My name is Chris, I am an alcoholic. It is 10 am on a Wednesday, and I am sitting in work with some spare time. I am feeling peaceful, grateful and quite content with my life and I know that everything is going to be ok today, as long as I don't lift that first drink and try to do all the right things, that have been suggested to me since coming to AA, that will help me to get well and continue in recovery. I am 25 years old; I came to AA at 23, stayed for three weeks and then chose to return to my old ways for a further four months of self induced misery. Deciding I had endured more than enough time on my emotional rollercoaster, powered by booze and drugs, and reaching a feeling that I now know was complete emotional and spiritual bankruptcy, I decided to go back to AA with the support from some family members who are also members of this Fellowship. At 24 I believed I was 'TOO YOUNG'. My head told me that there could be an alternative to giving up the booze, because I was frightened of what life would be like without drink (my number one coping mechanism). However I was a little bit more frightened of what life was going to become if I continued to drink. So I decided to give this my best shot, not knowing what to expect or what I really wanted from a sober life. All I knew was that I didn't want to go through what I'd already put myself through before. I saw people at meetings who appeared happy, content and free and I wanted to know how to get to that place from where I was when I came through the doors. People told me keep coming back and a day at a time, which I often resented! So a year on, I haven't lifted that first drink. I've joined a group, got a sponsor and attend regular meetings. I speak to other members and I try to live a better life on a daily basis. It isn't always easy, but nobody told me it would be. I often make mistakes and occasionally I become restless, irritable and discontent, but these days I recognize it and I am aware that it is in my best interests to take action! I love what this Fellowship has given to me, my family and my friends. I am grateful that I have a life full of opportunities ahead of me, but I must remember not to become complacent or get ahead of myself because that could prove dangerous! It's great to be a member of AA, one day at a time, best wishes to you all. In gratitude, Chris, Tuesday Night India Street