“I knew deep within me I was home.”
— As We Understood

I got sober on January 15th, 1982 (33 years ago), but spent the first 7 years away from the rooms. I wasn’t ready to be brainwashed, but boy did I need it.

Those 7 years of white knuckling allowed my dis-ease to take on a new meaning. When I ultimately surrendered the fight and climbed into the lifeboat, I felt like I was home at last. And years later when I came into AlAnon, it was as if I finally could breathe again.

Over the years, there have been times when I’ve been uncomfortable in meetings. But I’ve discovered that it’s usually a result of me not working a program. These days I stay close to my program and the rooms, and as a result, ILML!

– JamieQ