Good for you, Colleen! Yes, sobriety is new, but 30 days is something to celebrate.

I'm no expert on addiction, though I wanted to post a link to the Narcotics Anonymous website[na.org]. I know they are a trusted source of information. Perhaps you should consider going to meetings and getting advice from the experts there.

Good for you, Colleen! Yes, sobriety is new, but 30 days is something to celebrate.

I'm no expert on addiction, though I wanted to post a link to the Narcotics Anonymous website[na.org]. I know they are a trusted source of information. Perhaps you should consider going to meetings and getting advice from the experts there.

I agree with your reply. Only a drunk can help a another drunk, and this goes for any other addiction. I manage to get sober and stay sober with the help of others just like me. Just completed 14 years sober, but not alone.

I agree with your reply. Only a drunk can help a another drunk, and this goes for any other addiction. I manage to get sober and stay sober with the help of others just like me. Just completed 14 years sober, but not alone.

I am clean now for 15 months now this is my second chance at recovery. I had 7 years clean and relapsed on script medicine it was my choice to that. It truly is your choice as to who u tell. I told the people who were going to support me. Addiction is very hard I have had my best success with AA and NA it has helped me so much. Good luck and your prayers are with u.

I am clean now for 15 months now this is my second chance at recovery. I had 7 years clean and relapsed on script medicine it was my choice to that. It truly is your choice as to who u tell. I told the people who were going to support me. Addiction is very hard I have had my best success with AA and NA it has helped me so much. Good luck and your prayers are with u.

The first step in overpowering your addition is being completely honest with yourself and accepting that you have a progressive disease, but herein you have another consideration on what your husband's wishes are. However, we do not know the relationship you have with your in laws. If they can be supportive, then you may wish to tell them or allow him. Yet those of us who were addicted also know that we used and abused those that loved us and were there to care for us. We allowed then to enable us and to make exceptions for us. Seldom do the people(family, friends, and workmates) around us not know what is going on. Get yourself to a rehab, maybe a hospital and to meetings for NA and learn what the twelve steps program is about and how it can free you of self and self centeredness.

Absolutely, you must make it known to your medical caregivers due to possible drug interactions and/or possible things to test for and to watch for in you body organs. By the way dear, of the ten individuals that came into AA when I did, eight are now dead after ten years. The success rate is about 2%, so which side do you want to be on the living or the dead.

The first step in overpowering your addition is being completely honest with yourself and accepting that you have a progressive disease, but herein you have another consideration on what your husband's wishes are. However, we do not know the relationship you have with your in laws. If they can be supportive, then you may wish to tell them or allow him. Yet those of us who were addicted also know that we used and abused those that loved us and were there to care for us. We allowed then to enable us and to make exceptions for us. Seldom do the people(family, friends, and workmates) around us not know what is going on. Get yourself to a rehab, maybe a hospital and to meetings for NA and learn what the twelve steps program is about and how it can free you of self and self centeredness.

Absolutely, you must make it known to your medical caregivers due to possible drug interactions and/or possible things to test for and to watch for in you body organs. By the way dear, of the ten individuals that came into AA when I did, eight are now dead after ten years. The success rate is about 2%, so which side do you want to be on the living or the dead.

Henryocarn48: I agree with everything you posted except the percentages of recovery in AA. From the Big Book (the basic text of AA) Forward to the 2nd Edition: "...Of alcoholics who came to A.A. and really tried, 50% got sober at once and remained that way; 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A. showed improvement." If you are talking about NA only, you might be correct about those percentages, but A.A. is as noted above. Just didn't want to discourage anybody out there. If you really want to get sober/clean and stay that way, A.A. and/or N.A. will work for anybody. I'm living proof of that!
Yours in sobriety, Jeff O

Henryocarn48: I agree with everything you posted except the percentages of recovery in AA. From the Big Book (the basic text of AA) Forward to the 2nd Edition: "...Of alcoholics who came to A.A. and really tried, 50% got sober at once and remained that way; 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with A.A. showed improvement." If you are talking about NA only, you might be correct about those percentages, but A.A. is as noted above. Just didn't want to discourage anybody out there. If you really want to get sober/clean and stay that way, A.A. and/or N.A. will work for anybody. I'm living proof of that!
Yours in sobriety, Jeff O

wow...those are scary posts. although statistics are important, it's what you want for your life. Do you want to be happpy, joyous and for me, the most important part, FREE??? coming from and abusive home, didn't know what fredom meant. I got sober.....taught me to serve...got busy being part of life, instead of on the outside looking in wishing I had a glimpse of normalcy. Well, after 27 years I still do not have a glimpse at normalcy. but, I know my life, and who I am. Who I try to be on a daily basis. I have had many many miracles in my sobriety, including 3 wonderful kids, that celebrate my sobriety birthday more than my natal, cuz they know i have a fatal illness with alcoholism...the MS and the Diabetes and the PTSD I can handle..alcohol or drugs?? Being a product of the 60's???? No way. It is the only thing that can make my life worse...even with all my maladies. You hang in there dear heart...you CAN make it.. millions are pulling for you....strangers you have never met, but would never wish you another drug....keep believin'...keep your life simple, and joyful. warm regards ...Lee

wow...those are scary posts. although statistics are important, it's what you want for your life. Do you want to be happpy, joyous and for me, the most important part, FREE??? coming from and abusive home, didn't know what fredom meant. I got sober.....taught me to serve...got busy being part of life, instead of on the outside looking in wishing I had a glimpse of normalcy. Well, after 27 years I still do not have a glimpse at normalcy. but, I know my life, and who I am. Who I try to be on a daily basis. I have had many many miracles in my sobriety, including 3 wonderful kids, that celebrate my sobriety birthday more than my natal, cuz they know i have a fatal illness with alcoholism...the MS and the Diabetes and the PTSD I can handle..alcohol or drugs?? Being a product of the 60's???? No way. It is the only thing that can make my life worse...even with all my maladies. You hang in there dear heart...you CAN make it.. millions are pulling for you....strangers you have never met, but would never wish you another drug....keep believin'...keep your life simple, and joyful. warm regards ...Lee

Before making those tough decisions - decisions that once acted upon can't be reversed - one should step back, look at the big long term picture, make an honest evaluation of self, friends, and family, and ask God to help you to see things through His eyes, which often means through the eyes of your loved ones. When it comes to one's life choices, which is what led to addiction in the first place, one should value life enough to do so; because you only get to live this life once. You should know why your husband wants you to tell your in-laws. Will it help you or hurt you? You shouldn't be surprised if you learn that they already know it, but just haven't said it or have lived in denial about it. Usually those closest to you know something is wrong, but maybe not exactly what is wrong. Denial always prevents the healing process from beginning or going full course. Be honest first with yourself, then with those who love you and care about your quality of life. They will either react or respond, which is two different things. A reaction will cause more tension, stress, and difficulty. A response will offer support, forgiveness, and hope. You need responses rather than reactions so that you will get the positive support and encouragement you need to be successful in becoming, and more importantly, staying healthy. Just remember that with any addiction, you can't go it alone. We tend to get the message that we have to always be strong and not weak, so even if we can't seem to help being weak, we do a great job of masking it and pretending to others that we are strong. It doesn't matter what others "think" about us. When a life is at stake,...as yours is...honesty and truth are not negotiable. Your life depends on it, so embrace it and live it no matter what your fears are. You will come through it to the other side...and you will be a whole and healthy person again. I'm praying for you.

Before making those tough decisions - decisions that once acted upon can't be reversed - one should step back, look at the big long term picture, make an honest evaluation of self, friends, and family, and ask God to help you to see things through His eyes, which often means through the eyes of your loved ones. When it comes to one's life choices, which is what led to addiction in the first place, one should value life enough to do so; because you only get to live this life once. You should know why your husband wants you to tell your in-laws. Will it help you or hurt you? You shouldn't be surprised if you learn that they already know it, but just haven't said it or have lived in denial about it. Usually those closest to you know something is wrong, but maybe not exactly what is wrong. Denial always prevents the healing process from beginning or going full course. Be honest first with yourself, then with those who love you and care about your quality of life. They will either react or respond, which is two different things. A reaction will cause more tension, stress, and difficulty. A response will offer support, forgiveness, and hope. You need responses rather than reactions so that you will get the positive support and encouragement you need to be successful in becoming, and more importantly, staying healthy. Just remember that with any addiction, you can't go it alone. We tend to get the message that we have to always be strong and not weak, so even if we can't seem to help being weak, we do a great job of masking it and pretending to others that we are strong. It doesn't matter what others "think" about us. When a life is at stake,...as yours is...honesty and truth are not negotiable. Your life depends on it, so embrace it and live it no matter what your fears are. You will come through it to the other side...and you will be a whole and healthy person again. I'm praying for you.

MY DAUGHTER IS ONE WEEK OFF OF METH. I AM TRYING TO GET HER INTO A HOMELESS SHELTER FOR WOMEN WITH A 13 YR OLD CHILD. SHE LOST 2 OTHERS BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT. SHE HAS BIPOLAR AND TAKES TOPAMAX FOR THAT. SHE IS ALSO ADDICTED TO VICIDIN. SHE HAS GONE THROUGH 90 IN TWO WEEKS. I TRIED TO GET HER INTO A DETOX AND THEY WOULD NOT TAKE HER BECAUSE SHE HAD DONE ZANIIX A MONTH AGO. I LIVE WITH MY HUSBAND IN A SMALL ONE BDRM SENIOR APT ON A VERY SMALL FIXED INCOME. I CAN KEEP HER FOR 14 DAYS ONLY. SHE HAS BEEN SLEEPING ALOT EATTING LIKE SHE HASN'T EATEN IN A WEEK. HER DR GAVE HER A SCRIP FOR VICIDIN (90) SHE HAD GONE THROUGH 30 OR IS HIDING THEM FROM ME. SHE GAVE THEM TO ME TONIGHT TO GIVE TO HER 2 2 TIMES A DAY. THE MAN THAT GOT HER STARTED ON METH HAS A HISTORY OF DRUGS. MY DAUGHTER WOULDN'T EVEN TAKE PAIN MEDS WHEN SHE HAD HER BABIES OR SURGERY. CAN SOME ONE HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH HER SHE DOES NOT WORK SHE IS TRYING TO GET SSI, SHE IS ON WELFARE WITH ONE CHILD 13 AND FOOD STAMPS. THE GUY KEEPS CALLING HER TO COME BACK. I FINALLY TURNED MY CELL OFF. HE DOESN'T KNOW MY HOME #. SHE IS SO NIEVE I AM AFRAID SHE WILL GO BACK TO HIM. HER SON HATES HIM AND SAID IF SHE GOES BACK HE ISEN'T GOING. PLEASE HELP ME.

MY DAUGHTER IS ONE WEEK OFF OF METH. I AM TRYING TO GET HER INTO A HOMELESS SHELTER FOR WOMEN WITH A 13 YR OLD CHILD. SHE LOST 2 OTHERS BECAUSE OF IT. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM AND DON'T KNOW HOW TO HANDLE IT. SHE HAS BIPOLAR AND TAKES TOPAMAX FOR THAT. SHE IS ALSO ADDICTED TO VICIDIN. SHE HAS GONE THROUGH 90 IN TWO WEEKS. I TRIED TO GET HER INTO A DETOX AND THEY WOULD NOT TAKE HER BECAUSE SHE HAD DONE ZANIIX A MONTH AGO. I LIVE WITH MY HUSBAND IN A SMALL ONE BDRM SENIOR APT ON A VERY SMALL FIXED INCOME. I CAN KEEP HER FOR 14 DAYS ONLY. SHE HAS BEEN SLEEPING ALOT EATTING LIKE SHE HASN'T EATEN IN A WEEK. HER DR GAVE HER A SCRIP FOR VICIDIN (90) SHE HAD GONE THROUGH 30 OR IS HIDING THEM FROM ME. SHE GAVE THEM TO ME TONIGHT TO GIVE TO HER 2 2 TIMES A DAY. THE MAN THAT GOT HER STARTED ON METH HAS A HISTORY OF DRUGS. MY DAUGHTER WOULDN'T EVEN TAKE PAIN MEDS WHEN SHE HAD HER BABIES OR SURGERY. CAN SOME ONE HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO WITH HER SHE DOES NOT WORK SHE IS TRYING TO GET SSI, SHE IS ON WELFARE WITH ONE CHILD 13 AND FOOD STAMPS. THE GUY KEEPS CALLING HER TO COME BACK. I FINALLY TURNED MY CELL OFF. HE DOESN'T KNOW MY HOME #. SHE IS SO NIEVE I AM AFRAID SHE WILL GO BACK TO HIM. HER SON HATES HIM AND SAID IF SHE GOES BACK HE ISEN'T GOING. PLEASE HELP ME.

I had to battle more than street drugs when I got sober.Alot of time I couldn't get my prestriction filled,so I had to deal with the side effects of the drugs.I made up my mind to stop taking those to because man is still got me under their control. I gave myself totally over to Jesus,if I got to be a slave to someone or something;I made up my mind to be a slave to the Spirit of God,there is no cost and the side affects is not harmful to my body and I don't have to wait on any man to give it to me.God has a unlimited suppy of Joy and Happiness! I go to Him and He give me a refill each and everytime I go with no questions asked. I pray and He fill me up to an overflow of strenght and love for life again! I don't hate being sober anymore,I am learning so much about myself I never knew.It is such a wonderful Journey!He keeps me and substain me from all the things that brought me down,when I lift up the Name of Jesus. I start to feel so amazing deep inside, I feel like I can take on the world and have victory!Do you know Him?Do you of His love for you and how only He can deliever you from drugs and alochol!I am here to tell you of my struggle with the same issue of a drug addict in my pass lifetime.I have been sober for 4 wonderful years and each one brand new!One day at a time with Jesus to help you through it all!

I had to battle more than street drugs when I got sober.Alot of time I couldn't get my prestriction filled,so I had to deal with the side effects of the drugs.I made up my mind to stop taking those to because man is still got me under their control. I gave myself totally over to Jesus,if I got to be a slave to someone or something;I made up my mind to be a slave to the Spirit of God,there is no cost and the side affects is not harmful to my body and I don't have to wait on any man to give it to me.God has a unlimited suppy of Joy and Happiness! I go to Him and He give me a refill each and everytime I go with no questions asked. I pray and He fill me up to an overflow of strenght and love for life again! I don't hate being sober anymore,I am learning so much about myself I never knew.It is such a wonderful Journey!He keeps me and substain me from all the things that brought me down,when I lift up the Name of Jesus. I start to feel so amazing deep inside, I feel like I can take on the world and have victory!Do you know Him?Do you of His love for you and how only He can deliever you from drugs and alochol!I am here to tell you of my struggle with the same issue of a drug addict in my pass lifetime.I have been sober for 4 wonderful years and each one brand new!One day at a time with Jesus to help you through it all!

I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A NA OR AA FOR HER IN THIS TOWN. SHE IS NOW TALKING TO THE MAN THAT GOT HER STARTED AND THEY PLAN ON GETTING BACK TOGETHER WHEN THEY GET STRAIGHT. THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN BECAUSE HE IS A ADDICT. HE CAN REFRAIN BUT SHE IS WEAK AND THEY ARE NOT GOOD TOGETHER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. HE IS TELLING HER HE CAN NOT FIND A REHAB THAT IS AVAILABLE. SHE WANTS TO HELP HIM FIND ONE. SHE IS ON A WAITING LIST. I JUST WISH THEY WOULD CALL HER BEFORE SHE GOES BACK TO HIM. IF SHE GOES BACK TO HIM SHE WON'T GET TO SEE HER TWO KIDS AND MIGHT LOSE THE 13 YR OLD. MY HUSBAND WILL NOT HAVE ANYMORE TO DO WITH HER. MY HUSBAND WANTS TO MOVE ME TO OREGON TO GET AWAY FROM HER. I AM SO MIXED UP I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. SHE HAS NO MONEY AND NEEDS TO REAPPLY FOR AID, SHE IS DOING NOTHING BECAUSE WE ARE IN A DIFFERANT COUNTY. THE SHELTER THAT SHE WANTS TO GET INTO IS IN SACRAMENTO AND SO SHE WANTS TO WAIT TO GET HER AID STARTED OVER THERE. THAT IS THE CTY HE LIVES IN. HOW DO I CONVIENCE HER TO GET UP AND DO SOMETHING. HER SON DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO HIM. HE TOLD HER IF SHE DOES HE IS NOT GOING. I DON'T BLAME HIM. ITS NOT A GOOD UNION. HE HAS BEEN IN JAIL AND HAS TRANSPORTED IT IN SAN DIEGO. THAT IS THE WORLD HE HAS COME FROM. HIS MOM THINKS ITS MY DAUGHTERS FAULT HE IS IN THE DRUGS. HE IS THE ONE THAT GOT HER STARTED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE...

I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A NA OR AA FOR HER IN THIS TOWN. SHE IS NOW TALKING TO THE MAN THAT GOT HER STARTED AND THEY PLAN ON GETTING BACK TOGETHER WHEN THEY GET STRAIGHT. THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN BECAUSE HE IS A ADDICT. HE CAN REFRAIN BUT SHE IS WEAK AND THEY ARE NOT GOOD TOGETHER. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. HE IS TELLING HER HE CAN NOT FIND A REHAB THAT IS AVAILABLE. SHE WANTS TO HELP HIM FIND ONE. SHE IS ON A WAITING LIST. I JUST WISH THEY WOULD CALL HER BEFORE SHE GOES BACK TO HIM. IF SHE GOES BACK TO HIM SHE WON'T GET TO SEE HER TWO KIDS AND MIGHT LOSE THE 13 YR OLD. MY HUSBAND WILL NOT HAVE ANYMORE TO DO WITH HER. MY HUSBAND WANTS TO MOVE ME TO OREGON TO GET AWAY FROM HER. I AM SO MIXED UP I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. SHE HAS NO MONEY AND NEEDS TO REAPPLY FOR AID, SHE IS DOING NOTHING BECAUSE WE ARE IN A DIFFERANT COUNTY. THE SHELTER THAT SHE WANTS TO GET INTO IS IN SACRAMENTO AND SO SHE WANTS TO WAIT TO GET HER AID STARTED OVER THERE. THAT IS THE CTY HE LIVES IN. HOW DO I CONVIENCE HER TO GET UP AND DO SOMETHING. HER SON DOES NOT WANT TO GO BACK TO HIM. HE TOLD HER IF SHE DOES HE IS NOT GOING. I DON'T BLAME HIM. ITS NOT A GOOD UNION. HE HAS BEEN IN JAIL AND HAS TRANSPORTED IT IN SAN DIEGO. THAT IS THE WORLD HE HAS COME FROM. HIS MOM THINKS ITS MY DAUGHTERS FAULT HE IS IN THE DRUGS. HE IS THE ONE THAT GOT HER STARTED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. PLEASE GIVE ME SOME ADVICE...

There is a place called Teen Challenge drug treatment center.They have a website,they will take her as soon as u contact them.This where I went to,it is a christian base treatment and alot of time this is she might need if she has tried to stay sober before. We need to give ur lives over to someone who will not give up on us and we love us no matter what we do!A drug addict need to be delivered from all things that keep them dependent to make them feel good and happy in side! There is sometimes so much pain that only God can heal and take away the hurt of the past problems! She will have to learn to let go of the past and press toward the further,we have alot of trouble letting go of past misstakes and hurtfull decision we made!She is just frighten and need some one to love her and accept her when she fall because she is not perfect.Most of us do not get it the first time or even the second time-it is a process and it take alot of time to get it right!I had to go to 12 treatment even after teen challenge!God has to show me how to fight for my sobriety and my happiness.I will always be in this fight the devil knows my weaknesses and I cannot take my life for granted any more because he wants me to give up and give in,but I want to live for Jesus and I love myself even if no one else does I know God loves me for me and nothing will ever take that from me!No one loves like Jesus!My family had giving up on me too,but the Lord has restored our love for one another again and we are a family with His help I can freely love them too unconditionally!It is the greatest gifts I have ever had-I will pray for ur family and delieverance to come into her heart and she lone to be healed by Jesus! Turn to Jesus,He knows of ur tears and pain of helplessness! God will get all of the Glory and Honor in ur daughter life!I pray for the touch of the Holy Spirt to fill ur heart too!

There is a place called Teen Challenge drug treatment center.They have a website,they will take her as soon as u contact them.This where I went to,it is a christian base treatment and alot of time this is she might need if she has tried to stay sober before. We need to give ur lives over to someone who will not give up on us and we love us no matter what we do!A drug addict need to be delivered from all things that keep them dependent to make them feel good and happy in side! There is sometimes so much pain that only God can heal and take away the hurt of the past problems! She will have to learn to let go of the past and press toward the further,we have alot of trouble letting go of past misstakes and hurtfull decision we made!She is just frighten and need some one to love her and accept her when she fall because she is not perfect.Most of us do not get it the first time or even the second time-it is a process and it take alot of time to get it right!I had to go to 12 treatment even after teen challenge!God has to show me how to fight for my sobriety and my happiness.I will always be in this fight the devil knows my weaknesses and I cannot take my life for granted any more because he wants me to give up and give in,but I want to live for Jesus and I love myself even if no one else does I know God loves me for me and nothing will ever take that from me!No one loves like Jesus!My family had giving up on me too,but the Lord has restored our love for one another again and we are a family with His help I can freely love them too unconditionally!It is the greatest gifts I have ever had-I will pray for ur family and delieverance to come into her heart and she lone to be healed by Jesus! Turn to Jesus,He knows of ur tears and pain of helplessness! God will get all of the Glory and Honor in ur daughter life!I pray for the touch of the Holy Spirt to fill ur heart too!

AA definitely helped me get sober, and I would recommend them to anyone-but, I mistrust these stats-if it truly is anonymous, how can anyone have this information? I am also an ethical atheist... 25 years sober, but who knows any of this besides me?

AA definitely helped me get sober, and I would recommend them to anyone-but, I mistrust these stats-if it truly is anonymous, how can anyone have this information? I am also an ethical atheist... 25 years sober, but who knows any of this besides me?

Ya know?? You're the only one to make that call. Remember the 9th Step. Make amends to such people wherever possible EXCEPT when it injures you or others. my take on it. There is alot of things that can be left unsaid, but told to sponsors, it you need to get things off your chest. but, if it were me, and I have been sober for 28 years now, is to NOT talk about it unless questioned, and then, of course, honesty is the only way to go. Until then, if they want to be in denial, if they are more comfortable NOT talking about it, respect their wishes. I don't have a clue. Just talking from experience. It's too hard to give an alcoholic "advice", since our journey through sobriety is like our fingerprint, all unique, all a worthwhile journey. So, God Bless, and I pray you come to peace in your heart about this decision. Be gentle with yourself....Eyasha

Ya know?? You're the only one to make that call. Remember the 9th Step. Make amends to such people wherever possible EXCEPT when it injures you or others. my take on it. There is alot of things that can be left unsaid, but told to sponsors, it you need to get things off your chest. but, if it were me, and I have been sober for 28 years now, is to NOT talk about it unless questioned, and then, of course, honesty is the only way to go. Until then, if they want to be in denial, if they are more comfortable NOT talking about it, respect their wishes. I don't have a clue. Just talking from experience. It's too hard to give an alcoholic "advice", since our journey through sobriety is like our fingerprint, all unique, all a worthwhile journey. So, God Bless, and I pray you come to peace in your heart about this decision. Be gentle with yourself....Eyasha

I am on prescription medications. I am bipolar and it is necessaryfor me to take medication. But I take it as prescribed by my doctors Who I am 100% honest about my conditon of addiction. I tell them I want nothing addictive. For that reason and for the very kind and loving God who helps me I was able to celbrate 18 months clean time. I would not have also been able to do if it was not for my sponsor and NA and AA. You only need to tell who you feel comfortable telling You owe no explanations. Take care and good luck in your recovery.

I am on prescription medications. I am bipolar and it is necessaryfor me to take medication. But I take it as prescribed by my doctors Who I am 100% honest about my conditon of addiction. I tell them I want nothing addictive. For that reason and for the very kind and loving God who helps me I was able to celbrate 18 months clean time. I would not have also been able to do if it was not for my sponsor and NA and AA. You only need to tell who you feel comfortable telling You owe no explanations. Take care and good luck in your recovery.

Hi Colleen, I can relate. I am 58 and an addict. My drugs are food and alcohol. The problem that drives it is loneliness. If you are still out there I would love to hear more. Janet

Hi Colleen, I can relate. I am 58 and an addict. My drugs are food and alcohol. The problem that drives it is loneliness. If you are still out there I would love to hear more. Janet

Hi Janet! I agree that loneliness is one of the things that drive people to different types of addiction. This is one thing that some people don't understand. Friendship and acceptance from the community and significant others really make a difference. It is easier to be rehabilitated once you feel that there are people who value you and really wish you to be well again.

Hi Janet! I agree that loneliness is one of the things that drive people to different types of addiction. This is one thing that some people don't understand. Friendship and acceptance from the community and significant others really make a difference. It is easier to be rehabilitated once you feel that there are people who value you and really wish you to be well again.

One more thing, to get out the lonely spot, people need to meet people who will offer them a better view of life, give them a glimpse of its brighter side and let them see its possibilities. That's why attending AA, halfway houses or sober houses also count a lot.

One more thing, to get out the lonely spot, people need to meet people who will offer them a better view of life, give them a glimpse of its brighter side and let them see its possibilities. That's why attending AA, halfway houses or sober houses also count a lot.

Here are some tips on how to drink less this year: 1. Stress less. The more stressed you are, the higher is your chance of turning to alcohol to relieve your stress. 2. Don't drink alone. 3. Don't store alcoholic beverages at home. 4. Seek help if you think you can't quit by yourself and trust God that He will pull you through. Have a sober year everyone!

Here are some tips on how to drink less this year: 1. Stress less. The more stressed you are, the higher is your chance of turning to alcohol to relieve your stress. 2. Don't drink alone. 3. Don't store alcoholic beverages at home. 4. Seek help if you think you can't quit by yourself and trust God that He will pull you through. Have a sober year everyone!

Dixiechick's comment is really good. NA and AA , with the helpful sponsors would really help anyone struggling with addiction.

Dixiechick's comment is really good. NA and AA , with the helpful sponsors would really help anyone struggling with addiction.

As I read these posts I see "no human power can relieve our alcoholism". My sobriety date is 7/8/82, and I have come to believe that part of the "problem" with either finding your power (mostly women) or letting go of your power (if you're an intellectual) is one of the hardest journeys in this program. My life as an alkie and sober for almost 30 years (I'll be 60 years old this May......it's my 1/2 and 1/2 sobriety., has taught me that we are our fingerprint. Every human being has to get through the maze of their invdividuality, and since addicts are certainly not the "usual suspects", we truly ARE the only ones that can possibly understand the mind and heart of an alcoholic/addict. As for taking Meds, I have multiple Sclerosis and have to take meds to survive. I've had it for at least as long as I have been sober, but didn't find out until 92. When I think of all the "reasons" I had to drink, it humbles me even more that I am an oldtimer in this program. What a journey, eh??

As I read these posts I see "no human power can relieve our alcoholism". My sobriety date is 7/8/82, and I have come to believe that part of the "problem" with either finding your power (mostly women) or letting go of your power (if you're an intellectual) is one of the hardest journeys in this program. My life as an alkie and sober for almost 30 years (I'll be 60 years old this May......it's my 1/2 and 1/2 sobriety., has taught me that we are our fingerprint. Every human being has to get through the maze of their invdividuality, and since addicts are certainly not the "usual suspects", we truly ARE the only ones that can possibly understand the mind and heart of an alcoholic/addict. As for taking Meds, I have multiple Sclerosis and have to take meds to survive. I've had it for at least as long as I have been sober, but didn't find out until 92. When I think of all the "reasons" I had to drink, it humbles me even more that I am an oldtimer in this program. What a journey, eh??