Hi, My name is Bill. I’m an alcoholic, addict and codependent. My sobriety date is September 14th, 1989.
In short: Been there, done that.
I’ve been writing about recovery in a variety of places for some years. A couple of years ago I started a blog related to Buddhism, and incorporated a bunch of articles and essays that I’d written as sort of a sideline. Those pages have gotten a bunch of hits, and a couple of the articles are quite popular around the Web, especially the one on Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS).
It always bothered me, though, that the recovery stuff was relegated to a inner page of the site, and that it wasn’t in a location that could easily be found by anyone who was interested in addiction and alcoholism. Information like that saved my life, and might well have gotten me into treatment sooner had I known about things such as the disease concept, denial and similar matters.
Finally I determined to get the links out where they could be found. You can find them under the tab “Articles” at the top of the page, arranged according to Early Recovery, Family and Friends, and so forth. I’ll be adding to them from time to time, so check back occasionally.
As for me personally, I’m married to another recovering drunk who works in the field. I have two daughters, a granddaughter, two black cats, too small a retirement fund, and too many years under my belt — but considering that I should have been dead twenty or so years ago, who’s complaining? There’s only one cure for old age, far as I know, and I ain’t buyin’.
Over the years I’ve been an ocean lifeguard, pilot, cop, gunsmith, worked as a security guard, professional chauffeur, drug-testing tech, detox tech and cook, rehab counselor, and some other things that are none of your business. I like to think of myself as “semi-retired.” If it weren’t for the pesky job…
For fun I take pictures, write, surf the Web, read, birdwatch, spend time with my wife, family and friends, and catch the occasional movie or meal out.
I am agnostic by nature, in the literal sense (I don’t know, and neither do you), and try to follow the Middle Way by preference — if rather unskillfully.
great information on your blog… thanks for putting this information out there…
Connie
Thanks for the kind words, Connie. I enjoyed your blog too.
Bill
I just went through the entire post on PAWS, including the posts and your responses. I did scan most of the posts on drugs, as alcohol was my drug of choice. I found your website by searching for info on PAWS. I was doing this because I am a moderator of a recovery group of Women For Sobriety. I was wondering if you were familiar with it? It was developed by a women for women and addresses the unique problem women have in addictions, primarily loss of self esteem and tremendous shame. The organization is small and privately funded by members. It is celebrating it’s 35th year this year. There are f2f meetings, although many fewer than AA. Plus there is a strong online forum with members from all over the world
I can understand your dedication to AA, but ask that perhaps you study this program as consider it as an alternative to women with alcohol and drug addictions. A good place to start is at http://www.womenforsobriety.org. I discovered WFS in late 2007 from the book SOBER FOR GOOD. On Feb 5, 2008, I had my last drink. WFS is the only program I have used. It has changed my life and I have seen it change the lives of many women. Thank you
I am sure that many women have gained a great deal from Women For Sobriety — perhaps as many as have recovered in women’s AA meetings, although I rather doubt it.
I speak of the 12-step programs because they are what I know. As far as I personally am aware, they are the best chance at recovery for the most people. I certainly understand, however, that they may not be for everyone. No single program can be. For example, people who are afraid of the “God issue” in the 12-steps, and who lack the flexibility to take what they need and leave the rest, may be happier in a secular program.
What is important is the support that comes from being amongst people who understand where we are coming from, and a structure by means of which to guide our attempts (and hopefully, successes) in effecting fundamental changes in our lives and personalities.