The sober life hasn't been too rewarding for.me yet I know it will eventually though I live pretty much the same exact life I did when I was using . So I realize it's gonna be alot tougher for my situation , since I was a highly functioning addict. I do have more money in my pocket now though so that's a plus but everything else pretty much the same even though I'm working g on year 2
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When you look back one year from now, your life will be better than today, I can promise you that.
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I can relate. There really are more rewards and positives in staying sober. Some harder to see at first I think. 7 + years and I feel pretty much the same. Seems like the only difference is being sober but if I take a closer look a lot more has changed and gotten better than I realize at times.
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I get that it's just tough for me . Alot of smaller things have changed but I functioned so well my partner and I bought a house and I started a career that I'm still in during active addiction. So it's gonna take some big leaps before I really start noticing my life getting better . I'm actually in the process of building a whole new one . . The life I built before was fit for the junkie version of me not the sober version so I'm not content . It's probably a feeling that will pass in time
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I hope so I just have a feeling it's gonna be longer than a year but I'm OK with that big dreams and big changes take time I'm learning to be patient and not having that instant gratification all the time
One year ago , I couldn't walk without assistance. Tonight, I am driving myself out to dinner. Keep going. Don't drink, go to meetings. It will fall into place. Being sober doesn't make your life great. That's on you, but you will have a much better chance sober
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I understand that . Just usually people have alot more accomplished . My junkie self is big shoes to fill I know it sounds hard to believe, but that's how it is.i don't do.the meetings I get my methadone and that's it I'm more than good with that . That's how i actually prefer it i got more than enough to keep me busy . Boredom isn't a thing for me . So whatever spare time I have on my hands I would rather relax. I try and stay away from all the ex addicts the best I can 9 times out of ten that's all that's in common is addiction issues I want to just move on from it and not dwell on it .
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Hey Rob - First off, congrats on the clean time! It sounds like you’ve built some solid stability in your life which is a big deal. Being financially better off and having a routine are definitely wins. I get what you’re saying about being a highly functioning addict and sometimes it feels like there’s not much changing outwardly. But keep in mind that sobriety is about more than just what’s on the surface - it’s about inner peace, finding a deeper sense of purpose, and letting go of the things that weighed us down, even when we were “functioning”.
I hear you on not being into meetings and if methadone is helping you stay on track, that’s great. But sometimes connecting with others in recovery isn’t about dwelling on addiction. It’s about moving forward, sharing experiences, and learning how to live differently. Recovery isn’t just about staying clean and not using—it’s about building a life that’s fulfilling. Maybe there’s more to explore than what’s in front of you now.
That sounds very exciting and motivating! Sounds like there is a lot to look forward. Living without immediate gratification is a struggle; most of the world today works in getting instant feed back from our efforts, but that just isn't real or sustainable!
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It's a tough life, but it's the only life we have. Sober is better, on that no one I have met disagrees. Living sober is all some can manage and thats good enough, however I would encourage you to try meetings and open your heart and ignore that voice in your head that says it's all bullshit and you have it all under control. Best of luck
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Thanks for the congrats I appreciate it . You are right about that I been doing alot of work on myself and digging deep and really figuring out who I am as the sober version and figuring out why I used to use and I'm still figuring out who and how I want to be . So I am learning alot about myself . I went through a traumatizing time while I was first getting g sober so that didn't help . The only thing about that is I have the chance to start a brand new life and I intend on it . I'm not sure I want to connect with other people in recovery I think I would rather connect with more people that don't have the addiction issues . I feel like I would be able to get more accomplished . It's not so bad connecting here and chatting here and there. Once in a while thanks for the ideas and words of encouragement your time is appreciated
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It hasn’t been a nightmare and very lonely
I concentrate on the fact that I remember when I went to bed the night before, that my stomach feels better, that I am not thinking about when I can drink or how or what I'll drink and when before going to an event, that I am fully present when spending time with people, that I can pick up calls in the evening, etc. I still have the same job,same friends, same volunteer activities so I concentrate on the quality of life items regardless of how small they may seem.
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Simplifying these mile high texts! Wishing you happiness! ODAAT!!!
So you find 90 meetings in 90 days and let me know how that goes ………