Thank you all!

[goblue79]

Hi everyone, I wanted to thank each and every one of you who post comments on helping people through their recovery... I recently quit my addiction, I was taking upwards of 15 to 20 vicodin ES's for the past year and a little less for the 2 years prior. I am now 3 days clean and very fortunate that all physical withdrawl symptoms have gone away. I decided one week ago that it was time for me to quit, so I researched for 5 days before I took my leap of faith. I pretty much did everything that you guys suggested, I lifted light weights, walked, hot baths, but most importantly I think I kept myself well hydrated (at least 2 gallons a day). From knowledge of playing sports through college I learned a long time ago muscles need water or they will cramp on you.... You all are very knowledgeable, and to all future recovering addicts these suggestions really do help! AGAIN..

[michael1953296]

I'm a oxy addict getting clean. I think your choice of getting support and meetings is a good one as I also plan to. However the 12 step program doesn't fit my own spiritual views if you find that NA is not for you then you may wish to check out this alternative which I have done and it suits me better.
All the best
Michael
http://www.smartrecovery.org/

Their approach is quite different than the traditional 12 step program
• Teaches self-empowerment and self-reliance.
• Provides meetings that are educational, supportive and include open discussions.
• Encourages individuals to recover from addiction and alcohol abuse and live satisfying lives.
• Teaches techniques for self-directed change.
• Supports the scientifically informed use of psychological treatments and legally prescribed psychiatric and addiction medication.
• Works on substance abuse, alcohol abuse, addiction and drug abuse as complex maladaptive behaviors with possible physiological factors.
• Evolves as scientific knowledge in addiction recovery evolves.
• Differs from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and other 12-step programs.

[goblue79]

What really got me serious about kicking my addiction is that my personality completely took a 180... I hated the person who I have become. I was going out of my way to hurt people I loved, and my fiancee had left (she had no idea of my addiction for 3 years) So after preparing myself and researching, I opened up to God and begged him to forgive me and help me battle this devil. I haven't had such a clear mind in so long. I think I must have receited the serenity prayer a thousand times the eve of my new life!

[clean_in_ks]

I agree with your name.....GOBLUE....!!!!

Your posts have just been delightful to read!  You are so open..and...willing...and have a teachable spirit..Your attitude is FABULOUS!

So happy you thoroughly enjoyed your meeting today...and that you plan on going 3x/week.  A dr. that I greatly admire who has devoted his life to learning and educating the world (especially mainstream medical world) about addiction....says that AA & NA are "a big fat bag of coping tricks....and we need to fill our coping bag as full and fast as we can".

My experience is that we get a daily reprieve from our disease....and we make some fabulous, fun friends who also want to live their lives clean and sober.  We usually find what we are looking for.

SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!

[goblue79]

Thanks again everyone for the support, this sight is invaluable! Today I had my first meeting, I thoroughly enjoyed it :) I also went and joined a local gym today and did a full hour of serious lifting, I figure I put my body through such hell the last 3 to 4 years its time for to start taking care of it better. Thanks for the advice of getting rid of all numbers of people who still use, I still had a couple that had slipped my eye. Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

[Andie015]

NA meeting are good because they welcome everyone...still using or not.  You are made to feel special and welcomed no matter how much clean time you have, or don't have. It's great that you will give NA meetings a chance, everyone has a different experience with them but the fact that you are trying it out is wonderful.... Keep up the good work....you're doing great!

[EvolverU]

What a lovely post! I'm so glad to hear your feeling well so early on. That's great news. Like Vic said, you did your homework & after my own attempts at kicking & watching this forum for months, I've learned that it makes all the difference. (It's also proof that the person has a serious intention of getting clean!) As you begin to feel better, what steps are you going to take to protect your hard-earned freedom? This is the where the real work comes in! Congrats on your Big 3 days. Keep 'em coming & let us know how it's going. Hang in there, my friend!

[VICourageous]

Hi, I think you did some great homework and are doing good. Yes, the detox part is the easy part, yes it is hard but not as hard as fighting this disease for the rest of our life. Meetings are good and also you should stay away from old stopping grounds or ANY friends that use. Like they say, people, places and things can cause a Big Trigger at any given moment. Even when you think you got it. dominosarah is our community leader and she always says "Guard Up" and I have to live with this every single day and also wear my Armor..Haha..Keep up the good work and do get Support form all areas in your life..Even Family.
Bless

[goblue79]

THANK YOU! i know it hasnt been long, and that it will be a daily battle..I haven't been yet, but I plan on going to NA meetings at least 3 times per week (starting tomorrow morning) . Wasn't sure how other people would react to somebody detoxing. I'm happier than I've been in a LONG time. Any other suggestions for Aftercare?

[dominosarah]

Congrats on getting your life back!!  Do you have any plans for aftercare?