12-step programs.- Page 3

[SNAFU]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 10:39pm

DG, however there is a paradox in "letting go" and "realizing you are powerless". Once you do, and you realize that the only thing you can change is yourself it actually empowers you to make the right choices. When you surrender to the fact you are powerless over alcohol you are gaining the control to allow alcohol to have no power over you. Someone's concept of "GOD" had nothing to do with it.
I went down the path of trying to find out the reasons behind my self medicating with a therapist, thinking (hoping) that if I found out what they were I wouldn't have a problem anymore. When I dug deeper I discovered I was looking for the reasons because I really didn't want to give up drinking. I was looking for the reasons for my drinking when the act of drinking itself was the problem. To really fully recover, one really has to first eliminate the drinking then deal with the other problems as they pop up and believe me, pop up they will.
Perhaps AA isn't the right program for you. only you can decide that. Beware though of all the intellectualizing that happens when one realizes they have a problem. It is a trap that you set for yourself because on some level "the Addict" really doesn't want to give it up!

[DG]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 10:46pm

SNAFU - my time on this board might have truly been in search of that one post from you - thank you. What you said makes sense - and very little has, of late. I CAN wrap my head around the concept of 'powerless over alcohol' - which is NOT the same thing as just being 'powerless'.

Honestly, Thank You.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 11:03pm

I agree with, DG. Thanks for that post, SNAFU.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 11:16pm

Good luck, as I said before, it is a hard and painful road but one that is WELL WORTH IT!

[DG]

Posted: 11/28/07 at 11:27pm

SNAFU - the entire 45-year ride has been hard and painful - I'm in the process of choosing a DIFFERENT path

But that's what this is all about, isn't it?