Charles DeMar

long time lurker joined this week. Is this how it works for us noobs...? OU SUX! TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, PCH. Guess I was the "slow burn" sort of drunk. 44 years old and really "only" a heavy drinker on and off for 23-24 years. Years 25-26, was drinking morning, noon, night, liquor only, trying to hide it, lying about it, etc. The whole 9 yards. Lots of boundaries and rules came. Wife and kids went out of town and I ended up not going to work all week; I've never done that. Driving drunk, one car accident, locked myself out of my house and eventually found my keys feet away from where I "peacefully" spent the night in my back yard. Ended up in the ER twice with 188/120 BP. Went to a ghetto sober living facility here in Houston that wasn't going to work, so my wife, who could have left my ass and taken the three kids with her, busted me out, worked her tail off finding a recovery program, and generally saved my life. But, for once, I have hope. I know more about myself and why I've tried to cover my feelings and fears with booze. I have learned how to communicate better with my wife and others. I have learned how to not be a people pleaser and also how not to offer my opinion / super-smart solutions when not asked. I've been truly blessed to have lots of complete strangers offer to help me, and many of them have. The power of the program. UT '96, BA - Lib Arts. Lived in Moore-Hill 1992-1994, "second front"; grad degree out of state where they play lacrosse and tennis Proud '92 Denton Bronco (when DHS was the only HS in Denton) Reluctant Houstonian, but thankful for St. Martin's and Post Oak AA Groups from which I have learned quite a bit and made many great connections Thanks, Surl.

Surly- First post. I've lurked since I discovered the Shag when the children of the corn and the bison were considering a defection. Wanted to thank all the guys on this thread in this forum and the last one. I looked at this thread earlier this year and thought, "well, gee, I'm not that bad off!" After what I hope was my bottom, and nearly losing it all, I am newly sober and figuring this thing out. Wanted to give my opinion as a new guy, in a couple of ways, and say "even if you think you're ok, but there's an inkling of a thought that you may need help, you may need it." I'm active in AA and have found lots of great resources there, have a sponsor (my second), working step 8, had two months of IOP and counseling, and am very happy that the God of my understanding has me on a new path. True, every day is a battle, but I'm equipped with some new tools and insight and am thankful for all the new life I have to live. Just a quick "hello" and thanks to all the guys on this board who are putting real advice and life lessons out there. Thanks, CDeMar Happily recovering with 109 days of sobriety today.