In need of support

Hi everyone. Brand new account here. I just reached 5 years of sobriety in September. But I am far from recovered. I live in a small town with a strong drinking culture. Its been really hard to find a constructive social circle. Everywhere you go, there’s alcohol and everyone getting plastered. Including my spouse, which is a long story. I guess my reason for being here is to find some online friends and support. I feel like im close to relapsing at times but i havent done that and Im fighting hard to prevent it from happening. If i do I know I wont last long

5 Likes

I suggest meetings from my experience, have you found a 12 step group in your area.

2 Likes

Yeah, there is an AA group not too far away. I’ve thought about going but unfortunately there’s nothing really anonymous with this group. I’ve considered online meetings

3 Likes

Welcome Andy, congratulations on your 5 years! You do what works best for you.. the good thing about online meetings is you can find one anytime day or night!

1 Like

Online is acceptable

2 Likes

Yo Andy! Welcome man. Cliche but one moment at a time! And one thing at a time... sounds like your environment isn't too conducive :-/ The world wont be usu either tho, no matter where they say. Still whatever give you the best chance at success, and getting on here wont hurt those chances! Sorry youre going thru that tho man. Connection connection connection, glad youre here

1 Like

Thank you

Welcome Andy. I hope you find what works best for you. Finding a hometown group that is anonymous can be a challenge as I can relate. This site is very helpful and supportive. I hope you find what you're looking for. All the best

1 Like

Hi Andy.
Blake here.
Seek fellowship with like minded people. This app is a good place to start. AA is another good place. Consider AlaNon as well. Whether the AA group in your area is anonymous or not does it really make a difference? God forbid but if you start drinking will it be anonymous? :man_shrugging:

If there is concern about attention of attending getting to your job maybe reach out to them first and explain that you’re looking for some sober social circles.

Andy, I think you are doing exactly what you need to do.

Find your own path that makes sense for you and your levels of comfort and commitment.

I suggest trying in person, chat rooms, online meetings and anything else you can.

Get things going any way you need to if you need anonymity around you.

I started in a similar way. Quietly, small and intentionally. I switched a few things around and experimented with anything others said worked for them.

I made over 90 meetings in 90 days.

I relapsed many times prior to finding my right mix. I found a way to dig myself into lower rock bottoms each time I relapsed.

As the work got done and days passed, I learned a lot.

My old "active" ways feel like they were another life. I am often grateful for all my mistakes, as I learned from them.

Today is different- I choose to openly talk about recovery with anyone who asks about it.