Feeling shaken, but ready to start again

Struggling Help
#1

Well. First post here. Had my first run at getting sober about 6 months ago after finally realizing I had a problem. Substance use which started as fun when I was young and snuck up as self medication off and on for a number of years finally came to a head 6 months ago and resulted in my asking for help.

As the 6 months progressed, I could tell my routines were falling off. Journaling, meditation, counselling, working out etc. I tend to get embarrassed looking for help and thinking I can just handle it… but I recognize how lonely and hard that can be. I’m proud I did 6 months on my first run off drugs and alcohol. But I want this to be life long.

I’m realizing now I need further supports and programs after this relapse. Feeling some shame. So anger. Some fear. But none of those are productive, so time to be honest with myself, get back to basics and continue on the path. Perhaps posting thoughts on here and sharing with this community, being honest with struggles and happenings on my journey is a good start. Any tips I’m happy to hear, or times people need to chat, I’m here for yall!

Thanks for listening to anyone who may. Day 1 again. Let’s get it and keep trying.

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#2

Yo nick I'm new to this
Let's. Get. It

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#3

Absolutely mate! Happy to hear from ya and hope your journey is going ok

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#4

Welcome back. Keep coming back.

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#5

Thanks Cathy. I will!

#7

5 days i to this myself. Reach out if ya need to. We got this!

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#8

Welcome! Please do not feel any shame, anger or fear. Most important thing is you realize you need support and you took that first step to get it. In my opinion posting and commenting/reading post do help. There are many members who have 5-10+ years who give very valuable suggestions and support. Be proud of yourself! :blush:

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#9

you are on a great mind set nick. keep it up. Make sure to have a sponsor and start on the step work. go to meetings. take as many numbers as you can. Here is mine 818-3198241 text me your name and number. friend me here. we are all in this together

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#10

Welcome back!

For me, I had to put AA at the center of my life. I had to learn to lean on other men for support.

Today, my life is beautiful. I hope you find the same.

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#11

I am certainly starting to see that now Bill, thanks for the note!:pray:t2:

#12

Thanks Luke, you as well man!

#13

Appreciate the input Mandy. I will keep it up and thank you for the vote of confidence :pray:t2:

#14

Happy to hear it for you Michael, I certainly want to evaluate getting into a process and group over the course of this month. Glad it worked out for you!

#15

Good job reaching out and joining a community. The community aspect, daily gratitude, and seeing other people walking the same journey was and is a huge help for me. I’m confidently 3 years into my sobriety journey. My biggest tips for the beginning are always have craving emergency supplies, a special drink, a snack, a scent, a journal, an activity, and a person to talk to. All things used specifically for when you’re experiencing a craving.

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#16

Welcome Nick! Do you remember how you enjoyed various things before you ever touched drugs or alcohol?

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#17

Congrats on 3 years and thank you for the advice. Those are really good tips. I appreciate it :pray:t2:

#18

Hey Joshua! I do yes. However I think before the days of alcohol and drugs it was replaced with other risk taking behaviours. Anything that gave me some type of adrenaline rush or “alive” type of feeling. Sometimes that is more productive like working out or a hike, other times it was car surfing or other questionable choices.

#19

And you were free from any chemical addiction then, as you can be now. Do you think there's a need under that which hasn't been addressed? One thing that has helped me immensely is to realize that alcohol has no actual benefit for me. So instead of fighting an urge to risk good for bad, I just choose something else that is good to drink.

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#20

Nick, thanks for sharing your struggles and achievements.
I was a chronic relapser for about a decade! Finally I made my sobriety the number 1 priority in my life! Over finance, romance and even family. See? with sobriety & emotional sobriety, I can have all of the above and way more! Without sobriety I have only chaos, pain & regret.
14 years of sobriety now and grateful.
I’m here if you need a sponsor. Either way, best of luck to you!

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#21

Welcome back buddy, it sounds like you have a great head on your shoulders, keep the positivity up and let go of the guilt, anger, and embarrassment of a relapse. Six months is a huge accomplishment and you should be very proud. Recovery/sobriety is not linear there are a lot of ups and downs. God bless

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