39

[badgolferman]

November 15, 1985 was the day I entered detox which I celebrate as my
first day of sobriety. A week later I was placed in treatment by the
USAF for the last time. Despite their best intentions, treatment
centers were insufficient for me to admit powerlessness over alcohol.
It wasn't until I got introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous where I began
relating to the people's stories and saw myself in them. That was when
hope was instilled in me that there was a way out of the madness.

My true acceptance of powerlessness didn't occur until a few months
later when holding a bottle in my hand. Just before I placed it to my
lips, I heard the the voices of those who told me, "The day will come
when nothing but a Power greater than yourself will stop you from
taking a drink." That's when I asked the God I didn't believe in to
help me. The compulsion to drink was instantly removed! I knew at
that moment that I was powerless over alcohol AND that there was a
Power greater than myself who would help me not drink.

Save for a couple of brief moments, the temptation to drink has not
taken over my thoughts since that day. The Twelve Steps helped change
my mond about alcohol, myself, others, life, and especially God. The
fellowship showed me how to enjoy my life in a sober manner, and gave
me the opportunity to help other alcoholics receive the gift of
sobriety from God. ARAA taught me not all alcoholics are the same and
can find other ways to get sober. I just wish they would return to the
group so I can learn more from them.

[Sharx335]

Post by badgolferman
November 15, 1985 was the day I entered detox which I celebrate as my
first day of sobriety. A week later I was placed in treatment by the
USAF for the last time. Despite their best intentions, treatment
centers were insufficient for me to admit powerlessness over alcohol.
It wasn't until I got introduced to Alcoholics Anonymous where I began
relating to the people's stories and saw myself in them. That was when
hope was instilled in me that there was a way out of the madness.
My true acceptance of powerlessness didn't occur until a few months
later when holding a bottle in my hand. Just before I placed it to my
lips, I heard the the voices of those who told me, "The day will come
when nothing but a Power greater than yourself will stop you from
taking a drink." That's when I asked the God I didn't believe in to
help me. The compulsion to drink was instantly removed! I knew at
that moment that I was powerless over alcohol AND that there was a
Power greater than myself who would help me not drink.
Save for a couple of brief moments, the temptation to drink has not
taken over my thoughts since that day. The Twelve Steps helped change
my mond about alcohol, myself, others, life, and especially God. The
fellowship showed me how to enjoy my life in a sober manner, and gave
me the opportunity to help other alcoholics receive the gift of
sobriety from God. ARAA taught me not all alcoholics are the same and
can find other ways to get sober. I just wish they would return to the
group so I can learn more from them.

Thanks for sharing your experience, strength, and hope! Happy and serene
39th, too.