How many here recieve aftercare? How many don't?

[Struggeling09]

Just wanna see how many people receive aftercare and try to see the difference in success stories between those who do not seek after care. I am coming up on 3 weeks and could not have made it this far without my sponser and na.

[Struggeling09]

I felt the same way on my first couple of meetings, wasn't comfortable about the prayers ect. but I took GaGuys advice and got a sponser and here i am now,clean. Tonights my favorite meeting, its a candlelight meeting where i do most of my soulsearching. Hang in there get a sponser then decide from there.

[ImGettingClean]

I sought a psychologist a month or two ago...she specializes in addiction/substance abuse/pain management...she kept PREACHING aftercare/Na and i got sort've upset because i kept saying, well, what am i here for then? i finally swallowed myy pride and went to an NA meeting on Sunday...not sure what to make of it...will give it another shot this Sunday...

[ZJILLIAN]

Interesting to think about. The first time, 1983, was a major get clean and sober push. Went to detox and 28 day rehab in a not rich and famous type of place and it was scary. Went to AA and NA and LEARNED A LOT of survival skills which I have clung to over the years. Stopped going to meetings pretty early in the game but went for therapy which was not too helpful because this particular therapist was not drug savy. Stayed sober from alcohol  it has been almost 26 years BUT in a few years I was back using pain killers and pretty much kept that up on and off until now. No aftercare that was drug smart. That is important! Many therapists out there who really don't know about the drug world and the way we are. Anyhow, long post, now, 17 days (miracle), using my AA skills and this site and nothing else. (we shall see).

[Struggeling09]

So far so good then, Weney don't give up on it just so more research and I'm sure you'll find something. Bikerdad I know what you mean by hating them so much we think were done with em but, for me i had a couple of days where if it weren't for my sponser i would be back to square one. I know there will be more days like that. Anyone reading this who does not go to aftercare feel free to post how you feel about it. Also i got a strength and conditioning coach who i meet at the gym twice a week, which has also brought my mind and energy to a whole new level.

[BIKERDAD1963]

I was going to give it a try but I have noticed after the first couple of weeks of detox I had no more cravings. I wanted to be done with the drugs so badly because of what they did to me and my family that I cant bring myself to even think about them anymore. However if the cravings are still there and you think you may relapse then aftercare must be done.

[leeisgettingclean]

Yes I do aftercare. Meetings, coulseling, 12 step program, sponser, this site, all of that good stuff. I will tell you first time no aftercare except this site(which is great but no sub for aftercare!!) and lasted 10 days, now I do aftercare and at day 38 and feel great. Dont wait till after you mess up to consider aftercare get it NOw

[dominosarah]

I know the feeling about wanting everyone to check it out.  I know we preach aftercare on here but it is so vital in our recovery.  Swallowing our pride is sometimes very hard to do as i remember feeling like i had lost control of me but i had really taken control of my life instead and was ready for a change.  My way just wasnt working!!!

[Struggeling09]

I really wish i could encourage everyone to try it and I am sure the success rate would double. If ya knew me you would have never thought i would have ever attended a meeting,but i swallowed my pride and allowed people to help me, and help me they did.

[dominosarah]

I need to interact with others and like you said getting out of the house is huge.  It is nice to be with others who have been where we are.  I learn alot about myself and my addiction from them.  

[Struggeling09]

I don't know if there all the same but without my sponser there is no doubt i would be using. This site is great too but to actually get out of the house and have soomething to do is HUGE. It always brings tears to my eyes thinking of the help i receive evryday from those who have been where i''ve been.

[dominosarah]

I have been in aftercare the whole time and it has been my lifesaver along with this forum and my family.....

[Weney3777]

I am just over 2 weeks and my only aftercare is this site and my family. They are always there to talk to(as are you guys), and give me a lot of "we're so proud of you" and "great job!". It's probably not the same, because they really haven't gone through it, too. But on my 2nd day, I went to an NA house in my neighborhood and there was no meeting and nobody there. I felt a little let down, so I haven't gone back.