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Ways to manage addiction without tradition means

Well, as you well all know, specially you Zack, Buddhism is what I have found works for me. The principles of love and compassion, space and flexibility, strength and courage, wisdom and sagacity, insight and non-duality (a.k.a. together-ness) are what seem to be the most timeless, universal values, applicable to all (healthy) peoples, paradigms and customs. As with all things, connected-ness is the key that is used to ulock the door to a life that is well worth lived well.

Comprendé? Want to work with me on the development of your new post-humanistic protocol Zack?
 
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That is exactly why I am developing the new protocol @withlove. It is really meant to enhance and create a forum that is open and honest in order for people to share ideas. I tried twelve steps, I tried smart, I tried ORT...none of these things worked. It was not until I took the power back and began really seeking my own answers that I was able to get sober.

I just could not come to grips with the diatribe about spirituality. It is a health problem. The next time the lord cures a disease let me know. I will not hold my breath, rather I will look towards science for less "mystical" answers.

yea i dont have a problem with 12 step stuff so much, i more have a problem with doctors using it and rehabs cashing in and then sending people to AA for aftercare. it has a place and hey if you wann faith heal go for it, i wont judge but when the medical community and the legal system get involved (court mandated AA) this becomes a problem.

harm reduction over abstinence in so far as treatment goes will save more lives and lead those who want to abstain completely to that and give others the chance to lead a healthier lifestyle without having them spiral out of control if they do relapse or slip.
the idea of relapsing and getting kicked out of rehab, housing or the care of medical provider is so morally and ethically fucked up.
I could go on and on but i wont rant. i am just very passionate about harm reduction and having drug users be treated with respect and dignity.

Once, again, this is why I love you, withlove. How very insightful of you! You handle is super fitting ;)

<3 thanks
 
Well, as you well all know, specially you Zack, Buddhism is what I have found works for me. The principles of love and compassion, space and flexibility, strength and courage, wisdom and sagacity, insight and non-duality (a.k.a. together-ness) are what seem to be the most timeless, universal values, applicable to all (healthy) peoples, paradigms and customs. As with all things, connected-ness is they are the key to the door of a life that is worth lived well.

This post reminded me of essays I used to write after getting high. I find existence, spiritual concepts, and philosophy to be as fascinating as pharmacokinetics, social studies, and psychiatry. It was as if traveling to cloud nine provided insight I was subconsciously desiring. I'd come down and reread my work and be amazed at the complexity and level of awareness I'd achieved. And thank you toothpastedog for the word "sagacity". I don't often have to look up words and it is now one of my favorites!
 
Just imagine how much fun writing when you are in a more sober state of mind my friend :)

Sober but never somber! Well, most of the time anyways - it is called life, after all ;)
 
Ah therein lies the problem. I lack motivation and concentration in sobriety which feels like my creativity is stifled. I attribute it to the substances I used and for how long I used them. Before my alcoholism/addiction I was extraordinarily artistic and became more so when I started using but after cessation I lost a good deal of it and now have less than before I began. So naturally I have the drive to use again to "find myself" again.
 
You say problem, I say oppertunity! I do know what you mean though, at a certain point we have beat ourselves up emotionally and physically to the point where recovery seems impossible. Just try and keep in mind this is is only a delusion of a mins made small theough years of abuse and neglect, not reality. The reality is that, as long as you try and begin really learning how to be kind and gentle with yourself in all things and ways, recovery is not only possibly, it is enevitable. Keep trying my young friend! You will get to a haplier, more creative, imaginative beautiful place much sooner than you night think, you only need try and be a kinder to yourself. Find yourself a skilled, wise teacher, and begin the joyous process called healing.
 
You say problem, I say oppertunity!

No doubt. Sobriety is wrought with pessimism and my mindset is far from ideal.

The reality is that, as long as you try and begin really learning how to be kind and gentle with yourself in all things and ways, recovery is not only possibly, it is enevitable.

Absolutely. I am way harsh on myself and it doesn't help matters that the most I ever loved myself was not during clean time.

Find yourself a skilled, wise teacher, and begin the joyous process called healing.

Haha! You say this like it's an easy thing to do. There is definitely something to be said by surrounding oneself with people they most want to embody. Either I have unrealistic standards or that type just isn't crossing my path. This area is overrun with spiritually shallow, uneducated individuals that are truly draining to converse with so short of hitchhiking through the desert my economic standing is creating a serious roadblock. It's what prompted me to reach out online to find people I could relate to and with whom I could carry on meaningful conversations.
 
I totally understand, and you are absolutely right. I was in your shoes till I moved back to LA two years ago, started going to UCLA and taking vipassana classes at MARC.
 
I live in florida. It is few and far between to find philosophically intelligent people. You will find people. It is kinda like an addict can spot another addict without even saying hello. Intelligent people will find each other. It is just the way of the world.

There is one piece of advice I do have to give: If you are swimming with tadpoles and you are a newt...maybe you should find another pool to swim in.
 
It is kinda like an addict can spot another addict without even saying hello. Intelligent people will find each other. It is just the way of the world.

i call this junkie affinity. not only can yo find them you are drawn to them. even sober addicts/ alcoholics. its a 6th sense.
 
There is one piece of advice I do have to give: If you are swimming with tadpoles and you are a newt...maybe you should find another pool to swim in.

And that has been my number one goal for too long. I was left for dead in Mexico (long story) and managed to hitch rides/walk as far as Yuma. Been contacting people for rideshares online for ages with no success yet. Any takers on BL down for cross country adventure?
 
I am new this this site so don't be hard on me lol. I actually came across this site while trying to find info on how I can do Herron while I'm asking suboxone. "I know pretty pathetic." Anyways, I registered and scrolled through the different topics and found myself looking for positive feedback to stay clean instead of how I can do heron while on suboxone. I've been on subox now for 3 weeks. Started out on 20mg and brought myself down to 16mg. I was feeling funny on 20. Anyways I'm feeling very week and wanting to do that one last hit. Every time I feel weak I google "how to do heriin with subox" then I figure that's way too much work and I don't even bother. I feel my weakness and I don't know how much longer I can go without screwing up. I don't want to do the transition again as I went into the p/w. Any tips to stay clean would be helpful. Thanks for listening all of you
 
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