Has Anyone Here Stopped Drinking Alcohol Becuase It Became A Problem?

[franciscanheart]

[quote name='abercius24' post='1645194' date='Sep 2 2008, 05:17 AM']With any sin, one must cut themself off completely to stop. That doesn't just mean no alcohol for an alcoholic. It means one must completely remove themself from those elements of their culture that involve alcohol. Friends, family, places, atmosphere, periphanalia, t-shirts, music, etc. If any of these lead one to even think of alcohol, they must be avoided. Now I'm not saying one must necessarily abandon family and friends, but they must recognize the situations in which these people tempt them without knowing. Even a friendly drink with a loved-one can be extremely dangerous to an alcoholic. Alcohol simply cannot be in one's life anymore. And that's ok. It's only a funny tasting liquid, isn't it? There is much more flavor in life than what we drink!

But to do what I just said is actually much more complicated than it seems. And the complication itself can lead to a general frustration, which can easily lead back to the alcohol. That's why Alcoholics Anonymous is so valuable. To help me deal with an alcoholic family member and help him with his recovery, I attended a number of AA-sponsored meetings. I was amazed at the skill these people possess in controling addiction in their lives. Frankly, it is a skill everyone should be taught -- at least to avoid being swallowed by addictions. Just to help motivate my family member in his pursuit toward sobriety, I gave up alcohol for a good 10 years, too. It was truly a spiritual journey we shared together that I would never trade. In fact, life has much greater value in both our eyes as a result of that struggle. I trust that God will bless you similarly in your mission toward sobriety, as well.[/quote]
I whole-heartedly disagree with you. It is not necessary, [i]even for an alcoholic[/i], to avoid being around (people, places, things involving) alcohol. If there is sufficient reason to be around it, a person should feel no shame in going, nor should they fear it.

Your opening remarks and then your mention of AA, in my opinion, could give the wrong message about what AA is and teaches. AA does not teach what you have said.

[picchick]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' post='1645469' date='Sep 2 2008, 02:24 PM']I whole-heartedly disagree with you. It is not necessary, [i]even for an alcoholic in a solid spiritual place in his or her life[/i], to avoid being around (people, places, things involving) alcohol. If there is sufficient reason to be around it, a person should feel no shame in going, nor should they fear it.

Your opening remarks and then your mention of AA, in my opinion, could give the wrong message about what AA is about. AA does not teach what you have said.[/quote]

Have you ever attended a meeting?

AA does teach you to do such things. If there is something that brings you to drink then you need to avoid it. They never place shame or blame on avoiding such things. In fact they know that it is necessary in order to be successful. Now, I don't think tha Albericus is saying that you need to go out of your way to avoid it but if you can you need to. They do not speak of fear or shame but they speak of support in not going.

When I went to a meeting they did say to avoid "near occasions" of alcohol temptation. By people, he means drinking buddies etc. Again, ther is no shame, no fear involved...it is the resolve not to go back to a place that you have left.

God Bless,
Meg

[Didacus]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' post='1645469' date='Sep 2 2008, 02:24 PM']I whole-heartedly disagree with you. It is not necessary, [i]even for an alcoholic[/i], to avoid being around (people, places, things involving) alcohol. If there is sufficient reason to be around it, a person should feel no shame in going, nor should they fear it.

Your opening remarks and then your mention of AA, in my opinion, could give the wrong message about what AA is teaches. AA does not teach what you have said.[/quote]

Lead us not into temptation.

Avoiding temptation is a very effective way of avoiding sin.

When I stop drinking I avoid even meeting some of my regular buddies, or the bar scenes, ect... It may not be necessary - granted; but its a lot easier!

[franciscanheart]

[quote name='picchick' post='1645476' date='Sep 2 2008, 01:30 PM']Have you ever attended a meeting?

AA does teach you to do such things. If there is something that brings you to drink then you need to avoid it. They never place shame or blame on avoiding such things. In fact they know that it is necessary in order to be successful. Now, I don't think tha Albericus is saying that you need to go out of your way to avoid it but if you can you need to. They do not speak of fear or shame but they speak of support in not going.

When I went to a meeting they did say to avoid "near occasions" of alcohol temptation. By people, he means drinking buddies etc. Again, ther is no shame, no fear involved...it is the resolve not to go back to a place that you have left.

God Bless,
Meg[/quote]
I am a touch busy at the moment but I will find the passage in the book of Alcoholics Anonymous that speaks of this. It is in the "Big Book" that an alcoholic need not avoid a situation involving alcohol [i]if there exists sufficient reason for him to be there[/i].

[franciscanheart]

[quote name='Didacus' post='1645486' date='Sep 2 2008, 01:38 PM']Lead us not into temptation.

Avoiding temptation is a very effective way of avoiding sin.

When I stop drinking I avoid even meeting some of my regular buddies, or the bar scenes, ect... It may not be necessary - granted; but its a lot easier![/quote]
I am not suggesting that you hang around with a bunch of drunks while you're trying to get sober! I'm simply suggesting that, say, you need not avoid a Christmas party where there will be wine [i]simply because there will be wine[/i].

Make sense?

[picchick]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' post='1645490' date='Sep 2 2008, 02:42 PM']I am a touch busy at the moment but I will find the passage in the book of Alcoholics Anonymous that speaks of this. It is in the "Big Book" that an alcoholic need not avoid a situation involving alcohol [i]if there exists sufficient reason for him to be there[/i].[/quote]

Right, I understand this...but that is not what he was referring to. He was referring to if you can avoid it. If you can avoid it, you avoid it.

[franciscanheart]

I should also note that I'm not suggesting you ignore an inner compulsion to avoid a situation. If it makes you uncomfortable - if you get antsy in your pantsy/if your ass is on fire - don't go! But it is not necessary, for most individuals, to avoid functions/people/places on the sole basis that alcohol will be involved.

[franciscanheart]

[quote name='picchick' post='1645493' date='Sep 2 2008, 01:45 PM']Right, I understand this...but that is not what he was referring to. He was referring to if you can avoid it. If you can avoid it, you avoid it.[/quote]
No. If there is sufficient reason for you to be around it, you need [b]not[/b] avoid it. The opportunity to avoid it may be present, but it does not imply that you [i]should[/i] on the sole basis that alcohol will be present.

I say this about both about obligatory situations and social situations of which you may not be committed but would simply like to attend.

[Guest]

I just got home from work and read through all the responces from everyone and want to say thanks. You guys are good warm loveing people and its appreciated. Im going to find out when a meeting is and attend it. I never thought it would come to this but im convinced now im going to ruin my life through getting drunk. Ive been drinking since 14 and even though I only have one dui I should have so many more and thats enough reason to stop right there.

My dad is a loveing guy and he is has had 3 dui's. It probally has something to do with my parents divorse to. Hes always had a job and provided but I know how much it has cost him in his life. My uncle has 4 dui's and I just feel like I might be on the same path. I think my best chanch is to stop drinking all together because the only reason I enjoy drinking is for the buzz and ussually eventually to get drunk.

I was with a couple friends sunday and eventually ended up at buffalo wild wings. All I remember is being at the bar beside a guy and starting to argue with him. The next I know I had a tall glass of beer busted over my face and almost passed out. I was covered in blood and the cops and an ambulance was called. I talked to the cop and did not press charges but today seen that the guys name was in the paper for disorderly conduct. Theres a part of me that really wants to appologise to him because I believe that i started this with him, and though he had no right to do what he did I feel that I provoked him to this point.

This is I think God giveing me one last warning and mabey Him letting me know that if I dont stop now he is going to really let me fall. Ive been on phatmass since 03 and through all that time Ive wasted life and im not blameing that on drinking. Yet partying has been number one in my life and I know that God has not been. Ive lied to myself and deny'd the possiblity that I would go to hell but being honest with myself right now I dont know where I would go. I know if I can stay sober I will be able to put God first. So again thanks for the replys and prayers and Godbless you guys.

Edited September 2, 2008 by Guest

[kafka]

You are brave D-Boy.

I like the buzz too, but yeah its dangerous. One thing I would like to share with you though, I once watched this documentary on alcoholism on PBS and a recovered alcoholic made a good point. He said that people who are addicted to alcohol are some of the most spiritual people on earth. Its almost as if the buzz induces in us a sort of pseudo Timelessness and Placelessness. Maybe a sort of figure for the type of thing we will experience in Heaven. But I guess people who are addicted to the buzz have to practice extreme patience until they reach Timeless and Placeless Heaven with God.

I dont know if you are in to the whole Medjugorje thing but the Blessed Mother revealed to one of the visionaries that although her mother who was an alcoholic still made it to Heaven, since the struggle to give it up was an immense suffering for her.

I am not saying this to exonerate alcoholism, just a word of encouragment and comfort on your journey of giving up the buzz and to God.

Grace and Peace D-Boy

Edited September 2, 2008 by kafka

[abercius24]

[quote name='hugheyforlife' post='1645490' date='Sep 2 2008, 02:42 PM']I am a touch busy at the moment but I will find the passage in the book of Alcoholics Anonymous that speaks of this. It is in the "Big Book" that an alcoholic need not avoid a situation involving alcohol [i]if there exists sufficient reason for him to be there[/i].[/quote]

I think for someone who has gotten thru the first few steps, maybe. But all addiction control groups teach that a LIFE CHANGE must occur in the process -- which ultimately means a change in one's place in their culture and environment. That is basically what I am getting at.

And D-Boy, I am proud of you for caring for yourself and others to this extent. I'm sure you will be very successful in this endeavor with the Lord's help. And I too will be praying for you!

Edited September 3, 2008 by abercius24

[jckinsman]

[quote name='kafka' post='1645551' date='Sep 2 2008, 03:28 PM']You are brave D-Boy.

I like the buzz too, but yeah its dangerous. One thing I would like to share with you though, I once watched this documentary on alcoholism on PBS and a recovered alcoholic made a good point. He said that people who are addicted to alcohol are some of the most spiritual people on earth. Its almost as if the buzz induces in us a sort of pseudo Timelessness and Placelessness. Maybe a sort of figure for the type of thing we will experience in Heaven. But I guess people who are addicted to the buzz have to practice extreme patience until they reach Timeless and Placeless Heaven with God.

I dont know if you are in to the whole Medjugorje thing but the Blessed Mother revealed to one of the visionaries that although her mother who was an alcoholic still made it to Heaven, since the struggle to give it up was an immense suffering for her.

I am not saying this to exonerate alcoholism, just a word of encouragment and comfort on your journey of giving up the buzz and to God.

Grace and Peace D-Boy[/quote]

Boy, it does sound as if I missed out on another wonderful "PBS special". I wonder if we could compare smoking crack as the euphoric feeling of flying with the angels. PSEUDO TIMELESSNESS AND PLACELESSNESS???? What is this about? It is a chemical that works on the brain and the nervous system. This "buzz" Is no more then an altered state in your brain. Nowhere near the reality of what heaven is like. No matter what you said about it, you could never exonerate alcoholism, if you even tried.

Mixing Medjugorje and alcoholism misses the point, unless you add to the fact the state of her soul at the time of her death.You and I can never know that.The only facts are she died in a state of Grace despite the fact she was an alcoholic. (if this is even true) If she were here today I think she would never want the end result to justify the means at which you get there.

Encouraging words are that of truth. The grace to be able to see the truth comes from God alone. Why would you then use a discouraging situation and describe it as "encouragement". That is really called "enable-ment" God really wants you to "get it" before this all happens, not after you've hit the bottom. Like DB said, "I think God's giving me one last warning" The warning goes something like this,"I love you so much I will give to you want you want,so that you will know that you really do not want it" That is love. He is willing to take all of the pain watching you mess up, so in the end HOPEFULLY,he gains you back into his kingdom. Gotta love free-will. JC

Edited September 4, 2008 by jckinsman