I just finished 84 days at St. Joseph's Recovery Center in Parkersburg, WV.. I have over 100 days clean and sober. People are always saying you can't do it with out God but I have done it. I find more strength and courage within myself. I have endured having my right leg amputated, twice, once through the knee and a second to amputate my knee. I received my third prosthetic leg September 19, 2019 and I'm already walking with it. So, people you can do the twelve steps of AA/NA/HA or whatever "A" you choose by simply exchanging the word "God" with "My Higher Power".
Congrats...back in the day, when I went to AA and Alnon, (because of alcoholic husband) I remember about the ‘higher power’ or what ever you need it to be.
Stay well and ‘keep on, keeping on!’
Good for you, Jimmie! Yeah, the whole god thing is for the gullible. Obviously you have more sense than most. I encourage you to go inward to find your own strength. The Zen Buddhists call it the "god within" which, when discovered, gives you inner peace and joy. No belief bullshit required.
Don't worry about what SOME people say about god! I'm ten years sober without AA. God has nothing to do with it.
BUT AA DOES identify and codify several true things about quitting, like hitting "rock bottom" and deciding for yourself to quit. No one can do that for you.
For some people, especially at the beginning, AA can be a support group helping to reinforce resolve. Things like that.
But the god trappings are just window dressing, and have nothing to do with being a non-drinking person.
I quit because I finally realized once and for all, after a lifetime of starting and stopping and starting, alcohol had ruined my life and would continue to do so unless I stopped. Seems simple, but until you finally believe that down deep at your very CORE it does no good. AA thinks that "core" is religious conviction, but it isn't, so, if anything, AA's Christian cult nature ruins or at the very least dilutes it's power to help.
I had gone way beyond just drinking alcohol. I realized my drug abuse was just as bad as my alcohol abuse. After many years of abuse I decided it was time for me to live. Alcohol and drugs had consumed my life with no regard for family. I am happy to say I am free of the chains of drugs and alcohol.
What an accomplishment Jimmie. You are an inspiration to those behind you!
Yeah, I quit drugs over 20 years ago and started enforcing a 3 drink limit on myself 10 years ago. When I was looking to quit drugs I went to a couple of NA and AA meetings. I couldn't take the higher power stuff and the serenity prayer. After continuing to struggle I ended up moving away from that scene. I did continue drinking like a fish and had it get me in trouble several times (arrested for PI 5 times during those years). Then I met my wife and she never got into drinking. She challenged me to quit and I did for about 6 months. But it was hard in social settings so I decided I would try to limit myself to 3 drinks. And that was years ago. Of course I'm older now and have much more self control. But I could never do any 12 step program.
Congratulations. But actually there is no power higher than you! Give yourself all the credit!
I do give myself and the people at St. Joe's, they were wonderful. I went through 10 surgeries and lost my leg by myself so staying clean and sober shouldn't be any harder.
You are so strong and inspirational ....I salute you.
Well done, brilliant work!
A friend of mine cold turkeyed alcohol and cigarettes at the same time about 20 years ago.
He didn’t need god either. Just personal resolve
You two are a shining example of what can be done without metaphysical forces guiding you if you don’t believe in them.
Congratulations, man!!! One of the guitarists of my former band has been almost 5 years off the booze. He's atheist, I think. You're no less than him, if he could make it, you can as well.
Awesome! You’ve done it, and you can keep doing it! Very happy for you and the better life you’ll be able to live sober.
I get to spend tie with my grandkids now.
My Dear Jimmie...I am so proud of you for this accomplishment......Big hugs for you.... because I know it is very hard to do!! My son has been clean for 16 years . Now !! Also without "god" ! I wish for you and your family...lots of Love...
Thank you for your story...it will help many more
This year is my 30 year sobriety anniversary. Whenever I heard the word god in AA, I would think "Group Of Drunks" and that was my higher power. They were sober drunks, but drunks nevertheless. I haven't been going to meetings for about 5 years, but I still count October 2 as my sobriety date.
Congrats on your 100 days sober. It's a great life without drugs and alcohol.
I thank you all for your responses and support. Each one of you touched my heart.
Thank you,
Jimmie