I bought a plane ticket from Denver to Texas. I’ve lived in Colorado my whole life. And I’m haunted by my memories of using , death, devastation and abuse. I might be running from my past but I’m not running from myself . Anyone have thoughts or advice about the first time you moved from your home state ? Did you find happiness in a fresh start ? Was there healing in a new beginning? Or am I just romanticizing running away? I think my mental health struggles may have influenced my decision. My life has never been stable or normal. I am 60 days sober with new clarity . I think relocating might help me focus on my new future and not my old , painful experiences
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I think it's important to have a medical expert to discuss this with. 60 days is a great start, but moving to a new place seems to be full of triggers that I personally would struggle with.
I will tell you that little brother was a terrible alcoholic, got sober for about a year and then he picked up and hit the road.... And drove for months until he found his new home (Seattle). He is now 8 years sober, has a fantastic relationship, job, and lifestyle. It's night and day the difference between who he was then vs. now. So, it is possible.... Just make sure now is the best time.
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Moving away from the place that broke me was the best decision I’ve ever made. I don’t ever want to go back there. Here, I can live a new life free of all the triggers and memories that only made me feel worthless.
So glad to be where I’m at now… Free of my past.
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I appreciate the comments . You guys are giving me hope . My friends and support group that I met in treatment are so bummed that I’m leaving but I’ve only known then for two months . We’re like family . That being said it will be hard to say goodbye but I’m so excited to start over
You’ve got this, Anthony! It sounds like you’re moving forward with quite a bit of clarity! Please keep us updated, I think you’ll do great!
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I moved to Colorado it was best 7 decisiins ive ever made!!!! I hope you stay sober one day ata time
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Colorado is where I spent my active using time . one day I’ll come back probably soon . I’m just gonna take a break for awhile
Classic addict brain convinces us that all we really need is a fresh start and it’ll be different this time. I moved away from my problems and ended up all over this country (US).
What I learned, is that I could never outrun my problems because I am my problems. And in recovery I work daily on being present and living a great life in any zip code.
I am certainly not suggesting you stay in a place that triggers a trauma response. I am warning you that the move alone did not yield the results I sought. I had to do the work.
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You are not alone. First things first. Find a meeting and everything else will be ok
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I was 4 1/2 years sober when I packed 2 suitcases and left Seattle for Honolulu.
I’m now a little over 11 1/2 years sober and it was the best decision I’ve ever made (besides getting sober obviously)
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I lost my wife a year ago unexpectedly and was forced to move. I know there is no geographic solution but I did have advice from an alcohol counselor in outpatient recovery recommend that I move before that (due to career opportunities for me being limited where I lived). I did not move then but did 360 days ago hurriedly. I’m closer to family now and other resources. I was forced out of my comfort zone and yet it’s been a time to rebegin again in my program. I do hope you focus somewhat on learning to enjoy yourself and your place before you go and if you do continue that emphasis.
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There’s a story parable perhaps of a traveler who met a wise old man on the road who was sitting above a town. The traveler ask the man, “What kind of people live down there? I might like to stay here.
The man asked him what kind of people lived where you came from.
He was told the most selfish kind, and backstabbing and criticizing spiteful people
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The old man simply said “Then I would travel further because the people down below are just that kind of people.”
The next day a new traveler came along and when he saw the wise fellow by the road above the town he asked the same of him, “What kind of people live down there?”
And he too was asked what the people the traveler had left behind.
“Oh the most wonderful people it grieves my heart to leave them. Each one of them would give you the shirt off their back and care for you in the most accepting caring way!”
The wise old man said, “Then you may want to stay and see for yourself that the people in the town are just like those you left behind!”
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Problem with relocating to start anew, you bring yourself with you.
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