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Where Do I Start: Support is Key

The first thing I did upon getting sober again was reach out for help. Something that is a must when you can't quit on your own and you've tried is getting a support group. My support group is AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). You need a group of people who understand where you're coming from, have great words of wisdom, and will console instead of judge. Plus! Going to the meetings is like free therapy almost. You get to spill your guts about what holds you back AND you have people listening who have walked where you tread. You'll get advice from someone who can identify with you instead of speculate. The people I had surrounding me didn't support me in staying sober. This was a huge problem and was one of the many reasons I backslid. 

I go now, twice a week, schedule permitting. They have said that you should go everyday and work through the twelve steps to be the strongest version of yourself, but for now two days a week is working for me. If I start to get the notion that a couple of drinks is fine, you best believe I'm heading to a meeting. Choosing to go to alcoholics anonymous is scary. For me making that choice confirmed my deepest fears and humbled me to finally admit that I am an alcoholic. There's great freedom in being able to turn down a drink and when asked why say, "because I have a problem with alcohol." If you are just trying to avoid alcohol or if you are wondering if you even have a problem; you may not need to go to a meeting. 

I didn't believe I had a problem. It wasn't until my sister challenged me to go a whole year without drinking that I realized I couldn't. So now I challenge you, if you think you are completely fine and don't have a problem but drink quite often, try going a year without drinking. 

The Challenging Parts:
1. Finding a group that works with your needs is tough.
2. Being anti-social, like me, makes AA tough at first.
3. Finding a support group that is not AA or being able to say goodbye to your old support group.

AA isn't for everyone but finding a group of people that support you and want to spend time with you while you are making the right decisions is difficult. People want to do what they want to do and your healthy living may get in the way of that. Be prepared to feel lonely at first and accept that the friends you have may not want to travel this journey with you.

The Good Stuff:
1. They are the most welcoming and understanding people.
2. It is liberating to find a new tribe and is a part of growing up.
3. Loving yourself and being able to recognize your weaknesses improves your strength.

There is liberation in admitting you need help. I would say be careful who you choose to open up to. Sometimes the people we consider trusting may not give us the love we need from them. Chin up and keep pressing forward!

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