59 years old and sobriety has been a struggle. I've attended countless A.A. meetings and have relapsed many times. I can't say it doesn't work because for many people it does and my hats off to them but it hasn't worked for me.
Today I look for help through SMART recovery and have to find the root of my sickness.
We are all in this together but we are all different and what works for some won't work for others.
I believe the most important thing is that we heal ourselves from our addictions and find Peace, Contentment and Happiness.
I'm no better than anybody and nobody is better than me
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Good morning, Gary.
You said it! You must, must get to the root or source of your issues. Drinking/using is a symtom of underlying issues. I found that AA doesn't address underlying issues. Please start examining your childhood, for that is where all things began in all likelihood.
Warning: it won't be comfortable or easy, and it'll take time. Trust me and believe, get to the source. You'll be surprised that once you do that, you'll find no need to medicate yourself. Keep God first and cast all your burdens on God. Wishing you all the best.
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If you do the steps you can get to the root of your issues. I’m 62 and did the same as you. Finally went to detox and outpatient program. Finally seeing AA in a new way. It’s not just meetings you have to do the steps fearlessly. That’s where you find the answers. Just going to meetings is just going to meetings.
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Again what works for some doesn't work for others. There is SMART recovery that has proven to be very successful in the recovery of addiction.
I find it to be narcissistic to say the steps are necessary to understand an addiction that drives negative behavior and individuals into a slow suicide.
Again Johns Hopkins has a program that has less than ten percent relapse over a period of time. It's proven science. So if a person finds the answers in the steps or by studying addiction who are we to say what's right or wrong.
How can Margaret say " I did the same as you " without knowing me at all?
I'm not trying to push an agenda but having an open mind to possiblity may help people to find sobriety and happiness.
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Richard Party ring a bell?
Your mindset resonates with me. Thank you and would like the chance to exchange phrases and melodies as it may help.
Thank You and Godspeed
Richard Party is who I ment to say.
Richard Parry. I think I got it right this time.
Richard Parry
Richard Parry.
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God guides me and communicate with me through people. You seem to be very positive and would like to stay in touch.
Thanks again.
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You are welcome! Sure stay in touch.
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Musicians share a different language and understanding. I believe that we have been given a gift like a seed that needs attention, nourishment and positive energy
to grow and blossom.
I am grateful to a God that is Loving, Caring and Forgiving. A God the shines a brilliant light on those that will just believe.
I believe and you believe she we can believe together and through Harmonious Continuity share the gift because it's by giving we receive.
If you haven't found the prayer of Saint Francis do search for it.
Thanks You for inviting me as I don't have a lot of friends you restore my faith in humanity.
Godspeed
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You have a chance to come back from a drink.
Faith, hope work with a “journeyman” and an “apprentice” out of the Book of Double A, be in a constant prayerful state
You will hear your story an eventually the music of AA
Find a different group if you get too big for the pond
My suggestion of 41 years is only the the product of Today’s victory
I'm here.
Smart recovery is good. I got a workbook for it in my 2 rehab.
I was 59 when I finally surrendered! I was tired of being sick and tired. I am clean and sober 2.5 years now and I have never been at peace like this ever! AA and my higher power saved my life.
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SMART worked for me for awhile
I sing all the time... Does that qualify me as a musician? 
I hope sobriety for you, however that looks. Getting to the root is important. Just take it one day at a time and don't drink. I hope the compulsion leaves you and that you find peace.
Thank you
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