I've just spent the last 2 hours reading old posts on this board (still not sleeping so well). It has been nice getting to know all of you better-specially those who have graciously responded to me- reading your stories, your struggles, your successes. But I am also left with such a feeling of fear and dread wondering what happened to all of those who reached out (like myself), who let us in to their private hell (like myself), and who were welcomed in such a loving and caring way (like myself), and then all of a sudden just stopped posting. I like to imagine that they are somewhere safe and sound (and sober), getting the help they need. But I know that is probably not the case. I guess the reality of this is really hitting me. The heaviness of it. How scary it is and how powerful. I guess this is a good thing as it has strengthened my resolve but at the same time made me feel more vulnerable than I've ever felt. I went to a meeting today, I'll keep going. I'm so grateful I haven't taken any pills. This isn't something to screw around with.
Santee,
It is a serious delima, addiction wants us dead. I'm sure a lot of people are out living life still clean & sober with F2F support. Some probably relapsed are in the grips of the insanity of addiction.
When I first got clean, I heard stat's and it was depressing. I remember hearing that only 1 out of 10 would make it to the 6 month mark and I remember my BFF telling me, that's okay, you just be the one.
Santee, you can be the one.
Keep doing what you're doing, posting, daily gratitude list, praying and asking for you HP to keep you clean & sober, showing up to meetings and reaching out to others who have solid sobriety and ask for help and listening to how others stay sober. You don't have to do this alone and you don't have to go back to where you were again.
One day at a time, honey.....
xoxo
Stacey
It is a serious delima, addiction wants us dead. I'm sure a lot of people are out living life still clean & sober with F2F support. Some probably relapsed are in the grips of the insanity of addiction.
When I first got clean, I heard stat's and it was depressing. I remember hearing that only 1 out of 10 would make it to the 6 month mark and I remember my BFF telling me, that's okay, you just be the one.
Santee, you can be the one.
Keep doing what you're doing, posting, daily gratitude list, praying and asking for you HP to keep you clean & sober, showing up to meetings and reaching out to others who have solid sobriety and ask for help and listening to how others stay sober. You don't have to do this alone and you don't have to go back to where you were again.
One day at a time, honey.....
xoxo
Stacey
I've also heard the 1 in 10.I really don't know how they can even do statistics but I know it's not high.I've been around the program for years and there are some groups I could walk into and not know anyone.That's also because I live in a large city but it's a depressing situation.
I also know a few who just quit going to meetings but are still sober and clean.I know a few who went back out after having a lot of time that are also dead.
A bulletin board has a lot of traffic just because the venue is so massive.People from the UK and Austrailia post here a lot.
All you have to worry about is you and one day.
Good Luck
I also know a few who just quit going to meetings but are still sober and clean.I know a few who went back out after having a lot of time that are also dead.
A bulletin board has a lot of traffic just because the venue is so massive.People from the UK and Austrailia post here a lot.
All you have to worry about is you and one day.
Good Luck
1 in 10 is depressing. I can't focus on that but it's good to know. One day at a time...
Hi Santee,
I've been around for a little while but have not been posting much for the last year. Like you, I was in a desperate situation and did not know where to turn. I found this site and the wonderful people on here helped me so much. I was addicted for 10 years and when I thought I was starting to get some help, I got into legal trouble (about a year ago). Because of that, I lost my job and was forced to file bankruptcy. In other words, I felt I had lost everything. But truth be told, it was all good. Sometimes, the Lord does for us what we can't do for ourselves. It has been a rough year but at the same time a great one. I have turned my life around. The legal stuff worked out and I have regained my employment. And, because of the bankruptcy, I have no bills. I feel like I have been given another chance in life. And there is no way I'm going to mess this one up. My faith has been restored. I've learned to thank God for what I have and what He has done instead of feeling sorry for myself. And to answer your question, I don't post much anymore because I don't have that much time and I'm actually living and enjoying life. It doesn't mean I don't think about and pray for everyone on here, I do every night. It's just nice that I don't have to obsess about the pills anymore. Wondering how I'm going to get through each day. Sure, I think about them but it's just a passing thought. You see, in recovery, you learn how to control your thoughts because negative thoughts can really hinder your recovery. Don't rely on statistics. Focus on yourself. You can do it. If I can, anyone can. You're in an emotional state right now, but your brain is healing. It will get better if you just focus on one day at time, stay clean, and keep the faith.
Prayers,
Michelle
I've been around for a little while but have not been posting much for the last year. Like you, I was in a desperate situation and did not know where to turn. I found this site and the wonderful people on here helped me so much. I was addicted for 10 years and when I thought I was starting to get some help, I got into legal trouble (about a year ago). Because of that, I lost my job and was forced to file bankruptcy. In other words, I felt I had lost everything. But truth be told, it was all good. Sometimes, the Lord does for us what we can't do for ourselves. It has been a rough year but at the same time a great one. I have turned my life around. The legal stuff worked out and I have regained my employment. And, because of the bankruptcy, I have no bills. I feel like I have been given another chance in life. And there is no way I'm going to mess this one up. My faith has been restored. I've learned to thank God for what I have and what He has done instead of feeling sorry for myself. And to answer your question, I don't post much anymore because I don't have that much time and I'm actually living and enjoying life. It doesn't mean I don't think about and pray for everyone on here, I do every night. It's just nice that I don't have to obsess about the pills anymore. Wondering how I'm going to get through each day. Sure, I think about them but it's just a passing thought. You see, in recovery, you learn how to control your thoughts because negative thoughts can really hinder your recovery. Don't rely on statistics. Focus on yourself. You can do it. If I can, anyone can. You're in an emotional state right now, but your brain is healing. It will get better if you just focus on one day at time, stay clean, and keep the faith.
Prayers,
Michelle
Hi,Santee! Hope life sees you well today. Santee,dont even worry about stats.See,the beauty of those meetings is you are not graded.People there have been through it JUST LIKE YOU.If you put a little effort into it you'll make friends-people you can call when you feel weak.I've had friends come to my door to make sure I was OK. Point is they didnt need anything other than to check on me. Someone Cares!!!! You're making someone proud.Even if its only you.God Bless Santee.Keep it up.
Thanks all~
you have no idea how helpful/hopeful/inspirational you all are to me. I'm hanging in there!
you have no idea how helpful/hopeful/inspirational you all are to me. I'm hanging in there!
98.6% of statistics are made up-LOL.
Have faith over fear.
You are here today. Who knows how many addicts suffering or not out there. There are many who really didn't consider themselves addicts and sobered up with age. There are many who didn't seek treatment, etc...no one knows . I know I posted to a few boards before I ever got cleaned up. I disappeared from them but I found this one. Just keep up with you, not others. If you are searching for a success story, be your own. It is a good visualization to picture yourself in recovery years from now helping others. If you can dream it you can be it. right?
Don't give into fear = False Evidence Appearing Real.
Have faith over fear.
You are here today. Who knows how many addicts suffering or not out there. There are many who really didn't consider themselves addicts and sobered up with age. There are many who didn't seek treatment, etc...no one knows . I know I posted to a few boards before I ever got cleaned up. I disappeared from them but I found this one. Just keep up with you, not others. If you are searching for a success story, be your own. It is a good visualization to picture yourself in recovery years from now helping others. If you can dream it you can be it. right?
Don't give into fear = False Evidence Appearing Real.
Thanks JustJane~ I needed to hear that.