Is recovery possible if...

[Omlovepeace]

NA really helped me at the start. i've noticed massive differences between fellowships in different areas. i intend to start going to meetings again to support me in my abstinence from alcohol.

i haven't overcome my problems but i have had therapy that massively helped, made it possible for me to stay clean. like the level of PTSD i had would have meant if i'd not have got specialised help with that, i couldn't have stayed clean. heroin was the only thing stopping me from feeling like i was being attacked 24/7. wish i was exaggerating, every time i closed my eyes, even blinking, i could see me being attacked. i don't think its possible to live like that sober.


yeah absolutely, as above, i think its important to deal with trauma, or whatever underlying problem is causing your addiction.

i have a lot of love for NA, but i've seen a lot of hypocrisy and people not living by the principles. many of the principles they apply are also found in buddhism, which has also really helped me. there are fewer obvious hypocrites in my sangha. i think different methods have all reached broadly similar conclusions about what we need to do to live a fulfilling life without crutches.

anyone who claims there's a 1 size fits all for recovery is oversimplifying to a ridiculous extent. peer support IS hugely important though, whether its 12 step, SMART, Refuge recovery, whatever.

and therapy, exercise, enjoyment, spiritual and personal development, self care, all play a huge role.

I so agree but, AA's get sick of me relapsing pretty fast. I lose all my sober friends. I need a place that is not saying it's perfect abstinence or you can't have any recovery, growth, progression, I do all the therapy and show up for my mental health almost every day, I'm sober way more than I'm drunk or high and I still end up alone in 12 step programs. I'm trying to find harm reduction support groups on here and anywhere. I'm so sick of being lonely.

 

[haypiñata]

Not promoting use by any means. However, I personally found it less stressful to settle on a life of use but only once in a while. Quitting outright always leads me to profound self disappointment and "weaker" as it was yet another failed attempt to do "what is right".
Does it have to be this or that? Can it be both? It cannot be either for me so I found comfort in the ability to control my usage. It seems sustainable (as long as I stay away from piles of benzos lol) and the downs that are felt from failing to do the right thing are avoided and replaced with confidence, decent mental health and the freedom of choice.
Again... this is not a rally for junkies world-wide to rise up and demand a couple doses a week as it worked for one guy on a forum meant to offer a healthier approach to drug use. It took decades, some great people (support) and came at a steep cost.
I am finally OK with who and what I am. I do not broadcast my use in public but I also do not hide it. Discretion goes a long way, it is said (I think ).

But on topic?

I would consider myself recovered as a mf. Recovery to me is a state of gaining back one's ability to make a choice in a previously predetermined outcome in a situation. Or rather, the ability to act without fear of getting trapped.
What is recovery to you?
Peace

I absolutely agree with you.. Since posting this I've gotten on methadone and live my life sober 95% of the time.. BUT I don't think there's anything wrong with having a lil fun once in awhile, as long as it doesn't turn into a full-on relapse. Why can't I break up the monotony of life once in awhile?
Anytime I have failed a piss test at the methadone clinic, I've felt so guilty and disappointed in myself that I cried in my counselor's office.. why am I crying over this? Would I feel this bad about it if I didn't have these people telling me I fucked up? Hmm..

Anyways, thank you for your insight

 

[haypiñata]

I so agree but, AA's get sick of me relapsing pretty fast. I lose all my sober friends. I need a place that is not saying it's perfect abstinence or you can't have any recovery, growth, progression, I do all the therapy and show up for my mental health almost every day, I'm sober way more than I'm drunk or high and I still end up alone in 12 step programs. I'm trying to find harm reduction support groups on here and anywhere. I'm so sick of being lonely.

I hear you! I have one friend that I interact with since I've gotten on methadone and that's theonly person I see! Lol sometimes I wonder, do I still know how to socialize like a normal person? Apparently not. I've never been big on AA/NA and I'm also pretty introverted so I'm totally lost on how to make soberish friends..

 

[jasperkent]

I so agree but, AA's get sick of me relapsing....

I've never been big on AA/NA.....

AA/NA and other 12-Step programs are abstinence-based. They expect a few relapses but the assumption is that one's goal is strict sobriety. I don't entirely agree with that approach (among other things) but AA did help me a lot early in my recovery.
Somewhere in this forum there's a thread about Drug Addicts Anonymous (not NA).
Maybe look into that?

 

[Lil'LinaptkSix]

Thread about Drug Addicts

Here ya go....