Wow I was in a very dark place when I originally posted this. I have struggled with my beliefs and my reasons for wanting to get sober and have realized that I can’t force myself to believe in something I just don’t believe in. I have, however, found strength in this community as well as a few others. I’m currently 9 days sober (my longest streak in at least a year) and feeling better than ever. I had a massive depressive episode on Friday and Saturday and for I think maybe the first time ever, I successfully ignored my alcoholic brain telling me to grab that drink all day. I’m happy to say I made it through another weekend sober and the depression passed on it’s own
I know God works for some and that may not be for me, but I’m so grateful to this community and wish everyone success on their sobriety goals. Thank you all so much for weighing in. It has helped me tremendously to see how many people care.
This may not be my “final try” at getting sober, but I can confidentially say I will NOT be drinking today, and I’m getting better and better every day. God or no God.
It’s a questions that comes up a lot, I don’t personally think anyone has the right to say God is the only way.
But on the other hand no one can really say that not believing in God is the only way.
We all have different paths and I do not believe in a God as such, I believe I’m not the centre of the universe either (even thought some days I still do )
Finding what works for you is most important.
I remember being at an AA meeting and one gentleman said “if you don’t believe in god you may as well drink now”
I found it absolutely discouraging. I continued on my way as being sober was more important to me than his opinion.
Now over 5 years sober
There’s the saying that opinions are like arseholes, everybody’s got one
Here’s a couple of things about AA that I try to keep in mind. I too heard a discouraging message there that I used as an excuse for my last 3 years of drinking.
The length of sobriety does not equate to wisdom, or even good sense.
All I can bring to you is my experience. I can tell you how I got sober and what works for me. I cannot tell you how you should get sober.
So good to see you back! And wherever you were then, it’s such an interesting and important topic. Trying to dig deep and get that “connection,” whatever it is, to find our way out.
For what it’s worth, I dunno what “God” really is. I do think something like faith can be very powerful for getting through recovery, especially early when we can be filled with doubt.
What that looks like for each person is different though. We each find what works for us, as we understand it. It can be a powerful ally.
Personally I found AA helpful for that. I don’t necessarily believe in the religious god I was raised with and AA doesn’t prescribe one. But the program helped me open up to seeing the universe as something bigger than I am, that I can live peacefully in and accept instead of fighting at every turn. Learned to appreciate it’s beauty in every moment.
I reckon there are many ways to find that peace. Keep on getting better at getting better, my friend! Whatever that looks like for you.
Thank you for sharing so boldly where you are at. It’s sounds like both you and your husband are taking strides toward something bigger than yourselves. Kudos to that!
I am a Christian but was raised atheist until age 17.
I personally believe that God won’t insert Himself into your life without an invitation. However, with an invitation God responds. I understand what it feels like to pray to a god that you don’t know. I did it. I prayed, “God, if you’re real show me you’re real.” And God did. I’m thinking of a verse now that says not to “test” God… This prayer might be testing to a believer, if they’re asking for a sign. However, if you have no faith, it’s simply an invitation. So, I say pray and invite away!
I believe that God knows you better than you know yourself.
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