Advice for quitting cocaine?

[Dove2]

I am 23 years old and have been a heavy cocaine user for the past five years of my life.  I have gone through my ups and downs and have managed to quit using for a month at a time, but I always relapse.  I understand that I have to want to quit, but the problem is that sometimes I do and sometimes I just don't care.  When I have really strong cravings, I find myself trying to replace cocaine with alcohol or prescription drugs which usually doesn't work.  I know this is unhealthy & I need to get my life back on track, but need some help getting there.  I am new to this forum and am hoping that someone will be able to give me some advice that will help me to with hold myself from using coke.  I have managed to keep my addiction a secret from my parents; I am good at manipulating them and I know it would kill them, so rehab is not an option.  I would really appreciate any tips from anyone who has gone through a similar situation.  My friends are driving me crazy and I lost my job.  Last night a friend offered me heroin and I actually considered it... that was my wake up call. I am afraid for my future; this is not the life I want for myself :(

[gizzy32]

Welcome to the forum. I was a heavy cocaine user for just over 5 years and it cost me so much. Just like you, I relapsed over and over and over until i came to terms that I was powerless and needed help and the tools to get through those insane cravings.

I had to delete #'s, stop hanging around those that used and seek support when those cravings first hit. When we keep this a secret, most of us stay sick. You have taken a big step coming here and admitting you have a problem. I created a few health pages about cocaine and avisg also has a good one on coke cravings if you look in the top right of this page under health pages and a great read. You don't have to live like this and we are here to help. Put an end to this and I promise you will feel so so so much better. We do have the CHOICE to fix our lives. Would you consider any type of aftercare such as N/A or anything? Good luck and please keep posting:)

[desperatetostop]

I'm clean from cocaine (crack) 10 years next month. what worked for me was going to 12 step meetings (admittedly i went for about a year)...changed all my friends..slowly but surely there is no longer anyone in my life who uses cocaine! it took some time, but that's what it took for me...time and replacing 'unhealthy' 'friends' with HEALTHY ones and true friends.

Glad you are here...keep posting and stay strong!

[carrieoffcocainenow]

hey welcome to the forum! I feel you girl, I'm going through it myself and I know how hard it is!  I think this forum has really helped me stay strong so keep posting. The last time I used was 7 days ago, not very long but an accomplishment nevertheless. Im here if you ever want to chat or if you need support, actually, I would really like to talk to you maybe we can help each other through it.

[Dove2]

Wow, thank you all for the encouraging feedback... wasn't really expecting too many responses, but the fact that I got three made me feel really good.  Nice to know I am not going through this alone & that there are caring people out there.  I checked out the health pages that were recommended & found them interesting; something I could relate to, so thanks for the suggestions.  

Carrie - I wouldn't mind talking with you, it would be nice to have some support; I think we could both use the help.  Glad to hear you have made it through the week, keep on staying strong!

Last time I used was five days ago; I've had tough moments, but I think I've been fighting cravings pretty well  & I feel I have a newfound determination.  Thank you so much guys, your positive reinforcement means a lot!