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More than one addiction at once

YCGP

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I finally made it back to a meeting tonight after a long time of being away. I had been using as well.

Now I am ready to get on the wagon again and I am wondering if I should quit more than one addiction at a time. I am addicted to listening to music and it triggers me to use. Should I clear the music off my computer or will this be too harsh. Should I just focus on substance use right now?

Thanks.
 
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Petros2015

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Any music or just certain songs? If you have a favorite 'using album' I'd get rid of that. Look for new music, something different maybe instrumentals, symphony, etc. Specific songs strongly associated with using or music taking you to a bad place in your head or heightening certain emotional state, violent angry stuff or self-pity/depression is not helpful. Knocking off all music seems a little harsh, but I don't know you well enough to give a good opinion. Branch out a little bit - ask someone else who has been sober a while in recovery what their favorite inspirational songs are that help them stay sober are.

I tend to feel like the addictive state is a slightly lower level of consciousness, and once I get there through any means I am vulnerable to all of them. I originally went into AA for alcoholism, but I would be sitting at my computer playing video poker, and then get triggered to surf 'a little' inappropriate content. I used to play PC games for hours and hours. Those things I have had to quit. I didn't try or even identify them as addictive level problems though until I had sobered up for a year and worked a 4th Step.

The whole process of recovery is about reconnecting with yourself, others and God instead of getting locked off in these isolated states whether they are chemical or mental. Get a sponsor, home group and service position if you can, get as involved as you can. Reach out for help. Practice steps 1, 2, 3 daily and work a 4th if you haven't when you are ready with a sponsor. You definitely have to keep 100% off the chemicals though, and get to meetings.
 
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Mountainmanbob

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I used to play in a band and loved music. Since sobering up 9 years ago I really don't enjoy it all that much -- ok at times -- if played softly. I also in the old days would party late into the night with the music blaring. As you say, maybe it takes me back there in my mind -- a sinful place that I wish not to return to.
Good luck,
M-Bob
 
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