Time to check back with my friends here

[CadillacJack]

Hello;
There's most likely been a large turnover of people that are active on this forum. That's the natural course of things. We get better, interested in our lives again, and time for this place wanes. My name is Tom. I've been a heavy user of opiates (was) for most of two decades. I was as apprehensive as anybody could be when quitting became a serious concern. All of the fears and questions that we all have, were mine. I've 15 months of clean time now, and I don't ever consider using any longer, even though the drugs are still prescribed, are still around and are stacked up by the hundreds. I was taking 10 10mg. hydrocodone, as well as sleep aids for the last few years.

This is intended for you folks that are still green enough to have high stress levels about quitting. Physical withdrawals lasted several weeks, contributed to the amount of and time of my use. Leg cramps still happen once in awhile: Sleep is not an absolute success. The sleep factor is something many people live with, who have never abused drugs. Cramps and other pains are also a daily, normal part of life. These things we tend to forget when we're high. Daily straight life is many times painful.

No suggestion here; what worked for me was having the drugs, and forcing myself not to seek solace in them. It was like a war that I had to win. Again, no suggestion is being made to use this approach. The point is, we support each other here. And you ultimately have to choose what works for you. Your approach may or may not be the same as another person. People perform tasks in differing manners, and quitting is a task that must be done by you, in a manner that works for you.

Don't you guys and gals become discouraged. Think instead of the harm, embarrassment, etc. that the act of using has contributed to your life, and the lives of those that are close to you. And of the positive influene your sobriety will bring about.

Each of you that are on the road to sobriety need to remember every minute that you can do this, as so many others have done before you, and will do behind you. Approach quitting in the manner that works best for you; you will know that better than anybody else. And remember, it's not fun to quit; but it sure feels great to no longer be dependent on a substance. I truly wish you all the best, and believe that there is no doubt as to whether or not you can stop using. You definitely can do it.

[worried878]

Hey cadillac...good to c u...off to work but wanted to type u a hello before i left...u gonna stick around and post?  either way..it is great to c u on here and I have thought about u often and wondered how u were...glad the answer is "clean"   and hope to c u soon on here

[kim715]

CJ it is soooooooooooo good to see you here.You have been thought of often and missed much.Hope to see alot more of you.....Much love...Kim

[candothis247]

Thanks for such a nice post, the vote of confidence… and encouragement, especially the last sentence.

[CadillacJack]

Hi:
Nice to here from you all. Please forgive my long absence. My house burned down back in January, and I've been misplaced until recently. I just bought a new place, and am starting the long task of refurbishing (as much as possible), therefore, my presence here will still be somewhat limited for some time. I will try to be more involved, now that some semblance of normality is established. Good luck to you all, and keep your mind in the game.

See you later,

cj

[dominosarah]

Nice to see you back.  Congrats on 15 months!!!!  You always have good things to say CJ.......hope you stick around.           sara

[allaboutmary]

Hey, glad to see you back and congrat's on 15 months.  Great encouraging post.

[SophieShine]

Thanx so much for your post, I'm in the last phase of tapering from heavy dosage of oxazepam and I feel great! This journey made me and still makes me stronger by the day.
You keep up the good work.
xoxoxo, sophie.