Need advice at the start of my recovery

[Frangela]

In about an hour I will be at my first NA meeting. My boyfriend and I have been addicted to oxy/percocet for around 2 years now with the past year being hardcore. Tonite we will have been clean for 5 days. This is the longest we've gone in the past year. Before we decided to get clean we were up to ten or more percent 30s a day. We have tried many many times to quit on our own and we are very optimistic that this time is the right time. So instead of doing it alone we are going to start meetings. We have also come clean to our families and we have their full support as well. My question tonite is to anyone who has actually been successful in beating an addiction to opiates like we were. I just want some advice or even some insight into what we should expect on our road to recovery. Anything will help. Thanks!

[SLadylani]

I'm so glad your first meeting went well! Throwing yourselves into recovery is the way I did it and the way that worked for me. The obsessions to use were lifted quickly that way because I was so focused on recovery I just didn't care about getting high anymore. I became more obsessed with working the steps and having that spiritual awakening everyone talked about, which, I can say I have had every time I have finished the 12 steps, as promised. Undescribable. And I share my story because it would be selfish of me to keep it inside. It reminds me where I came from and how this program worked. And soon you can have a story to share with another girl and offer her hope as well. Just remember there may be ups and downs, good days and bad, but no matter what you're on the right path as long as you don't use. I know, because I've tried it, you pick up right where you left off, and then some. I'm happy for you that just for today, you're living in the solution, it's a good choice to make :). I'll be thinking about you both and sending loving thoughts your way!

Sara RN

[Katrina81]

Congrats on 5 days! Ive got 19 days clean today. I see an addiction therapist m-f for my first 90 days. I attended my 2nd na meeting tonite. 1st one was lastnite. My therapist is great and we work thru tons of personal issues i wouldnt feel comfy in a group setting. But i have also found adding the na to my aftercare was one of the BEST choices i made. it was great to see real people going thru the same things i am. and so inspirational to meet and hug people who have turned their lives around. i actually found my sponsor 2nite too! Shes amazing. Big kudos 2 u and ur man 4 going and getting clean! U should both be proud. Keep us updated on ur progress and the best of luck to u both. U can both do this!

[Frangela]

Thanks Sara! The meeting was wonderful. It was so enlightening. It made me feel like my recovery is possible and its not just a dream I have that will never come true. Both frank and I are so serious about this. We've decided to through ourselves into the program by going to meetings as much as we can, even twice a day if we can. Your story is very motivating and I thank you so much for sharing it with me. Your also a Ray of hope for me. I'm ending my fifth day of sobriety right now and it is the most amazing feeling! Thanks again and I I'll definitely keep u posted.

[SLadylani]

Yay! I'm so happy for you! I'm an NA member myself of over 4 years now. And five days is a long time in the using world, so congrats on that too :) I tried multiple ways to quit myself, I used everything from meth to heroine and in between. The only way that worked for me was NA. I got to NA first when I was 16, but looked at all the differences instead of the similarities. I therefore didn't think I was an addict. I just had to stay away from meth, but I could still drink and use other drugs. I ended up drinking a bottle of Baccardi 151 a day and shooting up Heroine. I finally got and have stayed clean when I was 19 after I overdosed and died, continued to use, couldn't kill myself no matter how hard I tried, was homeless, and was living in such Hell and fear that using was no longer an option. This time I did something differreent. I started to work the steps. I can't even explain the miracles I saw. It's crazy. My whole perspective changed. I started to like myself and the world again. I began to get my life and my freedom back. For me, I had to build a solid foundation. I immediately got in touch with my old sponsor, worked consistent stepwork, went to daily meetings, was of service, hung out with other recovering addicts, called people, and simply just did what was suggested. Most importantly I didn't use for I knew that first drug would take me back right where I came from. Today with over 4 years clean I still do the same things I did when I got to NA. I get to sponsor people. I started a new meeting. I took the outreach Chair position for our area. I love my life and wouldn't change it for anything, even though I do go through struggles, I have the solution of how to get through them today. I've managed to overcome multiple addictions such as anorexia, cutting, overexercising, the works. Today I don't think about what I want or need, but really about what I can do for others. I'm glad I went through what I did because today I get to share that with others, because even if it just helps one person, then really it was all worth it. At times recovery was hard work and I had to take it minute by minute to not use. But those minutes added up and today the obsession to use has been lifted. I am a nurse and can be around narcotics without thinking twice about it. If anything I suggest that you listen to the readings and do what is suggested. Try to practice honesty, openmindedness, and willingness as best you can, especially when it comes to beleiving in a higher power. I was so scared to be honest at first, but really I find it makes my life so much easier and gives me no reason to hide. I call people when I dont want to, because that's when I know I need to call them the most. Try to throw yourself into the community, get a list of phone numbers and try calling just one person a day. Share at meetings, even if just for a minute. Get a sponsor and just try the steps as soon as you can. Just try one step and see what happens. Simply, just give yourself a break and just try it, because it might just work :) If I can do it, I know you guys can, I have faith in you and am sending you loving thoughts at your first meeting right now. Keep us posted on how it goes!

Sara RN