Comments on: The Things We Say – A Primer In Thinking

By: Self-Image For Addicts

Self-Image For Addicts — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:46:03 +0000

[...] Read More on Digital Dharma… Posted in Alcohol Abuse, Alcoholism, Drug Abuse, Drug Addiction, Family and Friends, Recovery, Relationships, Therapy | Tags: affirmations, compassion, self-esteem, self-image [...]

By: An Oldie But A Goodie… « Digital Dharma

An Oldie But A Goodie… « Digital Dharma — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 13:38:55 +0000

[...] Read More… [...]

By: Dana Dugdale

Dana Dugdale — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:06:22 +0000

I personally find this article delightful. It presents to me a new skill that I may use to to tolerance and kindness of BOTH myself and others. I also realize that if I see myself as unskillful I can allow myself patience while I go through the process of getting it right. Mistakes become stages of my learning process.
My upcoming three year birthday has got me reflecting on where I thought I would be by now. I’m not there, not even in the same universe… but I AM learning!
Thanks Bill,
I needed some tolerance today!

By: Thomas

Thomas — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:07:58 +0000

I was taught that that introducing myself at meetings as “powerless over alcohol” to be a skillful way to avoid my own mind’s devices. If I drink alcohol, I have no demonstrable control over how much or how long I will drink. Whether it is disease, genetics, accelerated decreptitude– not important. What is important is that I don’t persuade myself that I have regained the power to have that next first drink with impunity.
It also gives me an opportunity to hear me say outloud that I am as powerless over alcohol as I was when I had my last drink, twenty two yers ago.

Seems to be working for you. Also seems that you missed the point. That’s OK.

By: dennis R

dennis R — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 20:23:36 +0000

I find Cognitive Therapy works so much better for me, than the “disease” theory. Therefore, I really enjoyed this article.

How am I ever going to achieve a peaceful, complete sobriety, by continuing to repeat “Im a alcoholic / addict…..”I have a disease for the rest of my life”….I’m powerless” ? Or have people tell me I’m in “denial” about a addiction problem…or even a social problem, because I’m not a part of their group / meetings or “taking the steps.” The arrogance, self-centered and self-righteousness begins when you tell people “The 12-steps are the only proven way out of addictions.”

I’ve done so much better with my recovery, since relieving myself of these old, outdated and personally punishing terms from the 12-step crowd. I’ve managed to maintain complete sobriety for 4 years now, without the fear of relapse, endless meetings / drunkalogues, cloying sponsors and slogans.

I dont think you can just talk your way into recovery. Or spend the rest of your life discussing recovery and addiction. A healthy lifestyle includes room for other things than endlessly forcing yourself into meetings, in fear of relapse if you dont.

Well, we have to crawl before we can walk, and not everyone has access to more sophisticated forms of treatment. The fact is, just about any kind of support will work for people who really want to stop drinking. The catch is to really want to. When I became convinced it would kill me in a pretty short time, and decided I didn’t want to die, it was all downhill from there. As far as the skills for living a sober life…I got a lot of those from the folks in the rooms; others I got from my own training, and much help from my recovering wife. Whatever gets you through the night.

Incidentally, I apologize for the snarky email; my blood sugar was low. No excuse…I know better.

Thanks for the comments.