Testimonials

[Roberta Jewell]

Here's what some of our members have to say about their experience with My Way Out. We'll continue to add words of inspiration here, so be sure to send me a Private Message if you'd like your testimonial included!

RJ

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SOLA:
I found this site in June. After many years of drinking everyday, at any time, I decided I needed to stop. The plan was to go without as long as I could. A couple of weeks or months, maybe longer. Since August 13th I haven't had a drink. I really didn't think I could ever stop. To my surprise I've only had a couple of hard days, and in the big scheme of life they weren't all that bad. I wake up feeling happy and in control, something I haven't felt in years. Good Luck to you!

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Gabby:
Well guys I have to post my celebration cuz its amazing. TODAY IS MY 100TH DAY of abstinence. That's right I started 100 days ago only planning to do 30 days of abs and then go mods. I live in Absville, exercise often, take topamax, the supps, have a lot of communication with my fellow abbers ( love you guys!) and other members here.

Well, like I said, I was only gonna do 30 days but got going and now its 100! I've lost 25 lbs and really feel great. I feel I have gained so much inner strength and wisdom.

I have many great friendships here at MWO and thank RJ so much for this incredible website. For me, this was just the place I needed to help give me the switch in direction I was looking for in my life.

I feel that this wouldn't have happened with out this cool place and MWO's Philosophy and you guys.

Big Smiles to you all, and thanks.

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MD Biker:
...when I first found MWO I felt worthless and unclean. I hated drinking uncontrollably day after day. I was so ashamed of myself and thought I had no options. I learned there is a way out.

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Tawnyfrog:
I have been here for 7 months. When I joined, I was extremely sad - perhaps even desperate. I embraced most aspects of the programme and gradually developed a comfortable on-line relationship with other members.

Over time, a few names stood out and I felt a closer bond forming and I actively engaged in a more vigorous dialogue - both in chat and through posts.

Things have changed dramatically. Yes, my drinking is now at an acceptable level but more importantly, I am proud and privileged to have taken some friendships off-line and into my private "real" world. I have a genuine love for my friends who have enriched my life to a previously unimaginable level. We are in daily contact, sharing our laughter and tears. We exchange emails, photos and gifts. We look out for each other.

Life has, and always will have, sharp edges. But my friends have, jointly, wrapped me in a much stronger suit of armour. And for that I will continue to love them.

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Brigid:
Today is the last day of this year for me. Tomorrow is my birthday. 21 again!!!!! I can think of numerous occasions when this day would be the day I stocked up on my alcoholic supplies. No more. Huge change. Plan for the morrow is for fun in the sea and a dress up dinner at home. Simple but fun.

It was this time last year that I came to this site (the day before my birthday). That feels like a lifetime ago.

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Katesm:
For anyone new to the program, I can honestly say this DOES work. I was a mess 6 months ago and will forever remain grateful for MWO. Initially I was attracted to the moderation aspect as I didn't think it was possible for me to abstain, but after reading the book and getting a good overview from the boards, I realised I needed a period of abs if I wanted it to work, and (for me) I felt so good that the abs has just continued. The most crucial part was knowing I had here to come to. Regardless of the fact that this is cyberspace, I found more reality here than in any other avenue of self-help. So many times I had tried to cut back, so many times I had tried to give up.....so many times I fell flat on my face. To find a program that recognises we are all individual and as such, have individual needs, is empowering all by itself. To be proactive about our own wellness encourages determination and that's a head start in anyones terms.

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Allie:
...Jump in and it's okay to make mistakes. I sure have! But after seven months I wouldn't trade the old me for anything. Am I perfect now? Yep. (just kidding!) Far from it... BUT, I am so much closer to who I know I really am. I can so relate to what you said about getting back to how things were when you dated. Funny you should say that. I posted recently to someone new and was telling them that my husband and I are like two teenagers who cant keep their hands off each other. We are in love again, and we were on the brink of divorce when I came here. Not all b/c of this issue, but it sure didn't help it. We have three kids too. Get excited!

Cant wait to hear how things go, and its okay if you blow it here. We don't judge, we just encourage. Its a journey.

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The Chuckster:
...Everybody has their own philosophy but I've learned being in several treatment centers that alcohol = alcohol. You can call it wine, beer, vodka, rum, or mouthwash (25%) its still alcohol. So I've elected to try the moderation thing with 3 drinks a day. Vodka Martini's. I've been quite successful so far 3 months. I was up to 300 mg of Topa and then down to 25 mg. The cravings came back big time and then found my comfort level at 150 mg.

The Hypno tapes tapes helped alot too. I kept drilling myself no more then 3, no more then 3, no more then 3........ I found that if I made a fourth I would throw it out. No kidding. Still doing the supps for support but I do believe at least for me its the Topa.

Wish everyone continued Luck in their program......This has been a life saver for me!!

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Kathy:
Using the MWO program is like being in a healthy and vibrant relationship. If you work at it (follow the program), you just get so much back in terms of self esteem, improved health, and of course, greatly reduced drinking or abstinence. Also, I cannot speak highly enough about the support that I have received here from the other members. RJ herself remains involved, available, and supportive. It's just been a great experience for me.

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Buffy:
I wanted to tell you what happened on Thursday night. By the grace of god I got the cd's and the book in the mail Thursday afternoon. I was so excited to listen to them and look over the book. I was home alone so I skimmed over the book and then got comfortable in bed and listened to the clearing cd and then the hypnosis one. I was a little afraid while I was doing it and almost had a panic attack I felt so weird. I think it was because I didn't know what to expect. I got the abstinence ones, but while reading the book I decided I wanted to just try cutting back. I said things about sipping, not getting drunk....etc....during the programing part. I went to the party, had a few glasses of wine, actually sipped them....which is very unusual for me....I get nervous around new people. I was the one that told my husband it was time to go, he wanted to have another glass of wine first, the friend who's house we were at wanted us to stay, but I said we needed to get home. We left, my hubby had another bottle of wine in the refrig at home. We had another glass of wine, I fell asleep and didn't even finish it. Ok.....I thought that I was just having a good night of will power, so I thought I would listen to the cds again and see how it went again. I felt more comfortable about getting into it this time, last night we went out, came home, hubby opened a bottle of wine, I drank one glass, and couldn't drink anymore. It didn't even taste good. That was the only glass on a Friday night.....amazing! The cds say you will be proud of yourself when you wake up the next morning...I am. I am afraid to get too excited because I don't want to be disappointed. But it is pretty cool.

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sobermom:
TO RJ and her wonderful program, I just celebrated my one year anniversary. My goal was moderation and at first I abstained, then slowly began to allow myself a drink here or there. It has not been a picnic, and there are still some days when I feel like "just getting loaded" but I am able to talk myself out of it, which I could never accomplish before.

I have been sober (meaning moderate drinks but never got drunk) and have not had a hangover in a year - which is completely amazing !! I don't keep alcohol in the house, so I plan for allowing myself a "special drink" and I have to go to the store and get it. I buy the minimum amount I plan to drink that day/weekend, which is usually 2 wine coolers (no more using a shopping cart !)

I lost 30 pounds in total and am stable at my weight. Can't even guess at the amount of money I have saved in the year. I still listen to the CDs but stopped the Topa in the spring. Its just good to know it is there should I ever need it again in the future.

Not to say all my issues are solved, but I am working with my doctor and have started counselling for anxiety and depression - for which I self-medicated for years with alcohol. We all know how well that turns out !!

So thanks again and to everyone starting out, I hope you get some strength from my story.

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mikeupnorth:
I searched for a way to control or stop my drinking for 11 years. I knew I was drinking alcoholically, and could not stop. My physical and mental health, my performance at work, and my relationships all suffered because of my alcohol abuse. I tried conventional outpatient treatment and AA for several times, but still couldn't stop drinking.
My Way Out has given me the tools I need to succeed in recovering from alcoholism. It took some time to find the right combination of supplements, medication, etc. I also had a couple of "false starts" until I figured out whether my goal was moderation or abstinence (for me, it needs to be abstinence -- but that's a very individual decision).
Now, for the first time in over a decade, I feel that I have the choice to drink or not -- and I choose not to. I live each day without a shadow of guilt and fear hanging over me. It's like I was being held hostage for all those years and have finally been set free. I can't say how grateful I am to have found this program!

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cc_canadian:
Just a note of encouragement about this program. It WORKS.

I have been on it for just over a year now. I used to drink wine like water. Now, months go by without me having a drink at all and I don't miss it. A year ago I never thought this would have been possible given the state I was in...but with a strong determination to change my life around I have made it this far.

I can't tell you it wasn't a struggle at times. That is to be expected. The supplements recommended in the book will help to get you through the rough times. The cravings. But your determination is also needed to overcome any thoughts of drinking for the sake of getting drunk ; or drinking at all until you know your brain no longer demands a daily alcohol fix. I stayed away from alcohol for 5 months after I started the program. When I took that first drink, I thought long and hard about really wanting or needing it considering what that poison can lead to if not controlled.

The bottom line .....there is plenty of hope here. This site provides wonderful support, motivation, inspiration, genuine concern, and lots of information. I have no idea where I would be now if I had not found this place.

Best of luck to everyone.

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mamatee:
Just thought I'd post you a note to say thanks and let you know that I am moving on. I found MWO about 80 days ago, began abstaining immediately, was amazed at how easy it was and found that I could create a whole new set of habits/thoughts around alcohol. I can take it or leave it. Last night I poured a glass of wine and never took a sip, just forgot about it. Anyway, I believe your program is a godsend in short-circuiting the progression of drinking and I will come back to visit every once in a while. Can't thank you enough - my life is immeasurably better.
All my best to you and MWO.

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