Staying High v. Detox

[MikeInFrance]

It's not easy to lie, cheat, steal or whatever else we have done to support our habits. We always found a way to get our drug of choice. We'd drive long distances , tell the same stories to different docs....act sick in pharmacies, etc. It took time and patience to get what we thought we needed and we did it over and over with skill and precision and committment. So how can we expect to just sit back and do nothing during detox and think it will all correct itself? I encourage each one of you who are anywhere near the beginning of this process to just put 10% of the effort into your detox/recovery as you did into your habit....an u'll be amazed at what u can accomplish. It doesn't take any strength to become an addict! There is no glory in that! But show me someone pulling themselves out of this hell and I'll show u a soldier in battle!

[ImDONENoMore]

I've seen a ton of members white knuckle their way through detox.  I have never seen a member here white knuckle their way through recovery.

[dominosarah]

I have asked you this question quite a bit and so far you have avoided it...What are you doing for recovery care?

[rnangel]

So true my friend! We often detox and just try to get on with life as though nothing ever happened. BIG MISTAKE!! When I left rehab a year ago I was disheartened to hear that only "3 in 10" of us will make it. We all looked around the room...each of us vowing to be the minority. Well I came home and went on with life. I felt the healthiest I've ever been. I was walking about 10km on a river trail daily with my dog. I was eating healthy and spending time with the people I love. What I wasn't doing was going to meetings like I should have. After all, I just spent 6 weeks in a nonstop meeting and was eager to have some autonomy. I kept saying I would go but I didn't. I didn't have any cravings or thoughts of using so I was finding it difficult to rationalize why I should go. Then 8 months later..BANG! I found myself battling for my life as I experienced the most vicious relapse of all time. I have been clean since Nov 18/11 and now I go to meetings regularly. I work 12 hour shifts and have a chronic disease that suck my energy...but I still go. I have to. It's simple. If I want to live I MUST go to meetings. I found a home group and sponsor who are a tremendous support to me. For anyone afraid to take the first step and attend a meeting I can tell you that finding a home group is the kindest thing you can do for yourself. When I miss a meeting I already consider myself to be having a relapse. Just food for thought. I know everyone is different but coming from someone who has been on the merry-go-round of addiction for 20 years, this is the only thing that worked. Sobriety is NOT a matter of willpower. Sobriety is a new way of living that is brought about by heartfelt changes and a new attitude. It's like reinventing yourself which is the hardest work we will ever do. Everyone of us deserves health and happiness and the effort it takes to attain it is worth its weight in gold. I'm sending well wishes and hugs to you all!!

[gg636]

TRUE SO TRUE!

Love it!

[texaslady68]

Mike,

There have never been truer words spoken that I have seen.  God bless you, and with that, I am going to get up and get dressed at 3 in the afternoon.

[charliej41]

Well said I still trying to get all my stuff back I took in get money buy pills went got my tv out today so I feel like I good about that well u have a good night

[zoea]

Gosh u have made me think. Well said x

[all_alone1]

mike...oh mike....you always know how to put it in a way of truth...and uplifting at the same time...harsh but then jentle...your words of wisdom are so inspiring....