AA is not for me, but what else is out there?

[Owen919]

So.  Tried AA and it is just not for me.  Truly.  I respect it, and I respect that it has worked for gazillions of folks, but honestly, the meetings I've been to... well, the 'success' stories made me want to give up completely... I really mean no offense to anyone, maybe it was just the meetings I went to, but the people there seemed to me to have just traded one addiction for another, and I don't want that... at least I don't want my 'healthy' addiction to be to AA... that creeps me out.  

I am trying to rejoin the living.  I am tired of my own "stuff" (meaning my own b-s) and I am willing to accept and am looking for help.  But AA isn't it for me.  

I found this site after hours of web searches, and it looks like there are others posting who also did not find AA helpful, so here I am... anyone have suggestions?  

oh... I would truly do an inpatient program but I have no insurance, no job, and no money (yup, drank myself away from all of that).  Thankfully still have my home and an internet connection.

I just need ... i don't know anymore... suggestions or even just encouragement.

I'm determined to kick this, and if this forum doesn't help I'll keep looking and trying cuz I know and I finally accept and truly know that I *have* to keep trying and looking and doing anything other than grabbing a bottle of scotch, a bottle of wine, etc etc etc...  heh, maybe not drinking is my new addiction... but that's still not living, you know?  or is it?  

ok... anyone have advice?

Owen

[Jacker]

This may sound simplistic, but get involved in some type of group that includes non-drinkers. It may be a church and it may be a health concious group that participates in a physical activity or sport (fitness nuts keep a lid on the drinking as they get older).  
Hang out with these people and learn to build a life of relationships with people who don't drink.  It wasn't until I sobered up, that I realized most people don't get drunk every night (or even every weekend).  
That's my only 2 cents for right now.  I haven't been to aa either, but I have a lot of respect them.  If I screw up, I'm going to consider going though.
Besides, look at this - it's friday night and I'm talking on this website.  I guess that's one of my new addictions.    

[ibizan]

gre8t advice Jacker.....diverting our minds with other activities is necessary and good...and since we're dog lovers here....Owen u keep walkin da dog!good for him and u.......dog is GOD spelled backwards!i have been in2 retired greyhounds since 93.....they r my passion/my breed.Such awesome wondrous creatures!Recently lost my 10 year old male to a rare autoimmune disorder we battled for 2 years and i felt like someone cut out my heart with a dull knife.I had a lonely gal grey me 2 and 3 wacky kitties who missed him..so enter 2 yr.old Keota!he's making us young again and mending our broken hearts......caring for an animal helps 2 lower blood pressure/decrease anxiety.....and refocus the brain on2 one who needs us....it is good medicine for us!when i was 7 mos.sober i took in a abused 7 mos.old siamese cat.I called her my sobriety kitty!she was with me for 14 years.....she was a loving companion after she learned i was going to hurt her.so what kind of dog Owen?how old?any other animal companions?

[ibizan]

had a typpo....meant EOE...alcoholism/addiction is an equal opportunity employer!

[Jacker]

back to the activity thing, you can join dog training clubs (even with a mixed breed) and train your dog for titles (CD - Companion Dog, CDX, etc).  My wife is nuts about that stuff.  At this stage, I just like to hang out with my border collie and take him for long walks (or watch him worry the horses, snap at bees, and chase water coming out of a hose).  

[misslja]

I knew AA wasn't for me years ago.  I drank and drank for 12 years.  I went to a few meetings but knew this wasn't going to be the savior I needed.  I quit one day almost 21 years ago.  I guess you could say I had enough, I wanted to live a life without alcohol, I wanted to finish school and I didn't want to have one more damn hangover ---EVER AGAIN!  I haven't had a drink in years...and you know what Owen?  I don't miss it a bit.  

Everyone is different.  AA is a great organization but it's not for everyone.  Make the decision to quit.......then just do it.  Why can't it be just that easy?  Well, it can......

Linda Joy Allan

[working dog]

i didn't do the aa thing...nothing in fact...no drugs or any help...no religion...just did it...looking back i would have gotten help through the bad withdrawal time...like some librum osr something...i will say this forum has been nice to listen to others out there...billy