Naturally I can’t give you proof of what I say is true… but since 1933 (or so) “no one” has found a method that works better than the one I’m about to explain. “They” say a red flag could be telling yourself, “I’m only using on weekends, or I only drink brands of beer (or what-ever) that are on sale (or I hate), I never drink (or drug) alone, I’m not stupid… I’ve cut back to ever other day, (or how about) hey, I’m just like everyone else, I only do something while at sporting events, or any other little trick you’ve told yourself your just like the people in the ad’s on T.V. (Ever tell the person in the mirror…)”Ha…got’em all fooled… I know what works for ME… I can handle things just fine… I ain’t no drunk or drug head… no sir… not ME… never got a ticket and I can quit ANYTIME I want… in fact drinking and drugging makes me sharper… you don’t see me sitting under some bridge with a bottle wrapped in a paper bag.”
Sound like somebody you know (or maybe yourself) ?
Some of you will say I’m lying when I say my last drink and drug was 11/5/85.
That’s O.K. my friend, my Higher Power knows the truth, and that’s all that matters to me. I’m not getting paid to write these words. I’m writing them because My Higher Power (I feel) wants me to go public with the BIG secret to being clean and sober.
So here it comes : Go to an AA (or NA) meeting at least 1 hour a week. That’s the big secret. That’s how all us “used-to-be” falling down drunks and drug heads are working our programs. And, if you want to help yourself a bit more try to find a sponsor who will be tougher on you than your disease is, and just “maybe” you’ll make it.
Want to know what your odds are? Back in 1985 when I first heard these numbers they went like this: out of 25 drunks (or drug heads) sitting around using… “1″ tries to quit. Out of 25 recovering drunks or drug heads “1″ makes it to the end of their natural life (meaning they NEVER drink or drug again).
Still want to quit ? It’s easy after the 1st 24 hours because all you have to do is tell yourself, “Well I made it today… think I’ll try this again tomorrow.” Then you simply get into the habit of repeating today over and over and over. Next thing you know your about 60 days away from a year. Then 2 years… then 3.
Saw a sign once at a meeting, “Meeting Makers Make It”
If anything else tell yourself, “Old Tom is out there somewhere in Southern Illinois going to meetings at least once a week. Think I give this a shot and see what happens.”
O.K. YOU PEOPLE LISTEN UP !!! (I’m a former front-line combat Recon Marine Platoon Sergeant)
ALL YOU DRUNKS AND DRUG HEADS FORM A LINE RIGHT OVER HERE AND RAISE YOUR RIGHT HAND AND REPEAT AFTER ME… “I (so-and-so) will try this meeting idea for AT LEAST 3 meetings because IF I don’t try at least 3 meetings Sgt. Tom’s going to kick my bun’s back into yesterday—”
Hup… hup… hup 2-3-4 !!
