Why is this so damn hard. I have no insurance to cover it and everyone i talk to wants to know my insurance.
I just want to talk to people that have a drinking issue.
Wtf. Why are such things so hard?
Trying to clean up my drinking.
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Dear Fren, Just go here: https://www.aa.org/find-aa to find a local Alcoholic Anonymous meeting. Go to the meeting place. Walk through the door. Life changes begin It’s that simple.
It’s free.
Thank you. AA and PDAP were saviors for my family and I was disgusted when I did a quick search and saw all of the companies that have corrupted this whole thing. Thanks for helping our fellow frog.
They knew this would happen; that is why they wrote the 12 traditions. It will be ok. Just show up. It's free.
Still got your Monkey Fist? I always thought PDAP was an east Texas thing.
No, I never had one. I went to support other family members. However, they now use that knot for dog toys and I do have a couple of those laying around the house. ;)
and lots of coffee!
Amen to that! AA saved my life, I would have been dead 30 years ago if I hadn't turned my life over to the care of a Higher Power.
Thank you!
Yeah OP, you definitely don't need insurance to go to an AA meeting.
Edit: "The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking." -That's the AA slogan.
I've called hundreds of numbers. Zero results without insurance or they hang up on me because I have been drinking, lol.
Wtf, the craziness of the world we live in.
I have never asked for help and the one time I do?
It is madly insane.
I don't know who you are calling, but I don't think it is AA.
They don't charge anything, or take insurance, and they definitely talk to drunks.
As I mentioned in my rather long reply to you, don't confuse the treatment centers with AA itself. AA has always been, since the 1930s, a group that helps other alcoholics and we don't charge a dime. We do, however, have a Seventh Tradition where we are self-supporting through our own contributions... you'll probably see a basket going around where members toss in a dollar or two, but even that is not required. If you're just getting into AA and don't have a dollar to spare, which is often the case, just pass the basket on and no one will think poorly of you.
The treatment centers grew up long after AA was founded, and they operate on a profit basis. People spend thousands of dollars there to dry out and be taken to AA meetings. Save yourself the money, and just go to AA on your own.
As I said, feel free to write me back with a general location as to where you are (I'm in east Tennessee and living 35 years sober now) and I'll try to help you find somewhere near you to start the process of living a new life.
Congrats! That's a major step and you deserve a huge congrats to have the balls to recognize you need help and to take action.
Hi mate, Can I ask which country you’re based in? I’ve got some contacts on my side of the world. I’m really sorry you’re in this position and congratulations to you for taking the first step, the hardest one of them all.
I am in Fort Worth, Texas. Would love if you you can connect me with anyone. Been hard to find a connect, which is crazy.
Shouldn't it be easy?
https://www.fortworthaa.org/meetings/?tsml-region=fort-worth
Phones Answered 24 Hours A Day 7 Days a Week 817-332-3533 or (800) 396-1602
Click Here To eMail Central Office
Our Regular Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9am-5pm. 3001 W 5th St, Suite 200, Fort Worth, TX 76107
I spoke to an Erin at that Fort Worth number. She gave me the schedule for 2 places close to me.
Not to be conspiratorial buy I swear to God that number would not come up on my Google or Bing.
She said it should have been the first or second result.
I responded, for you as someone that is sober and does not need the help, but me?
My phone knew I needed help. Crazy, huh?
SEO says no. So when are you going to a meeting?
Tomorrow at Harbor Group at 6pm.
I’m based in New Zealand, I’ll give my mate a call now for ya. It should be easy, you are right. They have daily meetings here, entirely free, I believe they also do zoom meetings. I’ll get back to you soon
Good man, thanks for carrying the message. You've done your AA service work for today.
I'm 11 years. Was a two 750 of 100 proof a day for 20 years straight. I did not do AA, just went cold turkey and never looked back. The best piece of advice I can give is don't tell anyone you have quit. It takes an enormous amount of pressure off of you. If you slip up, you slip up only to yourself. Seems corny but it helps. Another corny one is, when you feel like you are going to fail, super hot bath while eating chocolate, this works for heroin, it should work for booze too. Good luck, my friend. There is a whole new world out there when you are sober.
I did tell my wife not to mention this to anyone until I'm ready to talk about it. Going to share this journey with her and Noone else, we'll other than the anons, lol.
The idea of being looked at as a wounded gazelle in middle of a lion pack is unappealing.
Feel free to message me anytime. Believe me, if I was able to do it, you can do it too. My high score on the breathalyzer was .458 and if you didn't know me, you wouldn't even know I was drunk. 20+ years straight NEVER being sober. You got this. Btw. Not telling anyone you quit works with smoking too.
Thank you. I used to smoke and just did it. One day, everyone knew I did not smoke.
For drinking?
My wife is my copilot. She will be my watcher.
My wife put up with so much when I was drinking. She definitely earned her angel wings throughout that whole thing. She can feel free to message anytime as well. I can only help with words but it's better than nothing.
Hi mate, do you have zoom? My friend Mike is taking this class. It starts in 2 hours, 7:30pm NZT. They have daily meetings, entirely free. This is the link for the zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81242638274 And the password to join is GodWorx21 All the best on your journey brother! I look forward to hearing from you in the future
Thank you
sup. i should also prolly drink less. i haven't been considering joining AA, but I've sure thought about quitting.
Ya know. My best clarity and thought has been sober, but I have always convinced myself it comes during drunken state
I have traveled the world and have a beautiful family.
Best times ever in life are sober.
Always.
I am battling, right now. A sober vs drunken desire.
Sober is the right state of mind and where we should all reside.
Dang sounds like you and I have been on a very similar trajectory.
I did finally quit after years. First year I really had to consciously and constantly make that commitment to myself to quit drinking. I'm on year 2 now and am feeling so much better about... well everything. I'm now able to go to get togethers now without extreme cravings. I still get them from time to time and I probably always will but it's easier to say no. I realized for me my cravings were largely habit and out of associations (nighttime = drink, bored = drink, get togethers = drink), so I did my best to change associations (nighttime = gym, bored = new hobbies, get togethers = placed emphasis on catching up with people rather than partying aspect) and realize that I built up a habit over many years, so it'll take a long while to undo it. I've made it to the otherside and am just doing my best. Good luck fren!
Thank you for that testimony
CigarTsar - ( respectfully ) Walk into any AA meeting , and have a seat. WORD of advise !!! stay away from all the drunks ! They will get you into trouble ! Be sober - and be "All Ears" ! If you are really gonna SLOW DOWN on your drinking ??? and you are really NOT full of SHIT . . . ??? "POSSIBLY" - the Man , Up-Stairs ? might send some associates to help you out a little bit. One Catch !!! Ya gotta ask. and GOD knows if you are 100% full of shit. I wish you the best of luck. Start by staying from all the bad entities ( people ) and clean up your LIVING bullshit. Get good at that ! and then contemplate drinking less. 100% honesty is the only way.
Thank you for the advice. I actually do not want to slow down on drinking. I want to 100% stop it. I did stop drinking years ago but started again.
My wife wants me to try AA because she thinks it will help long term and to be honest?
I think having someone to talk to during weK times would help a lot. A reminder.
Just finished a beautiful trip where a family member went on a bender for 4 days. Scared me and made me realize.
I am not far from that.
100% - go sit in on AA meetings. They are "Mind Blowing" ! The stories these drunks will tell you will scare the hell outta you. Serious word of advise - 100% seriously stay away from everybody in the AA meetings. Fine that FLAME that got you in a relationship with your wife - and talk her ear off. "SHE" - is your GOD sent Guardian Angel. Work on YOU. Work on being HONEST , about everything. Good Luck.
I can only imagine! My wife was a medical biller for awhile and the narratives were heart breaking let alone im sure from hearing from individuals at AA.
This this and this. And this means HONEST WITH YOURSELF too. If you're hooked on drinking like I had to be, you may not realize how much you lie to yourself. Be honest with yourself and it'll help you escape.
Great comment fren
Thank you so much and to be honest, my wife has wanted me to go to AA for years.
You are also right in that I should stay clear of the wrecked and report back to my loving base of operation, my wife.
Thank you.
You could enquire at an ACOA group - adult children of alcoholics
Laundry list from ACOA, helps with honesty https://adultchildren.org/literature/laundry-list/
Thanks, will try tomorrow, but do not have much hope. These groups are very poor at their core mission.
Frigging sad and probably why so many people on the streets.
I'm 35 years clean and sober thanks to AA. You may be looking at "treatment centers" that do require insurance, etc. Don't confuse these treatment centers with AA proper... we have nothing to do with treatment centers, those are privately operated outfits that are run for-profit. AA is totally non-profit and we exist solely to help alcoholics get sober, and that is ALL we do.
There is no waiting list, no fees or dues, no entry test or requirements, or insurance needed for AA itself.... you are a member when you say you are. All treatment centers can do is point you to an AA meeting and ask a few thousand dollars to do that. I'm doing it here for free, you don't owe me (or anyone else here) one dime.
The HARDEST part about getting into AA is your own reluctance and dithering, maybe even a little bit of denial. But the only thing holding you back if you.
Find a meeting close to you -- and trust me, we are EVERYWHERE -- to to that meeting at the appointed time, in fact, go EARLY and meet some people, introduce yourself. You will be the most important person at that meeting, the newcomer.
The Primary Purpose of all AA groups and members is to "stay sober and carry the message to other alcoholics." You will probably be met with welcome arms, and just maybe, you will find hope in that meeting, or any other AA meeting you go to.
Let them know that this is your first-ever meeting, they will do the rest. But they cannot MAKE you sober, you will have to do the work, and work the 12 steps, but they can guide you along the way.
Learn to trust people again, that is a major step. No one in AA wants anything from you...not your money, not absolute obedience, just ask that you show up and start the process of getting your life in order again.
Speaking as an "old timer" myself, it gives me great joy seeing new people come into AA, turning their lives around, growing in mind, body, and spirit, and become useful, contributing citizens again. THAT is the only 'payment' we get...seeing people become whole again.
There is an entire new language to learn that won't make sense at first, but AA has been around since the 1930s and has developed its own culture and manner of speaking. The "big book," the "12 & 12," "pink cloud," "steps and traditions," "sponsors".... you'll learn what these mean as you go along, don't let yourself be put off by them. In any endeavor in life, if its been around awhile and stood the test of time, will have its own jargon, so feel free to ask questions. In fact, ask LOTS OF QUESTIONS to anyone who will spend time talking with you. It's what we do.
If you're serious about getting sober and staying sober, welcome to the most important new way of living and new friends that you have ever had. All my old drinking and using "friends" are now dead or sober, leading lives of misery or living fulfilling lives, depending on whether they got sober or not. My new friends today are mostly those in the rooms of AA.
Best of luck to you, come see us. We're in your phone book, or online, under "AA" or "Alcoholics Anonymous." Back in the 1930s we were hard to find...today, we are very easy to find. All it takes is to Google "AA" or "AA near me" and you'll find a group, a meeting, or AA resources near you.
Reply back if you want, with a general location, and I'll be glad to help you find something near you. Or if you're like me and want to do it "on your own" that's fine too, but just DO IT. A bright future awaits you, you just have to reach out and take hold of it.
Thank you and God bless.
Best of luck getting there OP. It’s worth it to quit, will change everything in a positive way. Saying a prayer for you tonight.
Thank you and God bless.
Look in the phone book and go to a meeting.
Their is no joining or membership.
Don't go to 90 meetings strait and celebrate by getting drunk like I did.......
It works, I haven't drank in 30 years.
I quit going to AA and started going to church many years ago,but AA is the best place to start.
My wife and God are most important. I've been regular to Church for years, but hasn't helped me.
As a drinker? I am selfish. Hopefully, AA will help me with that selfish side.
It is amazing how selfish we are as drinkers. Worst side of it.
We can justify anything.
I am just blessed that never have I hurt my wife physically or mentally other than my absence through drinking, which is a form of abuse and aware of it.
They have seen everything....
I went to a few meetings but found it wasn’t good for me to always be talking about drinking all the time and being around other drunks. Find what works for you, make your walk with God a priority, be completely honest with yourself, God, and your loved ones. If you really want to be sober you will. If AA helps you, go. It’s hard but worth it. 7 years sober.
Congratulations, my fren! Each journey begins with a step forward. You will take steps backwards but remember the goal is to make more steps forward than you take backwards so you end up ahead.
Ultimately, you will stop stepping backwards.
Also, at least for many, alcohol is a way to escape trauma. If you don't deal with that trauma, you'll still be triggered to drink. Not sure if that applies in your case, but just in case it does, there ya go
Nov. 01, 1993. The day God held my hand and I walked through those (AA) doors. Amazing Grace!
So thankful that you received the help you needed from your online family here. Those of us that have attended AA or NA meetings know how important it is to find a support group. The best of luck and many blessings to you my friend
Kinda crazy. I had so much difficulty finding help, but once I reached out to the crazy Anon website?
Help avalanche.
A good reminder for everyone that the world is not as you think.
Thanks everyone!
I found that meetings vary based on who is attending. Go a few times, but if you don't seem to mesh with others, find a meeting at different location or time. One thing you will find is like minded people that toy can relate to.
"There are no dues or fees for Alcoholics Anonymous, the only requirement for membership is the desire to stop drinking"- from the Traditions and Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA saved my life and gave me a life. I was at my end, I had thought I wanted to die. I called the AA hotline, they told me where to go to a meeting that night. I walked in, shaky, heartbroken, finally defeated. I spoke, the entire meeting focused on me, at the end, 4 women came to me, giving me their phone number, smiled, they were so happy and warm and welcoming. 38 years sober this month, but it is one day at a time.
I can only speak as a former member of Al-anon. My mother died from cirrhosis in 2010, she was sober for years but her damage was done. I attended Al-anon for a year, I got some good things out of it but I found the community to be cult like. 12 step groups are not for me but they may be for you.
Nothing wrong with cults that are positive.
The Church is a cult. Our belief in Christ is based on faith. Thomas Aquinas did a great study on this in the Summa Theological.
I've never heard of AA members jumping off bridges, because their sponsor told them to.
I have met a lot of AA people that lead productive lives with clarity.
I don't attend church however I believe in Jesus. Organized re ligion is a cult. I work in a hair salon many of the clients are friends of Bill. Oh how they talk behind each other's backs using AA jargon to prove that they are righteous makes me sick. Same deal with Al- anon , filled with back stabbers. Just speaking from my personal experience with the program. I know it helps people but it's not the only way to get sober.
You are actually just talking about stupid people. Has nothing to do with people that care about Christ enlightenment. More about just being a stupid eater that I love, but our bettors want to remove.
I actually believe that moron at the salon store is better for our world than the ones that want to remove them.
Steps, traditions & silly slogans reminds me of organized religious services. AA has helped multitudes but it wasn't for me and I'm sober in spite of that.
I guess I can see that some would feel that way, I do not go to many meetings now, but for the first 10 years,I went 3-4 times a week. I had to learn to resocialize in a safe space, with other sober friends, not return to my old ways. As I got older, and as my needs changed, basically with dealing with chronic pain, I began to use medical marijuana, and that was not accepted as a general rule. My sobriety was questioned, even though I have not touched a drop of alcohol all this time, so I eased up on the meetings, my sponsor is fine with it, as many close sober friends are, I was advised to just not talk about my need for pain relief, and just keep the topic on booze, and how to apply the 12 steps in my personal life. I still think for the beginner, the 12 steps are an invaluable tool for changing back into a sober human being. Alcohol does our thinking for us, is our crutch for emotional pain, and the lubricant that we needed to be social, so a personality change , in my opinion, is necessary. What is great is that you don't have to do it alone, and that you can be with others going through the same struggle, experience strength and hope.
Sadly even the use of anti depressants are looked down upon by avid AA members.Don't they realize that the rrason many people start drinking is to self medicate. That goes with using medical marijuana too!
I'm glad that I've never been prone to addiction. Hardest thing I quit was an ex. I stopped drinking on a dime.
I'm following up on your post this morning to see how you are doing and what, if anything, you have decided to do?
I said a prayer for you last night as we closed our Friday night AA meeting here, asking for a moment of silence for people still out there suffering and that they might find the gift of AA, and I was thinking specifically of you.
Hope all is well with you.
Attended 2 meetings. One focused on steps 1 thru 3. Went 2 days without drinking then drank last night, sigh.
The meetings are good. So far nothing wacky, just an emphasis on shedding the self and embracing a higher authority, which as a Christian have no issue with.
I'm going to keep going to the meetings. Someone told me last night 90 meetings first 90 days, so will make effort to attend every day.
Thanks for following up and prayers.
Good for you. Yes, at the beginning it can be a little rocky. There is sound medical reason (which the Old Timers didn't know about, but they knew that SOMETHING happened in 90 days)... and a doctor in AA told me recently. A study done in the last 5 years or so found that after stopping drugs and alcohol, it takes roughly 3 months for the brain to begin rewiring itself back to "normal" thinking.
So the Old Timers were on to something, they just didn't know the medical reason for it. So 90 meetings in 90 days does have a reasoning behind it.
So here's something I learned years ago in AA: "I used to drink for pleasure...then I drank out of habit... then I drank out of necessity. After coming to AA I came out of necessity....then I came out of habit ...and now I come for pleasure." There is a certain symmetrical truth to that statement.
Most of my friends are AA friends, but a few of them are at my gym and others in my circle of musicians. Life is truly blessed now, and I am grateful for AA for giving me a second chance at life.
Our God is a God of Second Chances, and AA was a huge second chance for me.
Best of luck to you... stick with the winners, find meetings you enjoy, stay away from negative people, and enjoy the good humor you will find in the meetings.
Just go to a meeting. They are free.
Best 12 steps I ever took. I live by them. Call and someone can arrange to.pick.you up if you need it! We stay sober helping others! Please do this! Life is beyond better than you can imagine! Peace! There is real peace inside me in spite of everything going on! Much love!! 👍💕🙏
Thank you
Thank you everyone for your replies. Going to my first AA tomorrow.
First step.
Just know that if the program is not centered around god it wont work
Some churches have a Celebrate Recovery group, not specific for just alcohol, but I've heard many good things
Getting help to cut down drinking is surprisingly difficult. I'm talking about for people lucky enough not to be in a downward spiral of alcoholic ruin - I mean regular people who recognise they are overdoing it and want to dial it back to a social level. Which is me. I just want to lose my beer gut.
If you go to a health professional and ask for help to quit smoking then they are all over you with nicotine patches, hypnosis, counselling. If you say you want to quit or reduce alcohol they just give you a weird look and say "well don't drink so much then."
Fascinating reply. I truly believe our "bettors" want us drunk and in a stupor.