Living Sober Sucks (but living drunk sucks more) By: Mark A. Tuschel   

R.D.

Reinvention Development for Alcoholics

Reinvention Development is a completely different way to approach alcohol misuse and address sober dilemmas. Instead of living a life of "recovery, recovering, recovered, etc," let's reinvent ourselves and how we view alcohol.

The concept behind R.D. is to have a meeting place for people to discuss and get feedback about controlling alcohol misuse and living a normal life - sober. Participants are invited to ask questions, speak freely, to share ideas, share stories of success and failure among each other.

Cross-talk is allowed and participants can openly express their thoughts and opinions. There is a moderator who has authority to interrupt; direct or even stop any exchange which they believe is not productive or relevant to alcoholism*. Common courtesies will be followed to allow members to discuss and interact with one another. Meetings can be held at any location: Private homes, public places, restaurants, libraries, parks, etc. Meetings will last no longer than 90 minutes, thus giving time for topics to be discussed.

There are no STEPS to follow. There are suggested topics to discuss and there are meeting rules. Following you will see "The Rules" and "The Topics." These topics are formulated upon the chapters and worksheets in the book: Okay, I quit. Now what?

The R.D. meeting concept is still in the development stages. Thanks to the input and suggestions of site visitors, the concept is becoming more cohessive. Your feedback, ideas and involvement are welcome. If you are interested in starting a R.D. group in your area, or hosting a meeting, please email Mark. Privacy is guaranteed.

* Terms such as: Alcoholism, Recovery, Addiction, etc., are used for simplicity. These are highly recognized words which are typically associated with misuse of any substance.

R.D. / What to expect at a  gathering:

• This is an open discussion on living sober. Some of the things a person hears might hurt, but nothing is intended to harm another person
• You do not have to be involved in discussions if you don't want to. You can sit and listen if you wish
• Questions about your own personal issues or problems with regard to sobriety are welcome. Ask the question, and then allow others to respond. Listen – do not argue or defend. You are not obligated to agree with someone else’s opinions or ideas 

The Topics:

1. Facing Reality: Facing the fact that you no longer drink and dealing with th many emotions involved
2. What do YOU want out of Sobriety: What are the things you wish to gain or regain and how will you accomplish this
3. Creating a reward system: What rewards do you enjoy that reinforce your determination to stay sober
4. Further your mind: How can you expand your knowledge
5. Further your body: How do you improve your health through sober living
6. Dealing with relationships, family and friends: How do you establish healthy boundaries and build stronger relationships
7. Dealing with social events and gatherings: How do you prepare yourself to engage with society and maintain your sobriety
8. Finding new sober friends: How and where do you find other sober people to associate with
9. Do you need a Higher Power: Discussion on how you find personal strength and willpower
10. Being comfortable with yourself: Learning to accept yourself and others as they are
11. Can I ever go back: Discussion about moderation - can it be done and is it worth the risk
12. Not spreading the good word: Discussion on how to carry the message of sobriety through "your actions" and not through lecturing others

Best deal! $6.95  

Get the book in PDF format along with (14) Interactive PDF worksheets. Download it NOW or have it emailed directly to you for reading and interactive use on your computer.

* Okay, I quit. Now what? (PDF)
* 14 Interactive worksheets (PDF)

Emailed directly to you.

R.D. / The Rules:

1. A moderator runs the meeting. The moderator presents the "Topic" and keeps things on track. Moderator has the authority to limit the length of time a participant speaks.
2. As a participant, you don’t have to admit to being anything if you don’t want to. Simply say, “Hi, I’m Bob and I’m here.”
3. Questions about your own personal issues or problems with regard to sobriety are welcome. Ask the question, and then allow others to respond.
4. Meeting participants are encouraged to give feedback, as in: “Well here’s what I would do...” Or, “Here’s how I handle situations like this...”
5. Respect must be shown regarding an individual’s personal beliefs, be they political, theological or otherwise. You do not have to agree, you can state your own opinion, but the other person cannot be attacked.
6. You can NOT show up drunk or smelling of alcohol. If you do, you will be asked to leave.
7. Confidentiality is agreed upon by all participants. Whatever is said, discussed or concluded at a gathering stays at the gathering.

R.D. / The Host:

1. Anyone can be a R.D. Meeting host. Following are suggested guidelines:
2. Define meeting place, date and time of event
3. Communicate through any means (advertising, social media, etc.) meeting place, date and time
4. Promote which Topic will be discussed at this particular meeting
5. Greet and ensure the sobriety of attendees - Anyone showing up drunk MUST leave
6. Open meeting by reading R.D. Purpose and Rules
7. Begin with describing the Topic and facilitate open discussion
8. Get input or interest for next meeting
9. Adjourn meeting

Meeting will begin with the moderator reading the rules, then state the topic to be discussed. Moderator has authority to decide who will talk first and for how long. Once a topic has been clearly stated, the floor is opened for free discussion. If you don’t like the rules – leave. If you don’t like the moderator – leave. If you don’t like how the discussion is going – leave. Colorful language is allowed, if it bothers you – don't attend.

Mark A. Tuschel

Mark@livingsobersucks.com

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