk. Somedays, though it doesn't seem that simple, and that is why I say I have good days, and growth days. "Fake it til you make it" This really helped me because all I wanted to do was stop drinking. I had no desire to turn my will over, or work any more steps. But, by faking it until I realized that I did want more, I put together a few 24 hours in a row. And have kept coming back since. thanks for letting me share, I love you all,

steve


Member: Zan S.
Location: Ketchikan, AK
Date: 31 Mar 1998
Time: 19:17:40

Comments

Hi I'm an alcoholic and my name is Zan. The eskimo that showed me the way said " All you have to have is a desire to stop drinking" and she added to work "today." Thank God for that word. That day I did have a desire and I didn't have to worry about any others. I hung on the that "today" for many months and still have to at over six years sober some days. I am grateful to be a member of a fellowship that has such a simple tradition. If you have a desire you are a member and no one can say you're not. Thank God for the traditions and for the fellowship. In love and service, Zan


Member: Debbie K.
Location: South Dakota
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 03:48:34

Comments

Thank GOD for that desire to stop drinking. Somewhere, somehow in a drunken, confused state I found the desire to stop drinking or I would more than likely be dead today. Today I'm sober and for that I'm grateful for AA and my HP. Thanks for being here, Debbie


Member: Martina G
Location: New England
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 06:27:32

Comments

My desire to stop drinking had to exceed my desire to get high and avoid my emotions before I became sober for any length of time.. this did happen one day when I really got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Irene, I can understand your discouragement -- go back and carefully read the simple advice. If you follow it, you will be okay. Your past is gone and you only have today to worry about. The fact that I have been sober 12 years means nothing if I drink today. (and I could easily if I let myself slip back into an alcoholic mindset and behaviors) That's why One Day at a Time is so crucial to follow. Try to forget the "5 years" and the relapse and focus on today as a chance for a new beginning. Keep coming back and reaching out.Remember that in five years, we will either be drunk or sober, but 5 more years will pass either way. Might as well be sober ones then we can enjoy. God Bless you.


Member: John C
Location: Ohio
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 09:21:56

Comments

Hello cyberlings. When I got here, I had a desire not to go to the penitentiary. When my legal troubles went away I became like the alky who had the brainstorm that it wouldn't hurt if he put some whiskey in his milk. I began thinking you people were telling me I can't drink, I can't drink... Bull#$%& I can too drink! And so I got drunk. When I came to, I realized I just don' t drink like normal people . Looking back It seems just as stupid as the milk experiment . Cunning, baffling, powerful, and patient. I've got 2 buddies who went out at 13 and 14 yrs who can attest to the patient part! Fortunately, they and I, once again have a desire to stop drinking. It's nice to belong. Thanks for being here.


Member: Joanne L.
Location: NE PA
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 10:08:43

Comments

Hi everyone, I'm Joanne and I'm an alcoholic. The 3rd trad. tells me that the only requirement for me to be a member of this fellowship is a desire to stop drinking. Good thing too, because there were and are times where a desire to stop drinking or not drink are all I have. My membership in AA is contingent on a daily desire not to pick up the first drink.

Like Libby, I did pick up a drink after a few years in this program. When I had enough, and came back, the 3rd trad. is what I held on to. I like what IM said at the very beginning. When I can't identify, or don't think I belong here, I just remember that I don't want to drink today. That's all I need. Thanks for letting me share.


Member: Zizi Z.
Location: Raleigh, NC
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 11:08:18

Comments

Irene-remember that you CAN'T do it. You are powerless-but a higher power can do it...all you have to do is be willing. I know it's hard getting sober again after a period of sobriety (the longer the harder)-I did it but I knew that it was AA or death. So plunge into the program, remain or become teachable and willing to go to any length and it will get better..again. God bless you. I am really grateful for the third tradition too because I would never have come here or stayed if there had been a bunch of rules. I stayed away from place that expected you to be any certain way. In the beginning all I had to offer was that desire to stop drinking and I don't even think it was an HONEST desire. But thank God you let me come and learn from you. You shared your experience, strength and hope and I have stayed sober one day at a time. Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone!


Member: BILL S.
Location: MN.
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 20:53:27

Comments

TO IRENE E. AND ALL.HI! MY NAME IS BILL S. AND I'M AN ALCOHOLIC.IRENE I HEAR YOUR PAIN AND CRY FOR HELP.I THINK WE ALL WOULD LIKE TO HELP YOU, BUT IRENE YOU NEED TO HELP YOURSELF PLEASE FIND A MEETING OR SOMEONE YOU CAN TALK WITH ABOUT YOUR RELAPSE.I HAD 8 1/2 YRS. OF THE SOBER LIFE BEFORE FALLING INTO A FUNK LIKE YOU ARE IN.I UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN. MANY HAVE TRIED AND FAILED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THIS TRAD.IF WE ARE HONEST WITH OURSELVES ACTS AS A FOUNDATION FOR OUR ENTIRE PROGRAM.IRENE LET US ALL KNOW THAT YOU TOOK THIS TRAD. TO HEART AND GOT SOME HELP.I'M THANKFUL TO FIND THIS CHAT LINE AND LOOK FORWARD TO USING THIS AS AN ADDED HELP IN MY RECOVERY.PLEASE KEEP THE COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK FLOWING.


Member: Charles M.
Location: MI
Date: 01 Apr 1998
Time: 23:35:17

Comments

Irene E.Keep coming back!


Member: Dale
Location: Deadwood,SD
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 03:41:22

Comments

I am just reading this, is my fisrt time on cyber my name is Dale alcoholic. Been sober since 1985. Glad to see some one from South Dakota. Keep coming back.


Member: Paul S
Location: Sweden
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 17:48:31

Comments

I had a wish to stop drinking.In AA that wish was not a wish anymore but a wish come true. Love you guys Paul an alcoholic


Member: Linda W.
Location: Okla.
Date: 02 Apr 1998
Time: 21:04:44

Comments

Irene, so many of us have been where you are. Please know we love you and are praying for you. I have relapsed twice and came close around my 5th birthday. Very close! I too am grateful for the third tradition because I didn't have a clue I was really, really an alcoholic. Thank God for the patience and love that have saved my life quite literally. Irene, just be gentle and loving to you and allow us to love you. Welcome home.


Member: Dale B.
Location: DWD, SD
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 03:39:39

Comments

To Irene: I remember my fifth ann. It was a hard place for me to be as I wondered if my pain was worth the sobriety as I thought it would get easier and nicer things happen, when it didn't I wanted to drink also but I was afraid that I would never come back from that black tunnel I wsa lookung through and the light was very far away. But a higher power, sponser, & let go and let God kept me from drinking. Today I am on my 13th ann. and it was my pain that led me to AA. Things at times are still hard but when I look back & see one set of foot prints I know God is carrying me. He will for you too.


Member: Doreen
Location: NJ
Date: 03 Apr 1998
Time: 20:15:22

Comments

Irene-You don't have to stay in this pain. Ask your Higher Power for help again. It's all about surrender and acceptance. I didn't even know I was in pain when I arrived in the program. I was drinking while attending meetings and nobody told me to leave. All I had to hold on to was the desire to stop killing myself. Finally, something took hold. It was the hope that I got from all of you. You kept shaking my hand, giving me your numbers and finally, I picked up a phone and asked a member for help. I found the courage, through you, to try my first day without a drink. That was almost 17 years ago, a day at a time. Not always a bed of roses, I tell you. I came so close --you know what I mean, when I was about 15 years sober. I was reminded that "years", while nice to have because some order in my life was restored, meant zilch. Somebody reminded me that I had one day. I got that at a meeting when I raised my hand and told my group that I thought my "ism" was winning. I cried and fought God and I don't know, just somehow again had the courage to get through that day, without picking up. God - I'm so grateful for the life I've been given, Irene. Just know that so many of us have felt like you. You're not unique and you are doing what you need to do to get back. Ask for help from the one who will never leave you. Read Footprints again. Hang in there kiddo. I'm praying for you.


Member: Sanders W
Location: Graceville, Fl.
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 00:32:45

Comments

Hi Irene, I am very definitally a real alcoholic and my name is Sanders. I am praying for you to make it back and maybe the hurt you are going through right now i s just what you need so you don't have to go through it again. I hurt really bad for the first 5 or 6 years in AA and not drinkinking( white knuckle sobriety). I would have traded places with anyone I knew in the program, at that time, who was not drinking but today I wouldn't take anything for that experience because I found out, I can hurt and not have to drink over it. You see from this experience I found that the only reason I would take a drink is because I want to. I tried in this " white knuckle " time to to convince myself that one of my excusses was a good enough reason to drink but I could not because I was finally beat and knew then as I know now for me to drink is to die. Life in sobriety is great and I love it. Come on and be a part of it. We love you and so does God and there is nothing you can do about that.


Member: Lee P
Location: Winnipeg, Ma
Date: 04 Apr 1998
Time: 18:44:53

Comments

Hi, I'm Lee, and I am a grateful, recovering alcoholic, dry for 5 1/2 years, clean and SOBER since February 14th, 1998. I finally realized that a drug is a drug is a drug, and that substituting something else for booze just created another addiction. ALCOHOLISM IS A DISEASE - AND I SUFFER FROM IT. When I dried out back in ' 92, I wasn't ready to accept or admit that I was an alcoholic, although I was willing to stop drinking. I tried a few AA meetings, but didn't like the attitudes I saw in the group I went to. Here I am, a lot more humble, with a desire to quit drinking, drugging, and to LIVE a clean , sober life. I am spending my first weekend at home following a six-week life and attitude changing experience {I was at River House, a residential treatment program for women in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada- and start out receive my "BlueBirds" on Monday, April 6th.}. I now realize that it was MY attitude that was crappy when I went to those few meetings. My mind, ears, heart and soul are now working in concert I do have the desire to quit drinking, I do want what you have, and I do thank my HP for showing me the way here. Thank you for being here, thank you for sharing, tha