# I'm afraid I have a drinking problem (long)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-i-have-a-drinking-problem-long/301002>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [April 25, 2005, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-i-have-a-drinking-problem-long/301002 "2005-04-25T10:33:19Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 7

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**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-i-have-a-drinking-problem-long/301002/121 "2005-05-12T07:38:59Z")

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Not to diminish AA in the least, it’s not the only option out there for anyone who’s interested. For a good view of different methods, I recommend “Sober For Good” by Anne Fletcher. It consists of interviews and advice from a large number of people who have found long-term sobriety through AA and through other programs and methods. It acknowledges that people’s drinking problems and personalities vary widely, and so it’s necessary to take this into account when finding what fits best for you.

I’ve not had a drink in ten days now. It doesn’t sound like much, but considering I haven’t been dry for more than two days in many years, it’s a huge deal for me and this book has helped a lot.

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**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2005, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-i-have-a-drinking-problem-long/301002/122 "2005-05-12T11:37:26Z")

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Congrats, **Purd Werfect**! Ten days is indeed a big deal.

I freely admit there are plenty of alternatives to AA, and acknowlege that there is an evangelical element to certain people in AA that can be extrememly off-putting. All I can do is share my experience – which is that I’ve been sober for 19 years, I got sober through AA, and I stay sober through the 12 steps.

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**Author:** ![CBCD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc348/32.png) [@CBCD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CBCD)\
**Post date:** [May 13, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-afraid-i-have-a-drinking-problem-long/301002/123 "2005-05-13T03:21:12Z")

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> [@twickster](#):
>
> Congrats, **Purd Werfect**! Ten days is indeed a big deal.
> 
> I freely admit there are plenty of alternatives to AA, and acknowledge that there is an evangelical element to certain people in AA that can be extremely off-putting. All I can do is share my experience – which is that I’ve been sober for 19 years, I got sober through AA, and I stay sober through the 12 steps.

I got and have stayed sober through the principles of AA, although I’ve never gone to an AA meeting. My parents went to AA. Through a lot of talks with my parents I became familiar with the 12 step principles and how to apply them. I mention this only as it might be as useful information for anyone who wants to become sober, but has concerns about attending AA meetings.

I think the 12 steps are excellent. They work, and they help, and they sustain. AA is a wonderful program.

I second **congratulations to Purd Werfect**. Stay sober one day at a time - that’s the best any of us can do.

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