Job Discussion Forums

cashey39 · Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Hi... I'm a recovering alcoholic with reverse culture shock. Was teaching in Japan with the JET program for 2 years, before coming back to my home country (Canada). Currently involved with 12-step recovery.

I was wondering if there have been others who have experienced, or are experiencing the same... perhaps it would be useful for us to share emails?

My apologies if this email is inappropriate for this board!

Thank you.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am an alcoholic. Sober now for 19 years. It gets better.

Mexicobound · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 1:27 pm Post subject:

My stepmother is an alcoholic, so I have seen one side of the coin.
I know it can be very hard for someone to recognize in themselves but even more difficult to prevail in recovery.
I wish you the best of luck.

johnslat · Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject:

Dear cashey39
Hi, my name is John, and I'm an alcoholic (whoops, there goes my anonymity.) I've been sober for eight years now after being a binge drinker for about forty years. I didn't START in the Marines, but that (and Vietnam) gave me a wonderful excuse to pick up the pace.
Now here's something funny - what really helped me stop was Saudi Arabia (although I've also known some who BECAME alcoholics there.) It wasn't a quick process; over a period of about nineteen years, I gradually cut back (with intermissions - such as a two-tear stint in Indonesia), and in 2001, I cut the cord completely.
I'm one of the lucky ones. From going to AA meetings for about two years, I know that for many, quitting is a never-ending battle. (I haven't been to one for the past six years - but if I ever get a strong urge to relapse, I'll run back.) I expected it''d be that way for me, but it's turned out that I haven't been tempted since I stopped.
PM me if you want, and I'll send you my e-mail address. Stick with AA; for most, I think it's the best/only way to beat the addiction. It got me through the first two years and it's good to know it's always there should I need it.
Regards,
John

cashey39 · Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Thank you kindly for your support, everyone! I wasn't quite expecting it.
Nice to hear the support for AA, which is the route I'm going with now.

The thought I had, and am experiencing more and more as I feel more grounded in Canada, is that sobriety isn't a one-shot thing. I wanted to say that because I sobered up in Japan (in the midst of an awesome and probably once-in-a-lifetime experience), I'd be good forever... which is unrealistic. Your support and your examples offer great hope for me. Smile

C

cashey39 · Joined: 12 Dec 2007 Posts: 3

Hey John, I wanted to PM you but I couldn't... I don't have enough postings it would appear.

Can you PM me with your email?

Thanks,

C

johnslat · Posted: Fri May 15, 2009 1:27 pm Post subject:

Dear cashey39,
Done.
Regards,
John

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

Great, supportive replies to the OP - really impressive, guys.

I know this is sentimental, but I almost Crying or Very sad

.

All the best to you, cashey39. Smile