*Mood Ring*

Toby,

Hi, I just wanted to say I am a recovering alcoholic,and began my drinking even before I graduated. For me, it was peer pressure (that I grew out of), the inability to cope with high stress (still working on that), and trying to mask and self-medicate my Bp symptoms. Over the years, I have come a long way, there is no more drinking and when I do drink it is only on the holidays. Even then, I only consume enough to get a buzz on, and I always have someone by my side to cut me off in case I go overboard.

I can't tell you if you would be better off in AA or not, because it is a choice you have to make for yourself, and be comfortable in doing that.Ask yourself if you think it would help to have group therapy or if you can really resist the temptation on your own. I am not into the meeting type situation,since I feel quite sufficient, independent,and self-reliant in the face of my demons (when I am well).

You are also displaying yourself as being more responsible about getting your life on track. You are taking steps to improve your mental and physical well-being and that is great! I have more respect for someone who is a former alcoholic/drug user, if they show that they are ready, willing, and able to set aside their defeatist behaviors, and go in search of a life that is more healthy and fullfilling to them.

I really think you are doing a great job of handling things on your own, but maybe you would benefit from the meetings so that when you feel you are about to backslide again, that your support group can help you pull yourself out of the mud, so to speak. All you have to do is have an "I can do it" attitude, and think positively about who you are and what you can do to prevent yourself from destructive behaviors. Alcohol addictions are an extreme detriment to anyone, and especially those suffering from mental illness, neither are the lesser of two evils,in my opinion.

All the alcohol does to serve us to mask our emotions, and hide from our problems and frustrations in life. The next morning,you are right back where you started, in the same situation, and the alcohol didn't do anything, but to throw ourselves out of balance, and then have to restart the process of recovery all over again.

I grew up with an alcoholic family,and I tend to attract recovering alcoholics in my life. I am a recovering alcoholic, so I suppose that makes sense, that I would attract either an alcoholic or a recovering one. Make sure you are not around others who party and drink or you will be riht back into that lifestyle, and thats no good.

I hope you achieve the success you are searching for,whether it is alone or in a group meeting. I think with your outlook on life you can reach the stars if you want to! Best of luck to you.

__________________
Mood Ring ~With a fire in her heart and love in her soul