Returning with over a year clean!

[Xcalibure]

I'm back but not for the reasons some might think.  I'm back with over 400 days sober under my belt.  I'm back to support the place that help me get those clean days.  I'm back most importantly to let the newly recovered people hurting right now know there is help here.  This place and its people can be a valuable support system.  I've made some life long friends here.  While you're in pain now and you feel like getting clean is to hard, you can beat your addiction.  Addicts are stronger then we believe and we can endure some hell but no high compares to the feeling I have now.  

[IBKleen]

I am so glad you got involved in aftercare. I began NA meeting in 1987 and I have been in and out since. For the past 7 years I have been in and involved with service. I KNOW I cannot do this alone or my way. My way never works. The fellowship of NA, the steps and MedHelp have kept me clean. I am grateful to the people who have more tome than me and can share their experience and guide and I am grateful to he newcomer with 1 day. That keeps me clean.

Again, it is so good to see you. Please stick around and share your experience with the members here. You give them hope.

[dominosarah]

Nice to see you back and racking up that clean time!!  Congrats!!  You really set yourself up for success, so proud of you~

[Xcalibure]

Forgot the most important thing, CONGRADULATIONS on 31 days sober!!!!!!

[Xcalibure]

I know exactly what your referring to and to be 100% honest for me it took about 90 days.  What I experienced was PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawl Syndrome) and I really didn't feel like me until about 90 days.  Don't get me wrong, each day I grew stronger and felt better but mentally I couldn't shake the metaphoric cob webs out of my head.  Gradually though I became better.  It will get better and I do understand what your experiencing.  If you need to chat I'm around, feel free to ask any and all questions.

[NeverAgain127]

I'm so inspired by your success.

I'm 31 days off of PRESCRIBED oxycodone.  Eight years.

I have to ask you:   How long until you REALLY feel like yourself again?  Because at 31 days, the acute withdrawals are pretty much over, but not really. I'm still a mess.  Advice?

[Xcalibure]

After care is a must!!!!  I got involved in NA early on.  I found a sponsor after a few meetings and we still talk on the regular.  You absolutely can not do this alone!  You will need every bit of help you can get to keep your sobriety.  Additionally I wanted to understand my addiction so I startedseeing a psychologist to find out what triggers addiction in my brain, how to avoid pitfalls, and to find any underlying issues that may be the root of my addiction.  I still go to meetings once a week just to keep my mind focused and I live in the gym when not working.  My regiment got me this far think I'll keep it up :)

[Xcalibure]

You know I still get goosebumps listening to "Otherside", a better addiction has never been made.  415 big ones indeed thanks in great part to this website and its people. I shutter to think how my life would be had I never came back one day when I was at my lowest during withdrawal.  I'm glad I went through the pain to finally be at peace with me.  Now I have a new lease on life, a job I absolutely love.  I'm a better father and human being.  I certainly blessed.  I know there are many people hurting on here but you can get through this, if I can pull myself out the dirt anyone can.  Post like these and hearing there is life after sobriety lifted me greatly.  

[IBKleen]

God to see you back and congratulations on your clean time!! That is awesome!!!

I was taught early on in recovery that "You have to give it away to keep it". Recovery is a "we" thing, not an "I" thing. Your are in inspiration to the newcomers and the older members too.

Are you involved in any sort of aftercare? If so, shear what it is that you do to STAY clean. That would be a huge help to everyone.

[clean_in_ks]

How cool it was to see your name! then read...."I'm back"...and THEN to read, "NOT for the reasons you might think."!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

415 BIG 'UNS!!   You made it to the "Otherside"..♫..listen to that much?  LOL

We certainly miss reading your literary pieces around here...and your sense of humor.  Life has so many endings and beginnings....so it's always fun to have someone bop back in and let us know they are CLEAN and doing well.  Your aftercare and new choices are paying BIG dividends...Good on ya, Michael~

[takingmylifeback2014]

Awesome post! Congrats on 400 Days my friend! :-)

[Xcalibure]

What's up!  Yes another MH success story indeed.  Being clean has been a roller coaster but in the best of ways.  Was thinking back and I believe this is the longest I've been sober in 10 years.  Judging from my trackers it's been 415 days!  A friend wished me happy one year and I thought they were joking until I checked, this year both flew by but had so much crammed in it.  We'll catch up :)

[EvolverU]

OMGoodness! Look who it is..:))

Happy, happy 'over 400 days' to you, my friend. It's great to see you back & good to hear you doing so well. (Another MH success!). Thanks for checking in & letting us know about your accomplishment. Way to go! :)

Annie