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Originally Posted by kare2bear
Hi there..
been sober 7 years now. This last year I've really started not liking going to meetings. I"ve switched it up and tried different ones but for some reason I just don't like going anymore. I know I'm still an addict. It's just that I can't get back on track and starting going to meetings with regularity again.
I've been stressed over the past year.. relationship and job issues.. and find that I'm not comfortable talking about this at meetings. There's always someone who has to make comment on what I said and try to offer their 2 cents. Like when I talk about the **** my boyfriend and I are going through and people will actually say stuff like "I would leave him if things don't start to change" I absolutely hate that  It makes me want to stay silent in the meeting or not go at all. Which is where I"m at now. For a long time I tried to brush off peoples comments in meetings and try to focus on the positive message, but I lost patience and decided to stop going for awhile.
Problem is.. I"m still an addict and have urges and impulses that have increased in the past 6 months. I try to keep my mind and body healthy with excercise and diet and see a therapist. I came really close to using a few weeks ago.. and fortunately by the grace of god did not act on the urge. I was able to play the tape all the through and realize using will only make my problems worse and **** with my emotions.
I came to PC to get support for emotional issues and am glad they also have a forum dealing with addictions. It's a way for me to at least read about others who struggle and get courage, strenth and hope to stay sober.
tks |
I think I could've written this myself. I really hate it when a relative newcomer, let's say 2 years or less, wants to tell me how to do it! I've always hated this about meetings - the "holier than thou"/let me tell YOU how I would run your life" crap, rather than just sharing experience, strength and hope.
I found myself talking about "situations" that revolved around a principle of the steps...like "honesty, hope, brotherhood, etc." I like how that helped me get to the root of what I was questioning. I didn't use any specifics, just stuck to the principles of the steps. That's my experience.
When you have around 7 years like you, it's hard to bite your tongue! My former sponsor used to tell me that there's no accounting for how some people earn or keep their seat! Still cracks me up to this day!! Kinda puts it all in perspective for me.
As far as going to meetings, you'll have to sort through that. We're here and we care.
