How long ago was your last relapse?
My sobriety date is October 22, 2003. Six years and eight days ago, I took my last drink to date.
What do you think triggered your relapse?
Not sharing what was going on with my sponsor - keeping a secret because of ego reasons - skipping meetings, avoiding contact with my sponsor, not praying, and working the steps backwards. Nothing unique - just not using the tools I had been given, hence letting my alcoholic mind take over. The thought that I would drink when I returned home (in a month) without ever sharing that plan with a single soul. The hopeless belief that a drink was the only way to fix my problem.
Lessons learned
- There's no answers in the bottom of a bottle.
- Nothing lousier than a head full of AA with a belly full of booze.
- The Program is simple - don't complicate it.
- Don't drink; go to meetings; ask for help and use it.
- Take suggestions and ask for ideas.
- Move out of the driver's seat.
- Times are tough? Hit a meeting. Times are good? Hit a meeting.
- The best way to face fear is to walk into it - but not alone.
- I am NOT unique - I'm just another bozo on the bus.
