Potopie - thank you for sharing your story. This is exactly the place to do so.
I too have an MI and used to struggle with being shy. There is nothing wrong with being shy, and if the only way to talk to the opposite sex is by being high, then that means one would need to be high all the time. If you haven't already, you will find someone who likes you for you, sober, and that is when your really start reaping the rewards of not using drugs.
Recognizing how great you feel sober is such a blessing. A lot of people simply crave more, all the time, but knowing how rewarding being sober is is an excellent frame of mind to be in.
I too enjoy myself sober. Sometimes i like the energy from uppers, sometimes i like the disinhibition of alcohol, but all in all the real, long lasting happiness can only come from something more sustainable, like love.
Thanks again for you intro, i enjoyed reading it.
madness00