My name is Mike, and for the last 5 years or so I have been abusing opiates. It started out like all addictions do, I took pills for fun, I liked the high, the euphoria. I only took them on occasion, usually on Friday and Saturday evenings, but then that slowly progressed to every evening, then more and more. I recently lost a 13 year job, and my wife for other reasons stopped working at hers, She cashed out her retirement and that money was supposed to get us through the end of the year and Christmas. I, in my need to not go through withdrawals, managed to in a period of only about 2 weeks, to spend a major portion of that money. Well, the time has come to pay the piper, I have admitted to everything, I have given over all access to money, I have given over my cell phone, and I have told her exactly what I am going to be going through for the next few days, weeks, and months. I really want to use this forum to just post what I am feeling, I want any advice to help me get through the withdrawal phase, and just some good support. I know people are going to suggest medical help, but I currently have no insurance and no money to spend on that. Luckily my wife loves me still, and She has pledged her support in this. I really am determined to make it through to other side and become the person I once was again. I hate who I am at the moment, but I have hope and the will and I have God!
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Its finally time to stop!
- Thread starter zoomdw
- Start date
Hi Mike and welcome. Congrats on your decision and may God give you His strength to rely on, to get you through the early stages.
I am not one to recommend medical treatment as in my opinion doctors are too quick to simply prescribe another drug to get addicted to.
The solution for me was to start and continue attending NA/AA 12 Step recovery meetings. The help and support I received through the years has been invaluable in my recovery from both alcohol and drug addictions. Before going to those meetings I had tried to stay clean and sober on my own but rarely lasted more then a month before succumbing to the cravings. Even during the dry periods, it was a white-knuckeling experience that left me restless, irritable and discontent. That wasn't the case once I started to attend meetings. Life wasn't perfect but I had the support of many others who had gone the road before me to teach how to handle life on life's terms without having to resort to mind and mood altering substances to cope.
Please realize that overcoming drug and alcohol addictions is not an easy matter to be taken lightly. The cravings can come up very powerfully at the most unexpected times and places. It was through the help of God and the rooms of AA/NA that I am still alive today because without them I would have been dead over a dozen years ago.
I am not one to recommend medical treatment as in my opinion doctors are too quick to simply prescribe another drug to get addicted to.
The solution for me was to start and continue attending NA/AA 12 Step recovery meetings. The help and support I received through the years has been invaluable in my recovery from both alcohol and drug addictions. Before going to those meetings I had tried to stay clean and sober on my own but rarely lasted more then a month before succumbing to the cravings. Even during the dry periods, it was a white-knuckeling experience that left me restless, irritable and discontent. That wasn't the case once I started to attend meetings. Life wasn't perfect but I had the support of many others who had gone the road before me to teach how to handle life on life's terms without having to resort to mind and mood altering substances to cope.
Please realize that overcoming drug and alcohol addictions is not an easy matter to be taken lightly. The cravings can come up very powerfully at the most unexpected times and places. It was through the help of God and the rooms of AA/NA that I am still alive today because without them I would have been dead over a dozen years ago.
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jerry ralph
Senior Member
Hello Mike..............praise God.........I agree with what Lion of God had to say.........I have been in recovery for eight years, when I came in I was at the end of a five year meth addiction. The physical withdrawals took me through the wringer. What helped was having a support group of people that I could call anytime day or night. A group of men that understood how I felt and what was going on. NA or AA, or a Christian recovery group would be a great place to find a support group. You will find people there who are willing to help, because it helps them stay clean by helping others. I am reminded of a saying, share this with me............"pain is envitable, suffering is optional." .............being off work, a couple of hours a day at meetings could be just the spiritual ticket you need........we will pray for you mike........you can make it if you stay clean for twenty-four hours at a time.......that's all you need to do........stay in touch.
jerry http://www.jerryengland.blogspot.com
jerry http://www.jerryengland.blogspot.com
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I really appreciate the words of encouragement, today is day three, and with the full support of my wife and family, it hasn't been too bad. I know because I've done it a hundred times that the next 2 - 3 days will be the worst, and then in 7 - 10 days I will feel so much better. I also know from "quitting" on my own secretly that it definitely gets tougher.
I was in the Navy for 11 years and twice, before their zero tolerance began, went through in-house rehab for alcohol and meth abuse, I have done the 12 step programs, I have the tools and the knowledge, somehow when you use after doing all that it just makes you more aware of what you are doing and why you are doing it, but it doesnt make you stop. you have to want to stop. You have to have a life altering event slap you in the face. Losing my job, and spending all our money has given me that. We are going to join a local church this Sunday, I am going to actively participate and seek out a group for support there. I hope that Im in your prayers and thank you again for your support as that is the reason I am posting here, and will continue to do so. I need to say what I feel and I think that a forum is a great place to do it!
I was in the Navy for 11 years and twice, before their zero tolerance began, went through in-house rehab for alcohol and meth abuse, I have done the 12 step programs, I have the tools and the knowledge, somehow when you use after doing all that it just makes you more aware of what you are doing and why you are doing it, but it doesnt make you stop. you have to want to stop. You have to have a life altering event slap you in the face. Losing my job, and spending all our money has given me that. We are going to join a local church this Sunday, I am going to actively participate and seek out a group for support there. I hope that Im in your prayers and thank you again for your support as that is the reason I am posting here, and will continue to do so. I need to say what I feel and I think that a forum is a great place to do it!
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jerry ralph
Senior Member
Hey Mike.........hang in there, it will get smoother. My sponsor used to tell a parable about geting clean.share this with me.I really appreciate the words of encouragement, today is day three, and with the full support of my wife and family, it hasn't been too bad. I know because I've done it a hundred times that the next 2 - 3 days will be the worst, and then in 7 - 10 days I will feel so much better. I also know from "quitting" on my own secretly that it definitely gets tougher.
I was in the Navy for 11 years and twice, before their zero tolerance began, went through in-house rehab for alcohol and meth abuse, I have done the 12 step programs, I have the tools and the knowledge, somehow when you use after doing all that it just makes you more aware of what you are doing and why you are doing it, but it doesnt make you stop. you have to want to stop. You have to have a life altering event slap you in the face. Losing my job, and spending all our money has given me that. We are going to join a local church this Sunday, I am going to actively participate and seek out a group for support there. I hope that Im in your prayers and thank you again for your support as that is the reason I am posting here, and will continue to do so. I need to say what I feel and I think that a forum is a great place to do it!
When we first get clean and sober the road is wide, the only boundries we have are not using and drinking. Even though the road is wide, it is rough and bumpy. As we continue down the road and start working the steps, we find that the road becomes more narrow. We have certain guide lines we must follow. As the road narrows we find also that it becomes smoother and easier to travel.......
God bless you my friend, we will continue in prayer.
jerry ralph
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loveiseverywhere
Theistic Evolutionist / Ex-Atheist
- Jun 8, 2006
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Welcome, we're glad you're here. You can make it! You can always count on Jesus to carry you when you need to be carried.
I know the pain of opiate addiction. I was addicted to heroin and got off only to get addicted later to morphine. I was also addicted to crack. I have found peace from that life now because of AA.
I like to listen to Jeremy Camp when I'm down, especially the song, "One day at a Time."
I know the pain of opiate addiction. I was addicted to heroin and got off only to get addicted later to morphine. I was also addicted to crack. I have found peace from that life now because of AA.
I like to listen to Jeremy Camp when I'm down, especially the song, "One day at a Time."
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A
AngelDove1
Guest
Hi,Mike...
listen,if God did it for me....He will do it for you too.
"though Christ Jesus,all things are possible"
You have the most powerful team on your side....God,Jesus,and us
(who have managed to do it one day at a time,with God on our side).
God will do for us,what we can not do for ourselves....Amen
God bless & be with you on this journey Mike......
listen,if God did it for me....He will do it for you too.
"though Christ Jesus,all things are possible"
You have the most powerful team on your side....God,Jesus,and us
(who have managed to do it one day at a time,with God on our side).
God will do for us,what we can not do for ourselves....Amen
God bless & be with you on this journey Mike......
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Just wanted to congratulate you on what you are doing. I'm 8 years sober in AA but unfortunately, my husband and father of our 2 beautiful children is out using meth (ice) tonight and has done so for the past 6 and a half years. It only gets worst.
Yours In Christ,
Jenni
Yours In Christ,
Jenni
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Amin
Mcintyre Man
- Sep 30, 2005
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Hi Mike,
Your determination is a good start. I was going to say you'll need to be accountable to someone. It sounds like it's your wife.
Remember to be upfront and honest with her about what's going on.
Hold on to your faith in God, He won't let you down.
God has delivered me from several things, and He can do it for you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Chuck.
Your determination is a good start. I was going to say you'll need to be accountable to someone. It sounds like it's your wife.
Remember to be upfront and honest with her about what's going on.
Hold on to your faith in God, He won't let you down.
God has delivered me from several things, and He can do it for you.
Keep us posted on your progress.
Chuck.
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