True recovery

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   David2423posted 13 years ago

   I have my own beliefs in what true recovery means.I'am enjoying this true sense as well.So what do others find in the true sense of overcoming alcoholism/addiction? Is it of spirit or self?

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      Jenna Popeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      For me, in the beginning, it was about self.  Surrendering.  Now it is more about the spirit.  In this fifth year of my recovery, I learned about improving my spiritual life.  It has really helped a lot. JP

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      lyricsingrayposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      as a recovering drug addict i will add that recovery is a process of growth and discovery that grants surrender, serenity and finally a solution on how to live happy drug free.
      
      Recovery is a spiritual experience that cannot be explained unless you are in recovery.

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      lambservantposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Self is what gets people into  the mess of alcoholism in the first place. Recovery is surrending "self" and your life, to God. Once that happens, God will do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Recovery is a spiritual journey. In my book, it is the only successful one.

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   H.C Porterposted 13 years ago

   It is of both. It's finding the meaning and value in your life, and working on making it better.
   I am not so sure of 'True Recovery', I take that as, you have no want to go back and have one more...whatever 1 more would be to you... That is hard- the want is still in the back of your mind, every moment of everyday-but something else in you keeps it in the  back of your mind and in check... (if that makes any sense at all???)

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      nikki1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      If you believe in yourself and in God then all things are possible. Giving him all your pain and suffering. Healing what booze damaged.
      Always talking to your family about your feelings. Always being
      true to yourself. Excepting yourself as a human being. And knowing you r special..
      
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQhZYeeR6lE
      
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDaYje09184

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3. 61

   Ohmaposted 13 years ago

   We each of us need to take strength where ever we find it. Alchohol addiction is a mighty big pit fall and whatever we believe in to help over come this is the right answer.

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      David2423posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      thanks for sharing If this sight gets to crowded with faith busters. I would like to talk to my brothers and sisters who are in this battle. I have alot to share. as of now think deep into your recovery program and where it truly takes you.not using is merely the first step spiritual growth is the on going blessing. For faith got me here it is faith that keeps me away.

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         Justine76posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         good for you!! 

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         pinkboxerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Yes, this is so true! Keep on telling it like it is. Faith keeps you, nothing but faith!

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   lyricsingrayposted 13 years ago

   I have been in recovery for some time now off heroin and cocaine which I used for 24 years.
   
   Recovery is a process of growth.  It is wonderful and it is also very difficult.  It gets easier with time. 
   
   Relapse is part of recovery.  There is no shame in the relapse but there is if your not trying to get back into recovery.
   
   From day 1 our recovery saying,author unknown is recited at every meeting;
   
   God, grant me the serenity
   to accept the things I cannot change
   the courage to change the things I can
   and the wisdom to know the difference
   
   That is recovery.  I wish for a safe day for those in recovery and an open mind for tthose coming into recovery.
   
   You no longer have to be alone.

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      dsherriposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I am new at being clean like you Herion is one of my poisons just the last couple of years, perscription addiction on top of that 25 years of heavy meth addiction. That is why you caught my eye the length of your drug use. I know nothing else! I've tried several times to stop each time more fed up than the last. Thinking telling my family would help, I was wrong they dont get it. Like I should be able to walk away and never look back. I so wish. Also thinking a few pills would get me throught very fast i found myself hooked on opiates!!  So ashamed need help with a starting place and some tools to get there. I am currently getting unemployment so a job is not an issue where it always has been, you know i have to use to get through work.....all those excuses. Good to know there is sucess out there. Be proud of yourself I am proud of you.
      Sherri

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      Beth100posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      
      
      One is never alone...it takes strength and courage to reach out and once you do, your life changes.  The Serenity Prayer is wisdom for all.

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   scowan4738posted 13 years ago

   As a person in recovery for more than two decades and as a person who works in the treatment field I can only second what lyricsingray has said.  My recovery journey has been a marvelous and yet difficult process of growth and I'm not finished growing.

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   theirishobserver.posted 13 years ago

   lyrics, thanks for sharing....great to know you are doing ok....I have already described my demons in my Hubs....its a daily battle...nothing is easy....but each day I set out to do the best I can.....some days the Devil gives a gentle knock on the door...but I have the strength to keep him out now...but I know like others here....that the devil is in no hurry....he will wait for the weak moment....all I hope is that I can take one day at a time (sounds like a song) and survive.....

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   nikki1posted 13 years ago

   Never give up on your dreams. Your life has just gotten better each day you take that breathe of fresh air. Your lifestyle is what you make of it.. giving to others is what its all about friends. That too can be a recovery moment, in my opinion. I'm root'n for u all ;D.

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8. 61

   nikki1posted 13 years ago

   If you believe in God/Jesus bonding/praying about your issues can also help. Crying is also a healing source as well. Above all except yourself and realize you are human you make mistakes and think I am special. This will come to pass. Also, never dwell on your errors or etc.. ;D

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   DYLAN CLEARFIELDposted 13 years ago

   One of the best books I read on the subject echoes an earlier post.  It said that you have to be easy on yourself when trying to break an addiction - not trying to give up everything all at once, because it's better to bend than to break.  It should be looked at as a process rather than a one time victory.  Relapse is acceptable as long as you don't let it take you over again.  Otherwise, if you're too hard on yourself, you make your goal that much harder to attain.

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      nikki1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Well said

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10. 77

    Fluffymetalposted 13 years ago

    I'm still struggling with my recovery.  I hate triggers!

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       Beth100posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Triggers are the culprits of relapses.  Keep going Fluffy...every minute is a struggle that is worth fighting for.  You can do it!!!

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       nikki1posted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Talking about your issues and meditations/yogas are always recommended. How are you still struggling?
       Never have an ordinary day to all,

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       nlowmanposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I haven't used since April 12, but that doesn't mean I'm not "struggling." I know what you mean, fluffymetal. Well, at least I think so. From talking with other addicts, I have heard that the triggers are always there, it just gets easier to deal with them...Waiting for those days to come along, or I guess working toward those days, something like that.
       For me, at least, I'm starting therapy this Friday to do some of that talking nikki mentioned. Hoping it works a bit.
       Regarding the initial question, I'm not religious. I know many in the program say it's not about god, but I have a lot of trouble with the spiritual thing, maybe that's part of my issue. I'm just going one day at a time and trying to work on myself.

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    Mighty Momposted 13 years ago

    Recovery is full of paradoxes, isn't it?
    Only by completely humbling yourself and getting out of self can you regain your true, integrated self.
    Only by giving up control and "turning it over" (your will and your life) to God can you control our drinking/using.
    
    I disagree that talking to family is necessary or even a good thing. Most families simply do NOT get it. Especially when you are new in recovery, you don't need people filling you with guilt, shame, or any other negative emotion around your drinking or ability to stop.
    You don't have to TELL them about your recovery journey, but you can show them by your behaviors that you're not the person you were.
    
    Faith in a Higher Power is (in my opinion) essential to recovery. As the Big Book says, we have a daily reprieve based on our spiritual condition. And to succeed we need to be "willing to grow along spiritual lines." That is probably not the first thing that would occur to someone trying to get sober or even really early in sobriety. It all becomes clearer and more natural over time. But (and it's a big but!) you can never, ever stop working actively on your recovery or else that old demon alcohol (or your alcohol in whatever form) will sneak up and drag you back to Hell.
    
    Glad we have such a vocal, strong and supportive group here on HP. So cool!

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    lyndreposted 12 years ago

    Sitting in an empty home blew it again.
    
    Disappeared for four days, had to get my son to drive 500miles and bring me home. left home to go to work, decided to have a  few drinks four days later I am asking the same old questions. why me?
    what did I do to deserve it?
    the old demons are back in my head.
    where do I turn to now?
    is life worth living?
    getting too tired to fight this?

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