I know this is a triggering subject, but it certainly has been studied to death and found possible. Okay, here goes: I entered AA in about 1980, was on and off for a couple of years. Moved to another city and stayed sober for 20+ years. I sponsored lots of teens (I was one of the youngest women in that city, so was present during the huge influx in the early-mid '80s of teenagers), almost all of whom are sober, happy and successful now. Anyway, a while ago, I relapsed. I found myself drinking...normally. Didn't think about it when it wasn't there, never have gotten really drunk, never have blacked out, haven't had any life-damaging consequences from having relapsed. It didn't get worse, I'm obviously not dead. I was really confused.
As many of you know, that LAST person you want to go to about this is someone fully immersed in AA. My experience shows me that it's a bad enough trauma for relapsers who are dying and turn to AA members for compassion. Me? I am doing well...not kosher AA dogma for sure. So I researched. A lot. Found that it happens, being able to normally drink after years of abstinence. I would LOVE to hear from others who have returned to drinking without their entire world ending (other than their AA friendships). So, give!
dolson
Sat, 03/10/2012 - 08:33
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Nuff
Yes, continuing to choose not to drink has remained beneficial for me. No drinking = no suffering, simple really.
Go ahead, enjoy yourselves - it's getting late, much later than you think.
dolson
Sat, 03/10/2012 - 08:34
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Nuff
Yes, continuing to choose not to drink has remained beneficial for me. No drinking = no suffering, simple really.
Go ahead, enjoy yourselves - it's getting late, much later than you think.
grampahaas
Mon, 01/09/2012 - 05:48
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Drinking for me.
Is like smoking.When I quit I will fine after a while.But If I buy a pack of smokes I will be at a pack a day in about three days.But I can quit by myself and I don't need any 12 steps.Easy on the coffee,get some rest go for a walk.And remind yourself that the shakes are temporary.
TruthBehindAA
Tue, 01/10/2012 - 08:54
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I also believe that for me,
I also believe that for me, trying to drink again would be foolhardy. Besides, after 21+ years of not drinking, puking, fighting, feeling like crap, etc., I have no desire to try it out again. In my view, exiting from AA all those years ago does not mean I'm willing to roll the dice on my life. I'll just leave the drinking to others. I've already proven over and over again that I am one of those people who just shouldn't drink.
http://www.facebook.com/TruthBehindAA
Clara
Mon, 02/27/2012 - 20:06
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Not willing to chance it.
Not willing to chance it. When I stopped drinking 5 years ago, I left it in a place where I don't want to return. I have no desire to drink, and I am grateful for my fellowship for the lessons taught.
Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.
disclosure
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 12:28
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Yes!
I have a friend who spent 10 years in AA and has now drank successfuly for over 15 years out of AA. He is married to an X-AA who also now drinks with impunity.
I have many friends who are in AA that drink periodicaly without ruin.
I offer them the harm reduction program so they dont chastise themselves.
Clara
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 12:30
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If they are okay with what
If they are okay with what they are doing, why do they need you?
Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.
Clara
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 12:40
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What are they getting out of
What are they getting out of AA that the continue to want despite drinking periodically? I mean, they could just leave and drink as they wish (or not) and not need harm reduction.
Remember Christopher Stevens when you vote.
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