The Positive Side Of Addiction

[gizzy32]

Although we mostly talk about the bad things that happened during our addiction, I think many of us come out of it better people that seem to appreciate things more now, I do anyway. Going through something this difficult and coming out on top only makes us stronger. I definately have a different outlook on life since I got clean and wanted to know what you think has changed the most for you after going through this hell and reaching the other side.  For me i guess now I don't take anything for granted like I did before. I didn't have many good days during my use and I really do appreciate the small things in life so much more now. I see things I didn't see before if that makes sense? I guess my question is how did going through addiction change you for the better once you got clean.

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Hey Giz - - Thats not an easy one. My initial reaction is to say that I can lie through my teeth with a straight face and I have aquired the widest and most diverse circle of friends anywhere.  Not sure if thats what you are going for.................................

[Jacqui805]

Nice goin' eagle, ;-)  lol..........

Well:
I think you find out you are stronger than you thought you were.
Your mind may open more, b/c you didn't think it could happen to you, and now you    understand..
You are able to SEE the good in your life.
You are able to appreciate the good in your life.
You have made lifelong friends.
You may find yourself in a position to help others as and after you recover.


      

[outotown]

I no longer judge, and I deff. can see that good is in most people tho they may have a horrible lifestyle, they may not care for there family, or are out in bars every nite, what ever I can understand that the good MAY be covered up by something in thier life that has gotten a hold on them and that they might just want to be normal and dont know how. I have become much more humble and have lost my pride, and better than you attitude. Also im much more willing to lend a hand to someone who needs it.

[SandySlope]

CLARITY is AMAZING
Waking up feeling good is GOLD.

[SandySlope]

Also, having REAL EMOTIONS
Being able to really express yourself, not just be all hum drum
Senses are coming back!

[j34]

Finally feeling all range of emotions not just anger,hurt and pain.Feeling of freedom is so unbelievable and also the knowing that anything that I want to do CAN and WILL be done today as long as I don't pick up for today.

[gizzy32]

Hey eagle congrats, lol. So many great answers here. Outotown, I liked what you said about being more humble now and lost your pride because that happened to me too. There may have been a time years ago I was a lil stuck up, lol, but that changed when I saw and felt so much pain and that humbled me for sure. Now I am a dork, haha. Nice to hear all the good that comes with getting clean:)

[jollyman069]

what i learned is that i am alot stronger then i thought i was....plus i am more opened minded...

[dominosarah]

The best part of my recovery was finding me!!!

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Giz - - Well this turned out to have bunch of great answers....really good question.  I cant really remember anyone just asking point blank for positive remarks ever before....

[kim715]

I think I am a lot less judgemental then I use to be.I just have a new understanding about life, about addiction,depression,you name it.My husband was an alcoholic years before I became addicted to pills.I used to say to him why don't you just stop,now I understand,thats way easier said then done.It's doable,but it ain't easy.I just see things differently now.I'm a lot more compassionate.Great post Gizzy,as always......Kim

[dominosarah]

Gizzy you are just the total package!!!!!!  LOL               MP

[outotown]

While we were in active addiction and now in recovery, and in w/d, if you dont take time to look on the bright side you will miss so much. Thanks Gizzy for this post i have thought alot today about the good that came from the darkest time of my life. One of the best things to come out of my addiction is you peole on here, you have tought me so much about living, were from all diierent walks of life but ended up in the same place I have come to lone all of you!!! FFE Friends for ever Aaron

[dominosarah]

I agree Aaron.......the friendships are great...sara

[kim715]

I agree also Aaron.You people here are just about the best thing that came out of it!!!!   Kim

[road2recovery]

Gizz---Great post....  Outotown--  Exactlly how i feel word for word...I left my first husband , highschool sweetheart, because he was addicted to coke...I could never understand how he could choose that over me....Boy Karma is A bitcho!!!  LOL...Now he is clean, and has been for many years, and even after all these years if i had the guts to call and tell him i am proud of him because i just had no clue how tough it had to be on him...Maybe one day i will....

I definetly try my best not to judge others i know that are addicted to something...My sister has always been addicted to food, and i could never understand that either..I  never told her anything, except maybe try to eat health or a program like weight watchers, but now i see it is not that easy...

Also, I don't take one day for granted, or a rainbow, sun, even rain!!!  
r2r

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Thats a fact!

[dominosarah]

One of the hardest things for me was to let anyone get to close that soft side i actually have........(yes eagle i have one!!!)  Once i did that i seemed to become more open minded......

r2r........nicely said girl!!!

[outotown]

r2r Calling him and telling him that might do you and him a world of good just a thought

[kim715]

r2r,I hear ya girl.....that karma came back and sunk it's teeth into my backside good.I'm sure you will make that call one day.Hugs...Kim

[road2recovery]

It is so strange that this post came up today, and I said what i did about my first husband., because just a couple days ago I was telling the women at my meetings about my feelings towards him, and how i think it would do me , and him some good for me to make that call. So outotown, you are so right!!  and yes kim LOL, I am checking to see if i have any behind left from the hugh bite it took off my rear!!  But you know what, It is something i think we all go through....I know for me i once thought addicts, where homeless, teethless, lived under a bridge type thing...Isn't that the most terrible thing for a person to think...Like i am better then anyone else???  WTH...HUGH reality check....SO , gizzy, great post, for us to think about some positive things, instead of all the negative!!!
you are all great!!
r2r

[snowflake620]

to realize how precious life is,and how lucky I am to have been given a second chance to see that with clear eyes mind and heart,also all the people on here who give of themselves so selflessly to reach out and help another in their time of need
snowflake

[dominosarah]

You will get some closure if you make that call at some point.......

[road2recovery]

thanks sara, I think you are right...But hey what if he says ok, then can we get back together???   LOL

just kidding, he is remarried and has another child ( only one besides ours together)  and is very happy, he was a part of my life for so many years, and I am very proud of him for doing it on his own, so i will make that call... :)