Hi all. I don't know if anyone here remembers me, I used to post on this website constantly. Just wanted to check in and let everyone know that life can get better. I have a little over 4.5 months clean, thanks to a 12 step fellowship. Reading posts about withdrawal and all of the pain that active addiction is causing people like me is helping to keep everything fresh. I don't want to be a preacher, but having actively sought recovery, the obsession to use has been lifted. I will be speaking at my rehab in a few weeks, which I look forward to. Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and say hi, and to wish everyone luck who is suffering.

Hi all. I don't know if anyone here remembers me, I used to post on this website constantly. Just wanted to check in and let everyone know that life can get better. I have a little over 4.5 months clean, thanks to a 12 step fellowship. Reading posts about withdrawal and all of the pain that active addiction is causing people like me is helping to keep everything fresh. I don't want to be a preacher, but having actively sought recovery, the obsession to use has been lifted. I will be speaking at my rehab in a few weeks, which I look forward to. Anyway, I just wanted to drop in and say hi, and to wish everyone luck who is suffering.

Hi There, I remember you!!!! Congratulations on your recovery! How wonderful!!!!!!!!! Can you take a moment to give all of us old timers as well as the new comers who are seeking sobriety your history and how you got clean? Such as refresh us on your doc as well as how much you were taking and your approach to get clean? Also, dont leave out all the details as to how you feel now that you are clean and how long it took you to feel normal and happy again. I truely think it will help alot of people here!

Again congratulations!
ValleyGurl

Well done on your ongoing recovery; that's what 12 step recovery is all about, having the compulsion lifted! Too many people miss that point, they think just stopping is enough and whilst it's a good start it can be an awful way to live if you still have a constant compulsion. Even though no one is immune from relapse whether 12 stepping life or not, it has to be said that the 12 stepper on average will have enjoyed each day of sobreity in a more wonderful way than a none 12 stepper, I can't imagine that anyone could reasonably dispute that :-)

Thank you for stopping by and reminding me just how much of a gift sobriety is and as you know it's something that we can all have if we truely want it and are open to a new way of living........

Hi ...thank you so much for your post. I think it's important for people to come back and report success. It gives others so much hope. Congrats!!

I agree with Blaster...12 step programs have saved my life. Some of the best times in my life have been spent in the program. You are also right that it is an important step in learning how to be happy drug free. You see what others have and you want it...and they are all to happy to give it away.

Blaster I don't see too many 12 step supporters on here. I get a heck of alot out of your posts. I've been involved in NA for 12 years. I am recently clean (46 days) from a relapse after 11 years clean. Coming back was the hardest thing I ever did...what they say is true..it get's harder to make it back. But it is the best decision I ever made!! Thank you for sharing your wisdom & experience with us. Keep coming to the boards!!!

Congratulations on your recovery. It is important to let others know there is hope. I saw an addictionologist/MD about a month ago for my problem with hydro and alcohol. He said that I needed to attend an AA meeting everyday for at least one year for me to have a chance at success. I found that a little intimidating and scary and ignored his advice until today. I'm calling the contact he provided me tonight and I suppose that will lead to attending the meetings. I think the group format will be good for me. Is it all about 12 steps, or can one attend for just the support and be successful?

Walk, there are no requirements for yourself to attend AA or NA other than a desire to stop Using/Drinking. If that is your desire then you can take what you like from the meetings. You should find the enviorement very open and friendly, plenty of support if you want it. Don't worry about the 12 steps right now, it's not a course that you sign onto, it's more a process of living that someone can show you if you are ever interested in facing your life issues and learning peace giving tools to move forward from them. But it's not a requirement of attending the meetings, I know some people who have over 2 yearts sobreirty with the help of AA and yet they haven't been through the 12 steps yet, it's purely their free choice. I feel fortunate that early on (within the 1st 8 weeks) I started going through the 12 steps and then living them. It made things much easier for me in the long run and now I feel I have tools to face ANYTHING that life might yeild me and even though things might hurt at times (emotionally) I don't have to carry the full burden of them like I used to, that's where the 12 steps help me out :-)

History: used from AGES 13-19 lol oops not 16-19. DOC: Opiates (vicodin, then OxyContin). Dose: 80-120mg of opiates a day. Used for about a year, stopped for a few months without NA, relapsed hard. Checked into inpatient rehab. Made a meeting the day i got out. Made 90 meetings in 90 days. Got a sponsor. Currently writing 2nd step. Made new friends. Going to college and looking for a job. Still coping with some anxiety and depression, but medication (Lexapro/Neurontin) is helping. No urge to use, TODAY. Good luck everyone. Any questions let me know. Good to hear from you guys. 141 days clean today :)

Good for you opiateskill...very appropriate name. 141 days is AWSOME!

Walk..how was your meeting? There are AA & NA meetings in most areas. If you aren't comfortabe in one..try another. Also give it some time. We all feel a bit awkward at first. The old saying "keep coming back" jumps to my mind. I think if you keep an open mind you'll hear alot of things that will help. Remember - just like on these boards not everything you hear will apply to you - take what you can use to advance your recovery and leave the rest.

Look for people with some clean time, grab on and hold tight. Follow their lead. :wave:

Blaster..nice to meet you. I get alot from your posts. Thank you for sharing your experience and hope.