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Hydrocodone Addiction: 6 Months Free!
"Everyday I wake up in the morning feeling blessed that I have endured; broken free from my drug ladened shackles." - anonymous
This quote speaks volumes. For the past six months I have been on the outside looking in. I was an addict. Spending time, money, and immense amounts of energy on the prospect of getting high. My days were dictated by my addiction, controlling my every thought and desire. I was a prisoner in my own body. It wasn't until I was completely honest with myself was I able to conquer the beast and throw him down in the deep depths of oblivion where he belongs. It was a long and bumpy road with many temptations that has brought me to where I am today but without these impasses the end result would not be as sweet as it is. I wake up everyday with a smile on my face, and longing in my heart to continue my journey as a young man just tasting the fruits that life has to offer. I stand here now as a testament to all those struggling to break free and if I can say only one thing to you all: " have HOPE".
Hope is not an empty promise it is a guarantee. Life is not supposed to be stagnant and it is the curveballs we receive that shape us into better people. I know right now if you're going through the first few days of withdrawels you feel like you're on your deathbed. There is a reason for this as there is with everything that comes with the healing process. Your body and mind are in disarray to remind you " it's time to wake up " from your drug induced coma. Tune into your body and keep a journal of how crummy you feel so when you have that temptation in front of you again, which you will, you will have a chronicle of the pain you have endured. I can only share my experience but it's you who have to go through your own personal series of events. Each day will drone on seemingly lasting forever but with each minute and hour that passes remind yourself you are getting better. Imagine that with every breath you exhale a part of your addiction is leaving your body forever. This really helped me during the early part of the process and helped me construct a foundation for success. A really important aspect to recovery is to cast away the negative. Don't be so hard on yourself, you are a good person, and addiction doesn't define you, you are the writer in your own personal story and it is only you who decide your fate.
Lastly, and this was the most important and crucial catalyst to my success, attach your desire and promise to be clean and stay clean to something or someone whom you love with your entire being. Make an unbreakable oath and promise to yourself that you are doing this for you and for whomever your loved one is. For me it was my goddaughter, whom I love and cherish with all my heart. You are the only person that can hold you accountable but we are only human and temptation can get the best of even the most strong willed person. Once I attached my promise to my goddaughter, I had something physical in my mind to keep me accountable. I could live with my reflection in the mirror if I had welched on a promise to myself but breaking a promise to someone I love with all my heart was not acceptable. You WILL have cravings this is just a fact that is inadmissible, and with cravings come the angel and devil on our shoulders, an intoverted conversation that we have within ourselves to convince us that it is ok to give in. That is why having someone else to attach this promise to is so important, I cannot stress this enough! You can make this promise for anyone or anything, be it your own child, your spouse, pet, a loved one that has passed away, or a best friend who has been with you through the thick and thin. Make a binding contract within yourself with this person or thing and I guarantee when you falter to convince yourself no to use the simple thought of your loved one will keep you remind you what your working toward. Keep your head up and smile and laugh don't let the little things get to you and know with certainty that this is the right decision and that you WILL feel better very soon.
In terms of aftercare, it is different for everyone. Some people absolutely have to go to AA and NA to keep them accountable and some people divert the fuel that fired their addiction into exercise or a hobby. It is honestly whatever works for you. For me, I wanted to get as far away as I could from my addiction and from anything that reminded me of it. For me, dwelling on my past had a double edged sword effect, it would remind me that I have a problem but it would also never let me truly break free from my "drug ladened shackles". Going to meetings and groups would help to a certain extent but they would also constantly remind me and circulate my thoughts about my drug of choice and my addiction. I chose to detach myself from everything that was related to my drug abuse and this allowed me to feel like I did before I ever knew what my drug of chose was. This has worked for me, but EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, do what is right for you.
The journey is long and full of twist and turns but know that there is hope to be found within. The simple fact that you have admitted you have a problem speaks volumes about your character, and take that honesty with you and never waver from your ultimate goal....to be happy! I promise you can do it now it's time to make a promise with yourself.
This quote speaks volumes. For the past six months I have been on the outside looking in. I was an addict. Spending time, money, and immense amounts of energy on the prospect of getting high. My days were dictated by my addiction, controlling my every thought and desire. I was a prisoner in my own body. It wasn't until I was completely honest with myself was I able to conquer the beast and throw him down in the deep depths of oblivion where he belongs. It was a long and bumpy road with many temptations that has brought me to where I am today but without these impasses the end result would not be as sweet as it is. I wake up everyday with a smile on my face, and longing in my heart to continue my journey as a young man just tasting the fruits that life has to offer. I stand here now as a testament to all those struggling to break free and if I can say only one thing to you all: " have HOPE".
Hope is not an empty promise it is a guarantee. Life is not supposed to be stagnant and it is the curveballs we receive that shape us into better people. I know right now if you're going through the first few days of withdrawels you feel like you're on your deathbed. There is a reason for this as there is with everything that comes with the healing process. Your body and mind are in disarray to remind you " it's time to wake up " from your drug induced coma. Tune into your body and keep a journal of how crummy you feel so when you have that temptation in front of you again, which you will, you will have a chronicle of the pain you have endured. I can only share my experience but it's you who have to go through your own personal series of events. Each day will drone on seemingly lasting forever but with each minute and hour that passes remind yourself you are getting better. Imagine that with every breath you exhale a part of your addiction is leaving your body forever. This really helped me during the early part of the process and helped me construct a foundation for success. A really important aspect to recovery is to cast away the negative. Don't be so hard on yourself, you are a good person, and addiction doesn't define you, you are the writer in your own personal story and it is only you who decide your fate.
Lastly, and this was the most important and crucial catalyst to my success, attach your desire and promise to be clean and stay clean to something or someone whom you love with your entire being. Make an unbreakable oath and promise to yourself that you are doing this for you and for whomever your loved one is. For me it was my goddaughter, whom I love and cherish with all my heart. You are the only person that can hold you accountable but we are only human and temptation can get the best of even the most strong willed person. Once I attached my promise to my goddaughter, I had something physical in my mind to keep me accountable. I could live with my reflection in the mirror if I had welched on a promise to myself but breaking a promise to someone I love with all my heart was not acceptable. You WILL have cravings this is just a fact that is inadmissible, and with cravings come the angel and devil on our shoulders, an intoverted conversation that we have within ourselves to convince us that it is ok to give in. That is why having someone else to attach this promise to is so important, I cannot stress this enough! You can make this promise for anyone or anything, be it your own child, your spouse, pet, a loved one that has passed away, or a best friend who has been with you through the thick and thin. Make a binding contract within yourself with this person or thing and I guarantee when you falter to convince yourself no to use the simple thought of your loved one will keep you remind you what your working toward. Keep your head up and smile and laugh don't let the little things get to you and know with certainty that this is the right decision and that you WILL feel better very soon.
In terms of aftercare, it is different for everyone. Some people absolutely have to go to AA and NA to keep them accountable and some people divert the fuel that fired their addiction into exercise or a hobby. It is honestly whatever works for you. For me, I wanted to get as far away as I could from my addiction and from anything that reminded me of it. For me, dwelling on my past had a double edged sword effect, it would remind me that I have a problem but it would also never let me truly break free from my "drug ladened shackles". Going to meetings and groups would help to a certain extent but they would also constantly remind me and circulate my thoughts about my drug of choice and my addiction. I chose to detach myself from everything that was related to my drug abuse and this allowed me to feel like I did before I ever knew what my drug of chose was. This has worked for me, but EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT, do what is right for you.
The journey is long and full of twist and turns but know that there is hope to be found within. The simple fact that you have admitted you have a problem speaks volumes about your character, and take that honesty with you and never waver from your ultimate goal....to be happy! I promise you can do it now it's time to make a promise with yourself.
you r an inspiration to me! i am a little over 2 months clean from percs and vics, on saboxin, have a few questions....
Thank you to everyone for their comments. I just wanted to share my experience with others because it is important to know that we are not alone in fighting this. Support and hope were the weapons in my recovery and I am here for anyone who needs to talk and I hope my story can others of you hope. And remember; keep smiling!
Hey congrats on 6 mo thats a real milestone...keep on doing what is working for you
I to have attended meetings...still do from time to time but there are other forms of aftercare out there like substance abuse conslors and addiction therapist..using the pills is merely a symptom of something bigger going on inside...if you deal with those demons
your walk in sobriety will become much ezer....good luck and God bless....Gnarly
I to have attended meetings...still do from time to time but there are other forms of aftercare out there like substance abuse conslors and addiction therapist..using the pills is merely a symptom of something bigger going on inside...if you deal with those demons
your walk in sobriety will become much ezer....good luck and God bless....Gnarly
COMMUNITY LEADER
Congrats on 6 months!! You sound really good!! Keep it going~~~~sara
Thank you for this post. It is exactly what I need to hear right now. I am on day 6 and frustrated that I still feel like crawling out of my skin. It is so inspiring to know that, yes, it may not feel good right now, but the feelings are actually healing. I am on a path to health and happiness. Thank you :)
Dear god,
it is so refreshing to see another person out there realize that their mind and thoughts were being held captive by invisible prison bars in their head. Congratulations to you on seeing the light!! This is such a refreshing letter. Id like to print a copy of this and present this to a friend of mine who is fighting addictions now if I could get your permission.
This is a good letter of hope!!
it is so refreshing to see another person out there realize that their mind and thoughts were being held captive by invisible prison bars in their head. Congratulations to you on seeing the light!! This is such a refreshing letter. Id like to print a copy of this and present this to a friend of mine who is fighting addictions now if I could get your permission.
This is a good letter of hope!!
Congrats on your 6 mths..and I have to say your post was beautifully written..this will help many have hope who are early in their recovery but also to the ones like me. Thanks so much...shine
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