Your experience is not unusual. I had a terrible experience with AA. But then many people find them invaluable. I can really recommend The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Gray. The audio book got me through my toughest days. Still does.
The thing I have learnt is that there is no single perfect way to keep sober. There’s something cathartic about this space as well. Keep in touch with us all. X
Congrats on your 222 days sober.
Hugs
Yea when I went to meetings it was a few years ago and we lived on the north side of our town. I went to the closest meeting and was told I shouldn’t be there because I was a white woman. I was told I should find a ladies group and go to that instead. I went a few more times but never felt welcome. So I just stopped going.
My experience was similar. After attending several I shared that I was a social worker. Some of the group told me that their lives had been ruined by social workers, had their children removed etc.
I didn’t know what to say. I continued to go but it was made pretty clear that I was persona non grata. But I know that so many people find sobriety and serenity in the organisation.
Maybe we were just unlucky? Here is good though. 
Here is nice. I love how open, honest and welcoming everyone is. I’m thinking of trying a meeting in my new town once they open back up
I hope it works out well for you. I’m good with my books, this place and my coping strategies at the moment. Having a dark sense of humour helps too!
I share a similar experience to yours. I’ve tried to quit time and time again but I downloaded this app, as I was feeling more “serious” this time and stumbled upon this group of people. I come back to read the threads multiple times per day and I never had this sort of support system before. I feel like this time could be different…for both of us. Keep strong.
Hey Jen and welcome to talking sober! Im Emilie it’s great to meet you! A lot of our stories are similar to yours-started drinking at a young age. I’ve been sober for 15 months now. I gave up drinking at the age of 28 when my doctor told me I had liver cirrhosis due to abusing acetaminophen, adderall and heavy heavy continuous drinking. It was pretty scary. I’m glad you’re here with us. As far as boredom goes, I felt the same way in the beginning but I can honestly say now I am never ever ever bored. Go to your bookstore and browse the shelves-pick up a few books that look interesting to you. Sign up for weekly blog emails. Make homemade face masks. I started a dog walking business with my dad called dad and daughters when I got sober just in the local neighborhood. It brought my dad and I closer and put some extra cash in my pocket 
I put all the money I was spending into drinking and did a evo turbo swap to my car. I made it fast & began racing it on the track…I get my high from that now. the world is yours when your sober. I’m excited for you! 
Thank you for your comment. I was just coming here because I feel sad in a weird way. Like obviously my mind is messed up cause I’m sitting here thinking how others are probably having their Friday drink and being jealous knowing I can’t and shouldn’t drink because I don’t have a stopping point.
I need this time to be different. I’ve heard it gets easier and god I hope so cause right now all I want is to drink
Same… I am doing all I can to distract myself with positive things. Get out of the house for awhile if you can. Listen to music and go for a walk. 
I was feeling sad too, like breaking up with a bf only it’s alcohol. And I said the same thing the other day, not being able to stop. Keep that in mind and how crappy you feel waking up the next day. It helps me…
I was gonna go for a walk but it’s about 100 here. I’ll probably just go to sleep and hope tomorrow is easier
Keep at it Jen. Have a cold shower if it helps (you’d be surprised). You’ll need some new routines to replace your old ones. It will get better with time, I promise.
Lots of people check in here and this is a nice place to see how everyone’s doing:
Stick with it and don’t give up love. You’re a good person and you deserve sobriety 
That’s a big step!
You know your problem, all of us have felt like that!
Please keep up!
trust and love yourself!
You can do this!
Kisses
