I don’t like rules so much. Close friends and ex-wives have even suggested I have an oppositional defiant disorder. Which I always took as a compliment.
So adjusting to limits isn’t natural for me. Especially when those boundaries are opposed to the one thing my brain craves – one more drink.
To simplify things, I’m trying to follow just one rule in my life right now. Everything else can go out the window – it’s just noise. You can call it the one-step program. I can say it in 3 words.
Don’t drink today.
That’s it. No complicated lists. No situational exceptions. Nothing but one focus.
Some people call this the “willpower method” or the “white knuckling my sobriety.” I’m not sure that’s bad for the first few days. You’ve got to get the alcohol out of your system to start thinking rational again. Remember, the chemistry was controlling your brain. Once you get to day 4 sober you will start to think clearly and gain hope.
In other words, I’m doing recovery one day at a time (ODAAT). Even with working the 12 step AA program, the real victory is just staying sober today.
In reality, living out this rule feels hard but not impossible.
At this point I just need to feel like recovery is possible.
I know the real enemy is alcohol.
Recovery Update: Since first writing this post I’ve made some real progress and believe I’m finally going to quit drinking this time.
The one step program is working, not because willpower but because I’m honestly done with alcohol.
I had the right moment of motivation and encouragement from the easy way to quit drinking book.
More updates to come…
[…] That’s the plan – the one step program. […]