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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by partlycloudy on May 24, 2005, at 7:13:55
For those of us who aren't finding the "halls" of AA a comfortable place to reach and maintain sobriety for various reasons, there is a great adjunct or even alternative - www.womenforsobriety.org
The group that I've joined is a great support to me. The discussions are far reaching and all inclusive. It's a very nurturing and safe atmosphere by design.
Just wanted to Pass It On.
Posted by antigua on May 24, 2005, at 9:05:41
In reply to For women in recovery, posted by partlycloudy on May 24, 2005, at 7:13:55
I'm glad you found support you feel comfortable with. You deserve it!
antigua
Posted by partlycloudy on May 24, 2005, at 9:52:53
In reply to Re: For women in recovery, posted by antigua on May 24, 2005, at 9:05:41
You are so sweet, Antigua. Thanks for all of your support, too. It makes a big difference for me to have friends here to reach out to.
pc
Posted by just so sad on May 24, 2005, at 11:23:16
In reply to Re: For women in recovery » antigua, posted by partlycloudy on May 24, 2005, at 9:52:53
Thanks PC - I will definitely check out their website. I was doing very well but we just had a long weekend in Canada (which I survived spending with my in-laws) but last night, once we got home, I dropped my guard and had a bottle of wine with my son (19). Then had a couple of strong vodka-cranberry drinks alone. I'm not feeling very bright today. Luckily it's slow at work. I recognize it as a reminder that I always have to be on guard. Too much success gives me false confidence I guess. And hubby will be away this weekend - I'm going to have to be strong. Will definitely check out that website.
Posted by TamaraJ on May 24, 2005, at 13:40:37
In reply to For women in recovery, posted by partlycloudy on May 24, 2005, at 7:13:55
That's wonderful news, pc. I am glad you have found a support group that meets your needs and in which you feel comfortable and nurtured. So very important in recovery. You should be very proud of yourself for the steps you are taking, and continue to take, to be successful in your recovery. You are doing great!
Take good care, and all the best to you always.
Tamara
> For those of us who aren't finding the "halls" of AA a comfortable place to reach and maintain sobriety for various reasons, there is a great adjunct or even alternative - www.womenforsobriety.org
>
> The group that I've joined is a great support to me. The discussions are far reaching and all inclusive. It's a very nurturing and safe atmosphere by design.
>
> Just wanted to Pass It On.
Posted by justyourlaugh on May 26, 2005, at 23:11:53
In reply to Re: For women in recovery » partlycloudy, posted by TamaraJ on May 24, 2005, at 13:40:37
or envey..
i wish ..i could admitt..my abuse..or illness..you have patted the path for many of us..i love you.
Posted by partlycloudy on May 27, 2005, at 5:56:33
In reply to hurt?.., posted by justyourlaugh on May 26, 2005, at 23:11:53
I had been trying to get myself to this group for over a year. Got directions fromt he moderator, who kept calling me, to find when I was ever going to show up. I told her last year that I was not ready and didn't know if I could ever be.
My path is full of fits and starts, self doubt is huge. Self esteem is non-existent, especially if that first drink has passed my lips. Even now, I cannot say that I'm firmly on this path. All I know is that I must keep on trying. That there has to be a way for me to get better. I am reading like a mad woman, looking for wisdom, others' experiences, and guidance. I only know for certain that I do deserve a sober life that allows me to deal with life's problems without the artificial cushion that drinking lends for a brief time.
Don't be hurt by my journey. You can share in it, vicariously if you like. It might not be what you want? And, I did have to take xanax to get myself to that first meeting! Even feeling the warmth and caring from the rest of the group did not ease my anxiety. Sure, they welcome me now. What about when they really get to know me? That's at the heart of my dilema. I want to fit in. I want to recover. I am terrified of another failure. I am frightened of being abandonded by this group.
But all I find in them is acceptance.
Posted by antigua on May 27, 2005, at 9:37:20
In reply to Re: hurt?.. » justyourlaugh, posted by partlycloudy on May 27, 2005, at 5:56:33
I'm pretty sure they won't abandon you. My group has been there for me the two years I've been going (SMART). They are as invested in my success as I am and they are only judgemental when they think I might be in danger. Where else can you go that when you walk into a room everyone understands you? When I've relapsed, they have always been there to help me pick up the pieces, as I do w/them. We learn from the slips.
I find that when someone new comes into the group, I want to help them as the group did when I joined. (That said,you still have to keep your guard up a little and protect yourself too. You never know who you're going to meet! or whether or not they're genuine)
antigua
Posted by AuntieMel on May 27, 2005, at 11:08:43
In reply to hurt?.., posted by justyourlaugh on May 26, 2005, at 23:11:53
Making that admission - being honest with yourself sounds easy. But in truth it is the hardest part.
Don't be hard on yourself. Any of us that have quit have been exactly where you are right now, and we were for a long, long time before we were ready.
I remember those years very well.
Posted by TamaraJ on May 27, 2005, at 15:02:11
In reply to hurt?.., posted by justyourlaugh on May 26, 2005, at 23:11:53
((jyl))
AuntieMel is right - being honest with yourself is one of the hardest parts. And, admitting it to others, as you have done here, is equally hard. I knew, and admitted to myself, that I had a problem a number of years before I quit. And, like AuntieMel, I remember those years well (and not always fondly).
This may sound corny, so I will apologize in advance, but perhaps your dear friend partlycloudy is making progress on her journey so that when you are ready she can take your hand and guide you on yours. The universe unfolds in unusual and unexpected ways sometimes, and people come into our lives, I believe, for a reason, including to provide us with strengh during the difficult times and to love, accept and care about us unconditionally, even when we find it difficult to love, accept and care about ourselves.
Take good care of you.
Tamara
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