People who have stayed clean a long time I have some questions.

[Back2Me]

First and foremost I have not caved or anything like that or am not thinking about it I just have some questions that have crossed my mind. Those that have a year or more when you claim your time lets say its 2 years, are you saying that you have not touched ANYTHING in this time? For example lets say your doc was oxy. If you quit oxy and claim 5 years are you saying that in 5 years or 2 or whatever your time is that you have not had ANY opioids in that time or just not OXY'S and just not when not prescribed. Would you count dental work with a prescription followd to the t and not abused? Would you count that? Or how about chronic back pain people.  Lets say you really abused your patch or high levels of pain killers and you had 1 year and then totally wicked out your back. If you had to see a dr and had to take pain meds for a while would you still claim your time or would you start over?
How about one slip in a few years. Would you reset it then even though it was just one slip?
Just some thinking I was doing. Like I said I didn't slip its just a curiosity on how people count their time. IMO I believe even with a script you should reset your time. But that's just me.

[weaver71]

Dang phone, But he eventually started over.

[weaver71]

I know a guy who pulled a tooth with pliers. Legal script, but he eventua

[Pjtwenty]

I respect all opinions but if my leg breaks in half there ain't nothing that'll stop the pain like a narcotic. I wouldn't consider that a relapse unless I broke my leg on purpose!  :-P

[hydro_fool]

I had 7 years clean once and then 10 years clean again from ALL drugs. Since I am clearly an addict I had to avoid meds from the dentist, drugs before/during and after surgery etc.  I did not drink, smoke, pills etc.  I considered those years CLEAN.  I stopped my clean time when I had a surgery.  Since I was taking pills before the surgery, during and then what they prescribed me afterwards I was NOT comfortable saying I was CLEAN any longer as I was CLEARLY not!   I too am part of NA and AA and feel otherwise. Clean is clean.  Sober is sober.   There are other alternatives to pain management and we all know this to be true.  But I would say this in defense.  During a surgery or hospital stay would be the one exception.   Whatever they give you during the surgery or while you are in the hospital would not ruin your clean/sober time.  It is different however if you leave with a script.  Especially if you have refills.  That my friend I don't see how anyone could say you are still clean.  I did not continue with many years of clean time due to getting a script.  I was not clean.  Plain and simple.   I also had a drinking problem and I avoided taking a shot of NyQuil when sick. It has an extremely high alcohol content and that would mean I drank alcohol right?  right!  Sorry, but we have to stop making excuses.  We are pro's at doing this!  We need to find other ways of pain management!  Plain and simple!   Great question though.  I'm pretty firm on this if you can tell.   LOL  Sorry if I offend anyone in my firmness.  Your post scares me as it is already giving you reasons to use.  And I stress....REASONS!  Doctor, dentist, surgery, accident etc.  What is the next reason to use or drink?  Find another way!

[Back2Me]

The examples above make perfect sense to me!
I would agree 100% with everyone. I also think sometimes man I hope I don't have to be given anything for medical reasons because I don't want to poke the devil sleeping inside me. Especially not this early in recovery.
Again very good answers. I like listening to the long timers you are very inspiring.
7 weeks today and counting!

[dominosarah]

I dont like the word "slip" to begin with.  It just doesnt have that accountability ring to it,    The old saying 1 is too many and a 1000 isnt enough is so very true.