Am I an alcoholic? 20 years of drinking...is it time to admit?

So i just attended a continuing education webinar on the new artificial intelligence app ChatGPT. i asked how to overcome alcoholism and got a very detailed response here:

I also asked “how can i expand my spiritual practice?” and got the below thorough action plan

Expanding your spiritual practice can vary depending on the spiritual path you follow, but some general tips to consider include:

  1. Set aside regular time for spiritual practice: This can be daily or weekly, depending on what works best for you. Consistency is key in building a spiritual practice.

  2. Explore new spiritual practices: Try out new forms of meditation, prayer, yoga, or other practices that align with your beliefs.

  3. Read spiritual texts: Read books, articles, or other texts that are relevant to your spiritual path. This can help deepen your understanding and provide insights to apply to your own practice.

  4. Attend spiritual events: Attend services, workshops, or other events related to your spiritual path. This can provide opportunities to connect with others who share your beliefs and to learn from experienced teachers.

  5. Reflect on your experiences: Journal or otherwise reflect on your experiences with your spiritual practice. This can help you identify areas where you may want to grow or deepen your practice.

  6. Connect with a spiritual mentor or guide: Seek out a teacher or mentor who can help guide you on your spiritual journey. This can provide accountability, support, and personalized guidance.

Remember that expanding your spiritual practice is a personal journey, and it’s important to find what works best for you. Trust your intuition and stay open to new experiences and insights along the way.
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Thank you so much for sharing :heart:

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ChatGPT came up recently at our staff meeting and we were told to try out the free version and report back our thoughts next month. I haven’t made time yet to do so but it does sound interesting. Glad to hear others are exploring it too.

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16 months sober. I keep busy with service work and meetings.

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Thats awesome! Thats my plan too

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This is by far my greatest pic from our girls trip to arizona. Me and my mom a little slap happy after a day of travel and hiking. We are seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time and i was taking a selfie with my mom and told her to move her head because she was blocking the grand canyon. Lol. My sister was waiting to take our pic and was getting frustrated with our laughter which only made us laugh harder. What a beautiful moment to capture.

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[quote=“Cjp, post:316, topic:142828”]
I told her to move her head because she was blocking the grand canyon.
[/quote] This made me laugh and cry! Laugh for obvious reasons…great line! Cry because my 88 year old Mom is paralyzed totally on one side due to a stroke 5 years ago. The consolation there? She never would have hiked. But what a wonderful moment! You can feel the joy and love. Such a wonderful memory for you.

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Amazing pic of a beautiful moment!! Frame that one for sure!!

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Basic checkin time…

Ive traveled to Sedona and the Grand Canyon in the last week. I also celebrated my one year sobriety birthday. This trip helped me see a few things…i love hiking, i can move/exercise more, i can eat less. Im down a pant size AFTER vacation…that never would have happened if i was still drinking.

I feel i am becoming. I am becoming someone who is confident and proud yet humble. I also go with the flow and accept change better than I have in the past. Im very happy with my progress in recovery and getting back into shape. Fuck ive lost nearly 73lbs from my heaviest and im still considered obese according to my BMI. 7.5 more lbs and im then just overweight haha i have no plans of slowing down. I like this new me.

A part of me is worried what I’ll occupy my time with once i get to my goal weight. Ive been keeping busy counting calories and exercising. I guess the exercising wont stop. Fuck im just an alcoholic looking for that next obsession. Maybe i can grow my recovery efforts. Maybe i can sponsor. I said i would after my one year milestone. AA and Dharma Recovery keep me busy. Maybe im just living in fear which i tend to do. I will stay committed to my healthier way of life

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Absolutely amazing work CJP! Youve definitely come a long way in your journey and its super inspirational for me. Just keep doing what you have been doing and enjoy the healtier you!
I do think you would make a fantastic sponsor when you are ready. I dont get “fear” from your posts …maybe you did live in fear in the past but i feel you are now brave and constantly evolving.
Continued success my friend…im learning so much from you! Thank you

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Aww thanks @JazzyS im glad to be on this journey with you!

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What a beautiful photo! Some of the best moments captured are the ones we arent prepared for. I think this photo would bring joy to anyones face (I know it made me smile), its truly organic :blush:

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I’ve been asking myself the same question and my response to myself is yes. Weird how everything seems to have a label for Ive been told I’m a functioning alcoholic…I can’t moderate when I do drink and I realized over time that I’m unfortunately deliberately trying to slowly hurt myself which makes me mad at myself. So I’m going to take one day at a time and find ways to cope when life throws triggers my way which is way too often but I do want to enjoy life and stop being so miserable. My biggest battle for me right now will be that my husband still and will keep drinking and I take full responsibility for my own choices and actions but I will say he’s basically my biggest trigger so I hope you get support from yours and your loved ones for it will help. Blessed Be here is too one day at a time we GOT this!!!

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Welcome @Thiapo this forum has neen an amazing supportive community for my recovery.

Dont worry about the labels. If alcohol is making your life unmanageable even in the slightest its worth a try to live without it!

Others have shared their struggles with loved ones who still use. You can find that thread here

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Sooooo…

My sponsor is giving me my one year chip at my thursday ladies mtg. Im stoked but…im debating inviting my mom. I had asked my mom last week if she wanted to come and she said yes. BUT im scared and doubting if i want her there. So tonight i talked to my sponsor and was hoping for some sage advice and she said its up to you…that got me thinking why wouldnt i want to share this major milestone with my mom, my cheerleader? Fear. Fear of being judged. Fear of losing my shit and ugly crying. Pride and ego. Fear of tarnishing her view of me even tho she saw me go down for years and was there last year when we were on vacation, sharing a room, and after a long day of drinking i threw up in my sleep. (My uncle did the same thing but aspirated and died) i have shame and guilt. Fear of sharing my safe place.

Why should i invite her? She loves me and supports me. Sharing a beautiful moment and accomplishment with her. Being open and honest cant hurt our relationship but help it grow.

Hmmmm…ill keep thinking on it and talk to my sponsor tomorrow.

Any advice?

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Aqe love…i can understand the mixed feelings you are going through. Im sure your mom would love to see you receive the 1 year chip. She was there for the hard times - let her be there for the good. It will only enhance her love for you. Seeing you florish in an environment that has helped you become the strong woman you are.
In the end it is all up to you just dont let fear be the deciding factor.

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You will definitely make the right decision whatever you choose. From what you’ve said about how supportive your Mom is I’m on team invite her. If she wants to share her pride and you feel comfortable letting her in go for it.

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I say yes of course as long as she is not going to celebrate with a drink afterwards. You have to feel good about it. This is your night. I think that after your time together on your vacation you will be able to make the right choice.

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Checking in…day 390. Friday of a long holiday weekend. I’ve been go-go-going today. Morning coffee. Got the car oil changed and tires rotated. Grocery shopping. Healthy baked chicken with panko and mozzarella on top and brocolli. Chilled on the couch for 2 hours. Took Boscoe for a medium walk. Got accupuncture for my knee pain and anxiety. Meditated. Chilled for an hour. Made dinner. Ate dinner. Ran outta hearts here. Joined an AA zoom. Now we are here and im wondering…am i overdoing it? Not everyday is like today. I think since getting sober and healthier i want to make the most of my freetime. BUT? I need to be honest with myself…am i uncomfortable with free time?

Going into a holiday weekend…i still remember the dread this time last year. I feared i would drink. I feared alone time. Fastforward a year and im a little uncomfortable but will hit aa meetings as necessary.

Tomorrow is less busy. Gym class at 8am and nephews 6th birthday party at 4. I’ll do some laundry and clean AND CHILL.

Im so fucking greatful to be over a year sober. The day count isnt as important these days and im growing daily in my sobriety. Im greatful im losing weight and getting healthier. Im coming up on 5 months of healthy eating and ive lost 32lbs as of last week. Only 5lbs until im not considered obese and just overweight. Only 35lbs til im a healthy bmi. I have no plans of stopping!

Well these are the ramblings of my mind tonight. Imma take a shower and my meds and fall asleep to a meditation.

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