When Recovery Becomes More Than Just Not Using
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At first we struggle through each day with the sole goal of just not using. We sweat it out, take it minute by minute, and are relieved beyond words when the end of the day comes and we realize that we made it through another day without using.
As time goes on we build up some coping skills that make the day to day not using less of a struggle. Before we know it we have lived one day at a time and those days have totaled up to create our first year in recovery.
As our recovery progresses into our second year it seems to take on a whole new meaning. This, we realize, is when recovery becomes more than just not using.
My personal recovery seems to be about much more than not using these days. It seems to be filled with life lessons, coping skills, and tools for success.
My recovery has begun to show itself to be about way more than a drug addiction. I seem to be making a recovery from my whole way of thinking.
Posts
August 14th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I have to agree with you that working a 12-Step program WILL lead you to a whole different way of thinking.
I attend Al-Anon because someone’s drug abuse was making my life unmanageable. More than 4 years later, I know I’ve learned a new, healthy way of seeing things. I can’t imagine ever going back to that old way.
August 29th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Erin, I love getting up in the morning and reading the stuff you write, cause usually, the same thoughts are going through my head. I have 6 months clean, with the help of suboxone, and now Iam worried about having to give it up and having nothing nothing! Did or Do you feel that way? I could use some advice, please? Susie
September 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Hi Susie
I actually never was on Suboxone so when I got off the Oxies I was off of everything.
In the beginning I really did think that I would never be able to go the rest of my life without taking anything. I had to take something at some point!
But then I used the advice that is key in recovery. That good old saying “one day at a time”. Just start trying to make it through each day without out using anything.
You can do it. I did it.