I am working on my fourth step in AA recovery.  This is the first time I have really worked my steps.  I am scared and I have 15 days sober.  Please send me your hugs and no drugs please!  Thank you sooooooo much!

Hi avaiyak,

A HUGE HHHUUUGGG, positive energy and love to you.

You are very courageous. You can make it.

Lots of to you.

Karlene

Hi, Avaiyak,

Your post moved me.  I've always had kind of an "addictive personality", but for some reason I've always been saved from physical addiction--I'm still trying to figure out why, when so many others who have share similar lifestyles with me in the past have suffered (and, in some cases, died) as a result.  My father, who I never really got to know, had a terrible problem with alcohol, and committed suicide when I was 5 as a result.  So I thank God/Goddess/Spirit(s) all the time for, so far, keeping me from the same fate, although it's always a struggle.  And I have NOTHING BUT RESPECT  for someone whose addiction extends beyond the emotional into the physical, and still has the strength of character to see the necessity of getting sober, and sticking to it, as you obviously have.

I used to scoff at the idea of AA (easy for me, because I didn't have to deal with it!)--it just seemed like so many slogans.  Clearly, though, it works.  And a couple of months ago, when I was feeling very bad about myself and who I was for a number of reasons, I started to read "The Big Book" on a hunch (or maybe my "guide"--who while he was alive suffered from drug addiction, and lost his life as a result--led me to it).  I was amazed at how well much of it could be applied to ANYONE'S  life if he or she was simply trying to learn how to live life fully, and to just be "a better person".  And doing the Step 4 stuff on my own was truly eye-opening, and has helped me see things in a new way since then.  Of course, I still have a long way to go.

I know that it must be incredibly hard, and frightening, to do what you're doing.  But 15 days is a LONG TIME, and you should get strength from the fact that you've gotten so far--it just proves that you have it in you to do it.  I'm very proud of you--I'm sure we all are.

Feel free to write any time you need to talk, or anything--I'm glad you got in touch to let us know!
Doe

Congratulations on 15 days sober.
big huge congratulations.
and hugs and cheers and applause and more hugs.

Hi Aviayak
15 days ...Congrats mate you rock keep up the great work..
We are all very proud of you and  never hesitate to call if you need help or support.
Huge hugs from me as well
Cheers Pete