Time For Some Tough Love

[freedom007]

Hey all...I don't want to offend anyone out there...cause I know how hard this fight is...but I felt compelled to speak my mind a little bit.

I have seen MANY posts over the past month regarding "wanting to feel better right away".  I know many of you are just looking for guidance, but it also feels like some are just looking for a quick fix.

Simply put, there is no quick fix.  This is hard f-in work.  I started to quit a 5 year habit in October of 2009...and it has taken me til now to feel consistently good.  Sure, I felt great after 14 days...and then here and there...but there were many down days...and there still continue to be.  You just gotta keep fighting...and replacing the bad stuff with the good stuff.

It is almost like working out for two weeks and getting mad that you haven't lost weight and don't have a six pack rippling under your shirt..haha.  I know, I have fell victim to it MANY times.  Just stay positive...and keep in mind that it takes time to fix the damage we have done.  BUT IT DOES GET BETTER...with determination, aftercare...and hard work.

Keep fighting my friends...we can do this...


Come and play...


~ Free

[gizzy32]

I agree, but i think all of us have been guilty of that. As addicts we are always looking for that quick fix and expect results right away. When I first quit, it took me a month to even feel human and it was frustrating at first, but your right, it keeps getting better. Be patient everyone and don't give up, recovery is a process and baby steps.

[pharma9]

Very true Free..There are up days and down days...just like normal life,but the up days are so much more and the down days are so much less.
Life is still much better clean than using.

[daisy699]

I think that's what ALL addicts want and seek instant gradification!!! Instantly to feel better,gain trust back,get right back on track and that simply does not happen!!! I can't tell you how I used to "cringe" every time some 1 in recovery told me "it takes TIME" ugh!!!!! But now i realize what that's all about nothing in recovery is handed to us on a silver platter it is hard work and dedication!!So every 1 keep fighting the fight and get used to "time"

[freedom007]

The spring time doesn't hurt matters either!!!  Sure is hard to get clean in the Winter...time + cold/grey = ugghhh.

Keep fighting...

[daisy699]

absolutely!! I think the sunshine/warm weather makes it alot easier when you can get outside and just breathe fresh air have some sun on ur face and sit and think!!  I live on the beach and my favorite time is being able to go down in the sand look at the water and reflect....good point freedom :)

[formerjerseygirl]

Great Post.  I think we all need to hear that.  Also, I know sometimes we all want to act like everything gets better quickly because that seems helpful but I think it helps to speak and hear the truth and what you said - that is the truth!  I am only on day 46 and I have good and bad days and terrible days but I am working at it and learning and I when I have those good days and moments in a clear, present and sober way I know the work is worth it.

btw - I would love your feedback on a question I just posted - if you don't mind.  I think you will give me good advice.  

[Amy138]

Maybe I'm a different kind of addict -I didn't start using till I was 29- heroin for a year -then got clean -stayed clean 3 years -then while working at a methadone clinic I stole it for a year -then quit cold turkey off if 150-200mg a day-it was bad for a month -the heroin wd was a week -and now 5 years later I am 7 days off 2 years of vicodin and I'm fine -I feel fine -and am always fine for a few years until I get depressed I guess and find something to medicate myself -so this time doc put me on paxil and buspar and I'll prey that helps -thanks Amy