Thank you for posting, you are sharing an important story.

I am one of many success stories, and every addict should know what's possible.

You are showing there is hope, it can be done.
And the work is worth what is gained.
Then what method you used to achieve your goals.

I live in a city big enough to have many groups to choose from, and was able to find just the right fit for me.

Significantly better.

(I will tell you a secret, this tends to rankle some in the clinical community.
But I don't really care how people get better, I just like people do well and live
happy lives.)

I got sober in Tucson forty-two years ago. That city has hundreds of AA groups, with meetings around the clock every day. Wonderful place for us drunks!

Some days I went to five meetings; it's been a long time since I did that, but at first when I was down and out, and unemployed...

Safe harbour.

I came in to OA at 210 pounds..Today I am about 150.
I have kept 60 pounds off for over 40 years. ....
I rarely weigh myself any more,...(except at the doctors office. I threw away the scale about 35 years ago.

A lot of days, one day at a time.

Continue on this journey with open eyes and mind.

Thanks ProudMNDemocrat; My alcohol sensitivity is permanent.

I want everyone who is struggling to see what can happen.

I will be talking to my nephew soon about his addiction. I know it can be done.

If he falls, he can get right back up. I'm rootin for both of you; him for recovery, and you to find just the right words.

I've been doing research.

It's not alcohol though; it's something advertised as not being addictive but nonetheless is in the presence of certain genetic states.

I've had two very good friends, alcoholics, who relapsed; both made it in the end.

I know two others who died; one a step brother. If there's any consolation in that horror, no one else died in the crash that killed him; no one else was involved.

I'm fully aware of just how difficult it is and you are justifiably proud of your success.

It's good to remember those we have lost.

to come.

I'm truly grateful for what I have.

more than half of my life.... Congratulations on your anniversary.

I'm coming right up behind you!

This news makes me happy for you and I wish you many more years of success.

one day at a time

I'm sober 9 months. From the way I'm reacting to this (no cravings, really) I don't think I was alcoholic. I gave up sugar at the same time and I still have to white-knuckle those cravings. What I love about no alcohol is how, at my age (72) my thinking is becoming clearer and clearer! But, today is for you, so again, BRAVO !!!

I can't tolerate sugar free anything.
I do drink mineral water and natural flavored spritzers.

But can't wean myself offa cola.

Good going! 🩷

Yes to San Pellegrino.

You also have a great quit going!

Others inspired me, like Big John the longshoreman ("This thing will kill ya if ya don't get serious about it&quot , so I'm glad to have a chance to pass it on.

The thing that is missing for so many is hope. Hope that a better future is possible. I want everybody to have that hope, and to see it in us.

Congratulations, Permanut!

That’s a COLOSSAL accomplishment!!!

Colossal is the right word. Thanks!

I could not have done it without help.

There's no way to minimize the effort, but boy was it worth it.

AA saved my life.

My sister got me a special AA coin for twenty; she's gone now, but I still carry it every day. So..congratulations comin back atcha!

Congratulations to you also. I’m in awe of your accomplishment. We have a wonderful friend who has 30 years sober, so we know what you’ve done.

And what an amazing achievement! You should be very proud. I know that it wasn’t easy. Congratulations and many more years of happiness to you.

I'm proud, and humbled by your response and others here. Thank you!

That first step has to be like jumping off a cliff. Having people around you who did it and lived through it is essential.

For whatever reason, just being able to talk to people in AA who were escaping from that dark road we were on was a lifesaver.

What an accomplishment.

We keep trudging the road to happy destiny one day at a time.

I'm grateful every day to be on that road.

At least that’s what the folks around my local coffee pot say. 😉

Seriously - I’m sure the lessons you have learned have given you a joyful life worth living.

9/15/88.

"Good start!". She was ten years ahead of me, and we both would have enjoyed visiting your coffee pot.

I do have a joyful life worth living; sobriety didn't give that to me but it gave me a chance, and I'm grateful every day for that chance.

Drunk I had no choices, sober I do - and responsibility. Obviously you’re making great choices and reaping the rewards.

Well done!

I see posts almost every day here from incredible DU posters in recovery. Congrats to all, and my heart goes out to those still struggling

25 years sober on 8/21. Through the Grace of God as I understand Him to be and the fellowship of A.A. Persons like you kept the doors open until I stumbled in. Thank you!

And congratulations right back atcha.

And thanks to those who kept the doors open for me through the first three tries at sobriety

Congratulations! And hurray for those who went before you and helped you and those who will follow you and you will support. 💕💗💕

Thanks, MLAA; I'm not even going to think about where I'd be without those incredible pioneers in recovery.

It feels really good, for sure..

19 years here.

Tikki

19 years for you, and closing in on 20, one day at a time. Nice quit ya got going.

My sister, who was 10 years ahead of me in AA, presented me with a special coin to commemorate my 20 years.

She lived a long and happy life. She's gone now but I still carry that coin.

I've been there, too, found AA in November 2008, my sobriety date is April 30th 2009. And I credit my wonderful sponsor for sticking with me and telling me what to do - as well as those who came before me. And now it's a community that I'm proud to be a member of and I not only keep coming back, but I reach out to others who are where I was. It works!

And a shiny brand new 29 year coin - way cool!

And that's been my favorite AA "service," I've been the coin orderer for three different groups!

Die hard Guardians fan here. ⚾️⚾️⚾️

I’m all of 69 days sober. Given my age, I’m fairly sure I’ll never make it to 29 years sober. OTOH, everyday is a milestone for me right now. I take that back, I am currently on a cruise, every moment is both a miracle and a milestone right now.

let me just say that 69 days is a monumental achievement.

You have a great quit going. It took me four tries to get to 29 years; NEVER give up on your commitment to sobriety.

Congratulations!

Thank You for posting this!!!