Do you have addiction whipped?

[GA Guy]

I see a lot of people coming on in the last month or so talking about having 90-180 days clean and sounding like they have this addiction whipped. The reason it bothers me is that I was that person when I got here almost 3 years ago. I got 30 days clean (through white knuckling it) and began giving advice to everyone that would listen as to how I had this "whipped". Some great people here like beachtowel and Fladdict (old times will remember these names with fondness and sadness) begged me to get aftercare, but I had it whipped...because, I could hold onto my secrets and do this all on my own. It's only through this time when I'm coming up on a year next week that I've finally realized that this disease takes every day attention. I've had mentally tough days the last few weeks that were every bit as bad as the first 30 days. The difference is that now I have support and tools to get through them and keep my disease quiet. I honestly have to work my first step every single morning..because if I don't admit that this disease is more powerful than myself, then it WILL talk me back into using. We will never loose the feeling of that first high. This disease tells me every day that by NOT using I am committing suicide. Things do get better..but only with aftercare. These people on this forum with significant clean time are talking about aftercare because we care and want you not to make the mistakes we have. I'd love to hear from those who have an aftercare program..and, tell what it took to get you to that point. Also, I'd LOVE to hear some people with a little bit of clean time who are trying to do this secretively and without aftercare pledge to do so very soon. Please, listen to the veterans on the forum..learn from our mistakes.

[Bad_Obsession]

Very good post.

[beck25752003]

just first wanted to say great post!!!  I dont have internet at home right now so I dont get to come to this site very much but I love it. YES aftercare is so major in my life and the only way I am gonna save my life. The last two years I tried getting clean  thinking I can just stop taking drugs and my life would go back to normal (whatever I thought that was) to come to find myself relasping on and off for the whole 2 years. I put myself into treatment and now go to a meeting everyday at least but usually 2 or 3 a day. I need meetings, support, my sponsor etc to help me gain the life I want and deserve. I know today I have a mental and physcial disease with drugs that I will fight for the rest of my life so I can have a great life. AFTERCARE AFTERCARE AFTERCARE!!! is the way to go GA GUY great post and all the others that replied.

[dominosarah]

Thanks GaGuy for posting this thread today.  Your support on the forum doesnt go unnoticed~~~~sara

[10356]

I will never have addiction whipped.. lesa

[guv338]

In Dec. '08 my doctor at the time told me I would have a few, maybe 3-4, days of withdrawal after stopping years of Oxy use/abuse.  He did not tell me that today, after 453 days without the drug, that my days would still be splattered with issues that are directly related to the ill-effects that it has on my body and mind.  I did the white knuckle deal from Jan until Aug '09.  I then started going to NA.  Aftercare is a must for continued, longterm recovery.  Sure, we can all tough it out for a few months or maybe even a few years, but in order to achieve the ultimate prize of a lifetime of continued sobriety, aftercare is a must.  

Get yer asss in there and make it work for you.     guv

[dominosarah]

Congrats on that clean time!!!   So happy you got your a$$ in there!!!         sara