Why I post here
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| Mon, 03-13-2006 - 7:53pm |
My name is Leslie and I am a recovering alcoholic. Through the grace of God, the program of AA, my sober friends, and this board, I will be sober 11 years on Friday, the 17th. When I was newly sober, I could not fathom anyone not drinking for 10 - 20 - 30+ years - yet I met many people who had been sober that long. What amazed me was the happiness and serenity that seemed to surround them like an aura. I had never known any peace within me, and I so wanted what sober people had. I was told that I could do it too - one day at a time. And, one day at a time I have. With a lot of help. I could not do it alone.
I come here because it helps me to stay sober. I come here to reach out to the newcomers, and share my experience, strength, and hope. I come here because in reaching out I become a little less self-centered and care a little bit more about my fellow man (or woman!). Although I am sober through AA, and still attend meetings, I do not profess to say that AA is the only way - it has been the only way and best way for me!
There has been a lot of debate going on around here, particularly with moderating. I have chosen to stay out of the fray, because it detracts me from my primary purpose: "to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety". It frustrates me to see posts about someone planning drinks for the evening - in fact, it makes me very sad. My understanding is that we are here to help one another find their way, to live sober lives, or to learn to live happily even though someone we love is an alcoholic. We try not to judge or condemn anyone. God knows we have judged ourselves enough.
Alcoholism is a deadly, progressive, and often fatal disease. I have lost too many people in my life to this disease for me to take it too lightly. I have seen the ravages of alcoholism in the lives of the students I teach, I have seen destroyed marriages, lost jobs, horrible car accidents, people in jail, and death. I was sober less than 2 years when I man I cared very much about picked up a drink after 13 years "dry". He lasted in a drunken state for about 6 months until he pulled a gun on himself. Alcoholism succeeded in its goal - to destroy.
The name of this board is "Alcohol Problems". As a member of this board, I try and offer solutions. I share what has worked for me. Sobriety is a wonderful gift - never to be taken for granted - or lightly. I will try and stay the course - to offer encouragement and hope to those who want to stop drinking. Thanks for letting me share.
Leslie

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Good Evening Leslie,
That's the nicest thing I've read all day. A compelling message from a erudite, serene
and courageous young lady. I thank you,Leslie. When we get right down to it Alcohol Problems means to me exactly that. And the solution is so simple---eliminate the alcohol and we eliminate the problem. We have been blessed to save our life, or marriage, our self respect. Our heart, minds and spirit survive in comfort and joy.
Kindest regards and love to all,
Paul
Castaway
A Friend in Recovery
Paul
Pediatric Stroke, even kids get them
That was so nice to read Leslie, I have a few tears in my eyes. Your words give someone like me such inspiration and hope! And Paul too, your words are always encouraging!
Have a great day! Tracy
(((Leslie)))
Very well said, my dear.
About "moderating"--oh yes, I certainly thought more than one time over my disgusting 25 year habit of drinking alcohol that I could "moderate" and then all the problems alcohol was causing would go away.
Mid-2004 I visited the moderation website for about a month or two, hoping that I could learn how to keep my beloved vodka in my life, but be able to "moderate" my use of it.
Now this is MY OPINION, but I'll say it. Guess what I kept reading in a lot of the posts? It sure seemed more often than not that people were not able to moderate. An overwhelming "yes--moderation works" message sure didn't seem to be standing out. That really got me to thinking that for many of us, moderation is impossible.
Then I found and came to this board, where all you wonderful, caring and successfully sober folks were willing to reach out, take the time to read my long posts, and answer & encourage me.
And here I am gang. Almost 16 months sober!
Leslie, you've been an integral part of my continuing sobriety.
Thank you so much!!
Claudia
P.S. Wow! 11 years on the 17th. :-)
Leslie,
Thank you for you sharing your reasons for being here in such a beautiful way.
Alcohol takes many prisoners when allowed to roam free. Some are just innocent
bystanders who love and care about those of us with problems.
Because of YOU, OTHERS, AND THIS BOARD, and God's Grace, I am sober 2 years and 7 months.
At times I thought that would be impossible. But, you all showed me the way.
I tried moderating, cutting down, switching drinks, EVERYTHING. But for me,
abstaining from alcohol is the only way. Quite frankly, it took more time and
energy for me to drink, and try the other "tricks" to keep drinking. Life is good now,
and simple. I just don't drink.
Eleven years Leslie this Friday...you go girl!!!
Peace,
Rose
Fanttastic Leslie!!!
I am so proud for you!!
I can relate to your friend doing himself in.
After 20 years of not drinking, for the past 8 months I've tried to do myself in, clear to the point of drinking rubbing alcohol. Not a pretty site. I don't think a person can moderate and win.
Finalstand
Ciao for now!
Thought of the day:
A good angle to approach any problem is the try-angle.
Leslie
Hi Leslie-
I just happened to read your post, and today being the 17th-Congratulations and Happy Anniversary!!!
Is it a coincidence that you quit on St. Patrick's Day, because I read that Savannah has the 2nd largest celebration in the country?
Normally I go out and party on this day, but since I'm staying away from drinking I thought it would be easier to stay home. (Actually my celebrating consisted of buying an Irish necklace on QVC today-much cheaper, and safer.)
Anyway congratulations again. Postings like yours keep me motivated.
Becky
Leslie,
First, Congrats and wow what an inspiration you are to those of us struggling and wondering if we will ever feel free!
I applaud your bold statements about the board. I have been discouraged over the last month with some of the tones and quite honestly don't have the time to weed through all the posts to find the truly inspiring and honest words I need. You may have noticed I haven't been around as much. I keep reading hoping things will get back to "normal". Perhaps another board could be created or we need to have a more clear mission statement about what this board is about.
Keep up the service -- you have helped me!
Frances
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