any advice on sobriety?
 

This post will be moved. but its time I put down the Booze. 12 steps dosent work for me any advice fellow pickers? sorry to even have to post this.

Good luck, I have been sober since 82, it took rock bottom to get my attention.

Just wondering why 12 steps doesn't work? Asking as someone who has had four alcoholics in his immediate family.

I've not been in that situation and can only imagine the hell it puts you throught. I don't know what to say except that I'm sorry for your struggle.

Hi Fl picker
Check out the site Smart recovery. An alternative to AA
It is online and also has face to face meetings.

KC

You need to find the root of the problem.. It could be anything...Work...Home life...anything, Fixing the problem has to come from you first,
A reason why 12 steps works is because they want it to work..
And they use it as a soundboard to let it go, all of above.
Sometimes life can be to much and it's best if you talk about it with people who understand

Good for you. It’s a hard path, but you’re making the right decision.

Couple thoughts
 

1. Admit you gotta stop to someone close — someone who will know you’re cheating if you cheat.

2. NEVER NEGOTIATE WITH YOURSELF AGAIN. None of those private agreements with yourself. There’s no “I can handle 1 a day or every other day or no more than 2” or WHATEVER bs you tell yourself. Don’t trust that guy. He lies

Find some one you connect with who’s has been in a similar space and succeeded. It’s work and it’s worth it for the joy of better music making.

you guys rock....
thanks....

My humble two~ 12 steps didn’t work for me until I was ready to do the work. It is a program of action, and requires full measures. A friend suggested that I find another alcoholic that was in recovery, and talk - and talk - and talk.

In the community where I live, there are many, many of us that have found one another and a path to recovery. Call your local group, and ask for help - someone will listen, and help is often just a phone call away.

If you slip and fall, keep coming back - we don’t shoot our wounded, and you’re always welcome.

If you need to talk , pm me for my number.

Hey brother, I wish you the best of luck! Reaching out is a good 1st step.

My last drink was in 1985. I'd also be interested in knowing why 12 steps don't work for you. First step is:

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.

Are you there yet?

I am in no place to advise, but knowing what you need to do (I.e., quit) seems like a crucial first step. I applaud you for that and am confidant that by taking it one day at a time you will find what works for you. Keep playing. I am glad AGF is a community where you were comfortable to raise this.

Wish I knew what to say but it sure feels good after those thoughts go away. It has been a decade or more since I was under its spell. With summer ahead there are plenty of activities to help keep tempting thoughts at bay. Guitar playing being a great one. Maybe do a walking program, or something new with someone?