Todays task was to introduce myself. I generally go by Nick, I was a licensed cosmetologist and educator for the state of Maine for 11 years (taught for 4 of those). I lost my mother when I was 7 (she was just 27) from a rare genetic disorder and mutation of colon cancer. I have Gardners Syndrome, it is diagnosed 1 out of every million people. There is no cure. In my early 20’s I was in a very toxic relation which started my alcohol journey but it didn’t last that long. I am recently divorced from my ex-husband of 11 years, the last 5 years were filled with alcohol and rage. 3 years ago my condition flared up and I needed to get a permanent ileostomy bag. It changed how I acted, how we acted towards each other and eventually led up to us being divorced in November of 2021. After my divorce I got sober and it lasted for 9 months. Then one night I made a bad decision that led to me drinking for the next 7 months. I’m trying every day to be a better person but those urges still creep in.
It’s hard to put you down. You’re a survivor, that’s for certain.
Thanks for sharing Nicholas.
Welcome
If you read Romans 7:18-20 it shows that even thousands of years ago good people struggled with doing bad things. It’s nothing to ever feel guilty about. I’m one to talk, I feel bad about everything, but it’s a waste of time. I try to exchange my guilt and self criticism for actions that will create positive change, like helping someone else. Also as Acts 20:35 says, there is more happiness in giving than receiving. Helping others also raises your self esteem which can slowly diminish the guilt. Stay strong my friend <3
I’m praying for you Nick:pray: please know God has a plan and your in the right place. We love you 
That’s a heck of an introduction. You’re resilient. Nice to meet you, and Welcome!
Thank you!
Thank you very much, Eric. Surviving is basically the only thing I know how to do, now it just comes naturally, though I wouldn’t mind if it slowed down a little lol
Thank you very much, Jared! Glad to be here!!
Dude...I have FAP. By God's Grace and AA in sobriety at 28 I lost my colon and had less than 40% chance of survival. I promise you having had cancer 3x if you really want sobriety AA works. Keep going to meetings.
Get a real sponsor. One who can literally take you through the steps as written in the Big Book.
You have plans, you have Hopes, you really have a future...in AA. If you drink you have 3 options Death, Insanity, or jail- which is both 1&2..
I'm being stern here because you can help people if you survive this long enough to really get sober. Plus I lost a lot from the surgery. But you can find men who will love you for You. Surgery and all... Please commit to the steps, to AA. With lingering doubt you may drink...no one but you will be at fault if you do.
God bless you man.
Michael you know this is AA right? Quote the big book. We all find God as we understand God in AA. But you're assuming this man is the same as you. While your quotes are uplifting to some, to others they may do Harm. AA has reasoning behind respecting each person's personal experience of God. I was saved by God's Grace through AA. AA survives if we refer to AA and it's structure. Please read up on how to run a meeting.
Then consider it when writing community comments.
I am confused.
This is not uh, AA.
This is Loosid.
( I am referring to the comment about running a meeting ).
OK.Uhm.
Huh?
Regardless.
Nicholas, thank you for sharing your story, your experiences with us.
That is a lot to go through, ( an understatement ).
Praying and rooting for you, Nicholas.
Get your rear end to a meeting tomorrow...Thursday.
Sit on your hands if need be!
You got this!
Yes, Loosid gives people the option of choosing their own program of recovery. But AA is still the best and proven method of recovery. Personally, I think people today want to do everything from their phone keyboards and don't like to take action outside of it. AA is a program of action and it requires human interaction.
You’re suggesting that knowing he’s not alone is harmful? Also, please remind me what step 2 says?
Also nowhere on here does it say it is exclusive to AA. Besides, all of the Anonymous groups encourage you to build a relationship with your higher power. Multiple people all over this app refer to God so I’m confused as to why this solely applies to me. And I don’t need to know how to run a meeting to leave an encouraging comment. The fact that you refer to it as harmful is beyond me.
Sharing scripture is by no means interfering with someone’s relationship with God. If anything it only offers the option to enhance it. I mean sheesh. You’d rather me refer to the big book than the good book? What is society coming to when sharing comfort and morally sound principles become considered harmful?
Thank you for sharing Nick. I am so sorry but also humbled to hear about your experience. Are you still in Maine? I happened upon a meeting in Belfast this past fall because I was in the area and I met some lovely people there. I'm just south of you in MA, if you'd ever like to connect or talk, feel free to drop a line!
Sounds like there’s nowhere to go but up from here. I like the way Eminem put it in 8-Mile:
“And f*ck this battle, I don't wanna win, I'm outtie
Here, tell these people something they don't know about me”
I am!! My family is from Belfast haha!! Thank you for this, I appreciate that!!!