Drug Addiction

September 17th, 2007 | by admin |



Please Visit The Drug Abuse Forum

Drug Addiction

Drug and alcohol treatment is something I have become familiar with over the last ten years of my life. Not only have I spent some years training and working in the field, but I myself have been through the gauntlet of drug and alcohol treatments more than once. While its certainly not a pleasurable experience, going through different forms of drug and alcohol treatment can teach you a lot about yourself. At almost five years of sobriety now, I feel almost grateful for the opportunity for personal growth.

When you’re in the midst of an addiction or have just had a relapse, opportunities for personal growth don’t really mean a whole lot. All you really want is the suffering to end. Unfortunately, the bad news is that the suffering does not stop with drug and alcohol treatment. If you’re familiar with treatment you already know this. Though you will of course begin to feel physically better once you start a treatment program, the emotional and mental distress can often get much worse before it gets better.




There isn’t any quick fix or pain free drug and alcohol treatment, so be prepared to do some work and be prepared to learn humility. While drug and alcohol treatment varies a lot these days, which is a good thing, they all have one thing in common; breaking down the old you and building up a new one. This sounds a little daunting and kind of scary, but don’t worry, its really not so bad. Essentially, the essence to every form of drug and alcohol treatment that I’m familiar with is training your brain to use new networks and patterns of thought instead of the old ones that got you into trouble.



Please Visit The Drug Abuse Forum

Since the brain is involved in everything we do, there are a lot of routes one can take to retrain it and that is why drug and alcohol treatment is so varied. Writing, art, music, sports, exercise, prayer, meditation, counseling, and support groups are all common examples of tactics used in modern drug and alcohol treatment centers. To best improve your odds in getting and staying sober, it’s a good idea to try as many things as you can because what works for some people doesn’t work for others. Trying out a lot of new things boosts your chances of finding something you like.

In the end, drug and alcohol treatment is a personal battle, and it will be a unique experience for everyone. Therefore it’s very hard to make sweeping generalizations or to provide advice that’s sure to work. There is one Alcoholic Anonymous saying that stands out for me as summing up the key point in drug and alcohol treatment; “You don’t have to change anything, except everything.”

Other Resources For Drug Addiction:
Drug Abuse Forum
Pacific Hills
Drug Rehab Center
Novus Detox

 

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  1. 97 Responses to “Drug Addiction”

  2. By candis d. on Sep 25, 2007 | Reply

    I am a recovering addict who is an active member of N.A. however I would like to attend some online meetings……can you give me some assistance?  View and comment on this thread at the Substance Abuse Forum

  3. By june s. on Oct 5, 2007 | Reply

    If you find a meeting on line please let me know.as you know it only takes two people to make a meeting.

    june s.

  4. By susan on Oct 6, 2007 | Reply

    I will be visiting western, pennsylvania from the 13th thru the 27th. can you direct me to a list of na meetings please?

  5. By christina on Oct 20, 2007 | Reply

    i wanted to know if theres any on line meetings.i’m enrolled in n.a meetings.

  6. By christina on Oct 30, 2007 | Reply

    I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW OF ANY ON LINE MEETINGS?

  7. By JOSE' S on Oct 30, 2007 | Reply

    Yes, yes you can find NA mettings on nacafe.org or narcoticsanonymousonlinechat. Please fill free to give my email address if you need to. I would love to sjare my recovery with anybody…JOSE’ S.

  8. By aaron on Nov 1, 2007 | Reply

    oceans apart..high and low..hearing only the echos of long ago…..somehow it seemed it was never ever going to really go…..i took for granted all the love

    i had…..all i had….and still inspired to do only bad…..can it be rewritten….can it be gained again….NO…all the songs..all the signs…say son

    you did way too much sin….if i had only never begun….my life now maybe for a change i might could run……but run “away” now is all I have left…and

    granted its no fun….no more time in the basking warm sun….only staring down the barrel of “my” smoking gun…..i think of it all ….i think of all the

    time it used to be fine as fine wine….now….i have nothing….no one to call “mine” only once upon a time and that all was mine and life, my world was kind

    now its day in day out….which way will it today all unwind…….fools rush in….sometimes too soon…sometimes too late….neither one for me was great

    whether it be now or then….the life i live and lived just kicks full in the chin…….and still once again i begin….cant you see….its not you…its me

    me wanting to be free..holding onto a woman who no longer wants us to be….but she has much regret…regret she cant afford to leave….i am like a staining

    spot on her once willowy sleeve…..now she can barely breathe…..but this life she let me conceive….hang on too long…life will leave you to only

    bleed….no help…no sanctity….only time to spend…wondering why this hell to take seat…wondering which time will it be now we end up in the street…

    peace be well known to man….not known to me even with all i am…i am alot to some….nothing much to the masses…turning the wrong way once again at

    all the right passes…you think one would learn…learn not to yearn…but some of us never do…we cease only when we finally BURN…..you know our love

    was meant to be and i want it all with me but we all know…everywhere i go…i do nothing but MISLEAD ending with great speed,to end on a good note would

    be grand…but for me…its like its all planned….like a huge ship drifting un-manned…so you must “again” find another man…for me to you its a shit-

    can… it may not be in your plan..but you will when you can? unlike addicts with only themselves to blame.no scrutiny on you can be lain, you did it not

    to shame…not done for riches or fame….only for your child to remain the same….for you are not to blame?????i wonder …did you think of me when you

    “came”….doubtful as such, i wasnt even existing in your heart or mind no where near on the same plane….no use crying over spilt milk…its only a ques-

    tion now of “whose” heart will be left only to dry up and finally wilt…the answer is know all too well…one of us will simply say in the end…oh well

    its the life you chose…dont bother me now with all your pityful woes…..thats the way life sometimes goes…then IT GOES…goes away…its the only

    sane way to play…

    If i could play by the rules….perhaps they would label me nobodies fool….but that is to me like self-induced down’s syndrome drool…always in sight…

    but blacker than night…always striving to finally do tasks right…but continually losing the plight…beggar to borrower a man full of sorrow…day is

    eclipsed by the the search for tomorrow…never to rise ..the sun sets always in surprise…but me i know this..for addiction is to me wise….cost me my

    job…cost me friends and throw my money, then family into the ugly black blob….movies are written with me in mind…look at my distaste people can

    mourn but live their lives divine….marvel at how one one can lay down, not simply bow…to the luring lady of the pipe….crack…it takes all in great

    might….leaving only to crawl feebly into the night….looking looking looking….oh how to just win this long fight….can it be the end is in sight???

    but what is the end…is it me with no mend???? or me mended my friend….

  9. By kim of sc on Nov 7, 2007 | Reply

    i have 2+ yrs clean!!! my message if i can do it anyone can! na gave me a new way to live clean!! everyday isnt always peaches and cream but i take it a minute at a time!! never give up if you read this i love you keep coming back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  10. By admin on Nov 7, 2007 | Reply

    Thanks for the great message Kim and keep up the great job of staying clean. Please keep us updated on how you’re doing, it’s an inspiration to us all.

  11. By mike isaac on Nov 21, 2007 | Reply

    i need help. and i dont know what to do

  12. By greg on Nov 21, 2007 | Reply

    try going to a hospital

  13. By kay on Nov 25, 2007 | Reply

    i’ve been tring to recover from this lifeless, depressing disease of addiction that is killing me mentally,physcally,& spiritually & its been a hell of a struggle for me! i’ve lost a son that is now 7 due to it (& my heart cries endlessly just to have him in my life today,just to have another chance) thank god i still have my baby girl, but if i don’t keep my headup & don’t ever give up no matter what, i’m going to lose her too! I’ve just recently relapsed & i feel at my worst & i want the pain to just go away! i’ve been to 2 treatment facitalitys,in drug court,na meetings & church.now i’m on my own & i don’t regret any of the treatment i just want to keep getting better! i need all of you1 & TO MIKE ISAAC TALK TO SOMEONE ,JOURNAL, READ,& TRY A MEETING! & TO GREG I THINK THAT WAS A VERY RUDE COMMENT & U COULD HAVE KEPT THAT TO U’RE SELF! HOSPITALS CAN’T HELP US ONLY WE CAN!

  14. By Susan on Nov 29, 2007 | Reply

    I am in my 6th day of recovery of a 12+ year addiction of pain killers. I have a loving and supportive family but they have never had to deal with anything like this and they are having a hard time understanding me. I also left my husband of 26 years on the same day I began this journey. I have very little energy and still have chills, shakes, and aches, are the physical problems going to end soon?

  15. By Reama on Dec 3, 2007 | Reply

    Susan,If they are in support of you ask them to consider going to al-anon or other support groups that are available for the family and friends of those who suffer from addiction. Also know that it will probably get worst before it gets better.(regarding their understanding of you journey) BE willing to allow yourself to be uncomfortable long enough to establish a comfort zone. I mean comfortable with the process of recovery. Remember comfort can also lead to complacency.Beleive in the process of recovery and the evidence of those who too have suffered such as yourself.In closing, our lives are on schedule according to the choices we’ve made. Continue making good ones. God bless you and your family. You are in my prayers.

  16. By michael england on Dec 5, 2007 | Reply

    hey there my girlfriend is addicted to cocaine. it takes a toll on oyr relationship and i do not know what to do. we use to have it all but now we just argue. i know that she is going through alot but enough is enough. its all she wants, what do i do? please help

  17. By nichole on Dec 8, 2007 | Reply

    michael e. i just found out that my husband has been hooked for a year. we argue alot and i have gotten physical with him once. please email me if you need to talk. were in the same boat.

  18. By Debra Davis, Executive Director ONE VOICE on Dec 10, 2007 | Reply

    ONE VOICE is a non-profit faith based organization established to help anyone choosing to recover from life-controlling issues. We are available at 1.888.682.8364 if anyone would just like to talk! If there is no answer, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
    Thank you, Debra Davis

  19. By KENYA JOHNSON on Dec 15, 2007 | Reply

    I NEED HELP

  20. By KENYA JOHNSON on Dec 15, 2007 | Reply

    INSSD HELP

  21. By KENYA JOHNSON on Dec 15, 2007 | Reply

    IHI IWAS LOOKING AT THE TV ONE DAY AND I DIDIWANTED TO BE A DRUG ADDICTE NO MORE

  22. By Cathy Hayward on Dec 23, 2007 | Reply

    I stumbled on this site looking for a families anonyous meeting and was glad to read everyone’s comments. I have much to learn about this disease.

    My adult son is an addict. He has just returned from a 30 day treatment program to spend Christmas with us. His father and I attended Family Week and learned much about this horrible disease and how to begin our own recovery. One thing we learned was to control our own “yard” and stay out of his “yard”. Today, I need to speak with him about our boundaries. While we can’t control where he goes or who he goes out with, we can control what goes on in our household. That means, no drugs or users are allowed on our property. If this rule, or others we will give him, are broken, our son can no longer stay here. The test, is not setting the rules, it’s enforcing them.

    I will attend a meeting today prior to speaking with my son. I need all the strength and resolve I can muster. I am the chief enabler and have much to change about myself in order to help my son.

  23. By Angel on Dec 25, 2007 | Reply

    Hi i just asked my mom to help me a week ago. i dont want to be hooked on this shit for the rest of my life. its really hard though i aint think it would be this hard. i been clean for a week though. im scared i might go back to it. i been thinkin about this shit alot. someone help me. my name is Angel. im 18 years old. and im addicted to crack. please help me. thanks

  24. By kay on Jan 3, 2008 | Reply

    angel talk to me! we can help each other ok! i am an addict of about 8 years & i’ve been in in & out of recovery for over 5 years. My life has changed alot sience i’ve started tring to change my bad habits! crack is a horrible drug & i know how hard it is to quit but u can do it & so can i! i have relapsed but, they come farther & farther between! just always remember to never give up! get back up & keep tring! thats the only way to make it! DON’T FORGET TO PRAY & I’LL BE PRAYING FOR U TOO! my e-mail address is butterfly197927@yahoo.com and i also have a myspace account! find me so we can chat & get more accuanted ok! love ya & good luck!

  25. By kay on Jan 3, 2008 | Reply

    oh Angel my url on myspace is kay_kay027 ok hit me up i’d love to be u’re friwend & help u as well as u help me! we need each other!

  26. By Audreaunna on Jan 4, 2008 | Reply

    I’m only 17 and pretty much my whole life I have been around drugs and started using at the age of 13. I have been clean now for 2 months and in a couple of days I start school back and I know it will be hard being around my old PLAYMATES…..so could you help me find support groups near Tullahoma, TN….? Thanks alot.

  27. By Andy S. on Jan 6, 2008 | Reply

    I am an addict named Andy. Clean date 3-23-1991. I am from Rockford, Il. I would like to hear and share experience strength and hope with anyone interested. I stumbled into here by accident(not). I was looking for NA online. Email me at stargayzer323@aol.com. Thanks! I’ll pass with that.

  28. By YVETTE on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply

    HI, MY NAME IS YVETTE AND I TOO AM AN ADDICT AND I HAVE BEEN CLEAN FOR 4 AND A HALF MONTHS SINCE I RELAPSED AFTER 14 MONTHS OF CLEAN TIME.. I WASNT GOING TO MEETINGS (NA) NOW THAT I AM IT HAS HELPED ME A GREAT DEAL.. I AM ABLE TO DEAL WITH SITUATIONS AND FIND SOLUTIONS TO THEM. IT ISNT EASY BUT I AM DOING IT, SO LONG AS I AM WITH MY MEETINGS AND SO LONG AS THIS IS WHAT I WANT I WILL ALWAYS BE CLEAN.!!!

  29. By YVETTE on Jan 7, 2008 | Reply

    I AM HERE TO GIVE WHAT I AM GETTING FROM MY NA MEETINGS AND FELLOWSHIPPERS. IF ANYONE NEEDS TO TALK PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME AT ARAUDBETYNNA@HOTMAIL.COM OR ARAUDBETYNNA@YAHOO.COM. PLEASE WRITE… GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I…

  30. By oscar on Jan 8, 2008 | Reply

    Hi !! I would just like to encourage all of those who at least made a honest assessment that their lives are out of control as long as they are on drugs. Half the battle is admitting there is a problem, and then making a conscious decision to do something about it. I travailed with the cycle for at least 15 years of my life. But thanks to God and a willingness to get honest and quit blaming everybody and everything for the way I was, I now celebrate 2 years of recovery, and wnat to let you know, you can too.

  31. By michael on Jan 13, 2008 | Reply

    I am addicted to heroin ive been on this shit for the past 7 years there hasnt been a day that i havnt gon with out it but recently ive been doing things that i never would be doing like stealing from everyone i can get money from i steal from my work and sell the things i take the people who buy the things i get have no clue where they come from and ive been lieing to my woman and my family and thats not me im not a lier or a theaf and when someone askes me to get them shit i pinch some out of there bag and blame the person i got it from recently there have been young people dieing from overdoses and one of thoes people was a friend of mine for the past 28 years you would think that it would make me want to stop seeing him at his wake but i didnt stop i think my addiction got worse i dont know what to do ive been thinking about sewaside but i would rather get better than be dead and when i go to get clean it dosnt work i cant even go 24 hours without geting high i hate myself it has turned me into a lier a theif and a looser i have sold everything thats not nailed down and if it was nailed down i would find a way to pull thoes nails out and get my fix i have lost my family and friends i want my life back or i want to die sometimes i wish someone would kill me and put a stop to all the pain that i am puting my loved ones trough please someone help me im at my wits end i will be dead or in jail befor to long if i dont get help.

  32. By nick on Jan 15, 2008 | Reply

    I to have been throu the hell that adiction brings and am 6 months clean.i lost my children to drug adiction and now am in the proces of geting them back & i am in my second semister of the CDP course at lcc

  33. By Kathy on Jan 17, 2008 | Reply

    Michael, after reading your message, it brought me back to my days of truly living in hell right here on earth. I was a heroin addict for 26 yrs. and I ended up in the penitentary and lots of other places & spaces I thought I too would never be in. You MUST fight this disease with all you’ve got and not succumb to it. Is there somewhere you can go for treatment near where you live? That is your start. You have an extensive history of addiction that will not be turned around over night. I have been a certified addictions counselor now for almost 20 years and if you would like to talk and further discuss avenues to take to begin your recovery process, please get back to me. I’m praying for you.

  34. By Kathy on Jan 17, 2008 | Reply

    Cichael, my email address is leapinthejeep@yahoo.com. Kathy

  35. By Ricky Clark on Jan 24, 2008 | Reply

    Hey Mike I truly understand what you are feeling.Just keep coming back clean do not use no dope.This is a real simple program for complex people.I sugesst that you get a sponser and start working the 12 steps of this program get a GOD of your understanding.This program will work if you work it and it will if you don”t work it:IT JUST WON”T WORK FOR YOU STAY CLEAN:Rick c.

  36. By tresa k. on Jan 28, 2008 | Reply

    i am trying to locate and get familiar with online meetings of na. could you give me some guidence.

  37. By Pam on Feb 2, 2008 | Reply

    I am in need of going to NA meetings in the state of delaware, sussex county,MILTON DELAWARE, OR HARBESON DELAWARE, LEWES BEACH DELAWARE ARE ALL CLOSE TO WHERE i LIVE. I LIVE 5 MILES FROM EACH TOWN. If anyone can help me find a schelule of where the meetings are I would surely apprieate it and a ride to meetings will be neccessary since I have no liscense now.

  38. By nicole on Feb 7, 2008 | Reply

    this disease has debilitated me- i am so depressed. everyday i want to do it, but i always get high? why? an endless cycle of using and feeling guilty after. i have a 18mo. old, i love him so much, feel like he got a bad mom. dont wont him to end up like me.

  39. By JANET on Feb 17, 2008 | Reply

    I have a question. If someone is trying to recover from a meth addiction is it okay to smoke
    marijuana regularly. I have an x boyfriend and his family seems to think that it is acceptable. I’m not educated enough on the subject so I don’t know how to respond to the situation.

  40. By Darryl P on Feb 18, 2008 | Reply

    I am currently in a homeless shelter. I got there @ am still there because of my drinking @ addiction to cocaine. I feel like I cannot stop. Even though I risk being kicked out of shelter I still drink @ use. I fear getting caught @ kicked out. I have been to prison 3times because of my addictions. currently on parole yet I risk everything to get drinking @ using. I need help but don’t know where 2 turn. Sometimes I just wish I could go to sleep @ not wake up.I have went to meetings sporactically. I want to change but donot know which way to turn.

  41. By melissa on Feb 27, 2008 | Reply

    I was reading down through all of these messages and I was in disbelief. I too am an addict I have been clean now for almost 5 months, it has been the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life, I read Michaels message and nearly dried, my husband and I started out on top we had the money to be doing as much as we wanted everyday, making killer money we didn’t care. Then one day we lost our contract and all the money that came with it, My husband got some small jobs here and there but was not enough to pay for our 500.00 a day habit, so slowly we had to slow down but still needed a couple hundred dollars a day to stay high and 1/2 that to saty from not being sick. I don’t know anyone who has that kind of money to be able to do that, but towards the end of our addiction, my husband started stealing, from stores at first then from family. After months of that and then 4 theft charges we decided enough is enough. We stole 2000.00 cash from my parents at the time i didn’t even care cause i needed that money to not be sick, and when you are a user the one thing people don’t understand when they ask why would they steal from me? I am there parents or grandparents, or what ever, why would you steal from the ones you love and take care of you. I can say this I never would steal from the scum bags selling me the shit no no only from the ones I loved. Why is that? Why would drug addicts steal from the ones who are close but never from the scums of the earth supporting their habits? I was always paying my dealer back, I had to they became my FAMILY, in my mind I loved them for what they had and would do anything they wanted from me. Do you think I would go over to my parents house and help them out or pay them back the money I borrowed from them the day before? nope never happened. So think about it, U always feel comfortable taking the ones you love most down the road of destruction with you, and use and abuse them the most. I hope for my sake that i can stay clean till the day I die, I hope I can prove to myself and my familt that I can do this and I will do this, I mend all the hearts that I have broke. But before i can do that I have been working on me. There will be plenty of times to fix all my faults later down the road. But for now even though my family does not understand why I am not on the phone apologizing to them, but if they would just read up a little on addiction they would understand what I am going through. So to all out there reading this, if you are an addict and are stealing from these close to you, there is no excuse for it, but just know that you are not alone lots of people do the same thing, just please look at what you are doing to yourself by doing that and try to stop, not for everyone around you but for you, cause you need to, for you..

  42. By Kay on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, My name is Kay & i’m still an addict! I’ve been tring to stay clean & it’s sooo hard! I sit here & read peoples stories & every bit of it is true in my life as well, especially the stealing from & hurting the people that i lovethe most! & it hurts me so bad when i sober back up & realize what i had done! i hate myself & want to die b/c i want to be a better person & can’t seem to, no matter how hard i try! i think about sucide alot. I don’t know what to do anymore. i just want OUT! i took my daughter to the doc. this morning for ADHD, (she is 6 yrs. old)& they gave her ridilin ( or however it is spelt) well that is a controlled substance & it is habit forming! i am scard to death to give it to her b/c they say addiction is hereditary just like mental illnesses like ADHD & bipolor which is what i am! i don’t know weather to give it to her or not! i’m afraid she will turn out like me & that is really scary!!! i don’t want my baby to be anything like me or have to go through any of the pain that i am! what should i do!?

  43. By Tina on Mar 10, 2008 | Reply

    Need info on Local NYC NA meetings…

  44. By joe c on Mar 15, 2008 | Reply

    hi my name is joe and im an addict.Ild like to thank all of you and the program for my nine months of clean time for with out your clean time i wouldn’t have any …..keep coming back

  45. By Dottie on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply

    I have been to 6 treatment centers. I just don,t think anything is going to help me at all. I ran out of tears. I recently completed a 26 day program and as soon as I got home the cycle started again. I know it is the people,places and things. It is kinda hard for me because my people, places and things is family. yes i know you have to love from a distant and i am working on that. I own my home and i can not afford to relocate. i would like to chat online with other addicts for i know we share the same pain

  46. By Latisha.K on Mar 19, 2008 | Reply

    Hi family my name is tisha and i’m an active member of N/A. I’m looking for some on line support so heres a cry out for some N/A love.

  47. By Julie on Mar 23, 2008 | Reply

    My boyfriend of 1 year is addicted to crack. He went to rehab 45 days ago. He had a relapse last week after a N/A meeting. I am a single mother of a beautiful 6 year old daughter. This is the third time he has slipped in the last 6 months. I do not know what to do. I love him with all my heart, but is it fair to put my daughter through this? I am an adult child of an alcoholic and addict. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

  48. By Nancy LeBaron on Mar 24, 2008 | Reply

    I’m a drug addict in recovery who recently moved back to parents house in Glen Burnie Maryland and need info on N/A meetings in the local area. Can you help me thanks.

  49. By ShawnMarie on Mar 25, 2008 | Reply

    To All Who Have Posted On This Site, and to ALL of those that are still sick and suffering,My Heart, Soul and prayers go out to you. I am a 37 year YOUNG (I refuse to say old) lady, live in Virginia, and I want to offer a ray of hope and sunshine to all. I had it B-A-D! I LOST IT ALL, Had the cars, the house, kids, husband, loving family, EVERYTHING I could want, but could never get enough CRACK to make me happy, so it in turn, took me down. I lost ALL that meant the world to me, ALL BECAUSE OF ME. ME ME ME ME! I got locked up September of 2006 and that was IT for me. The last day of my usage was September 17th of 2006.I spent three months in jail, got out on the monitoring program, and I changed my entire life around.I wore the braclet for three months upon my release, and I WORKED THE 12 STEP PROGRAM!!!!! I go to meetings twice a week, and have maintained sobriety.I worked the steps of the program, and as I finish them at step twelve, I START THEM OVER AGAIN! The one thing that makes the difference to me in my recovery is I FIANLLY FORGAVE MYSELF for all the shit I Caused, all the pain I spread throughout my loved ones lives. Me forgiving myself made my recovery so much easier. WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!! WE CAN RECOVER!!!!!!!AND WE CAN BE TRIUMPHANT!!! PLEASE, PLEASE believe in yourselves, and people around you will begin to believe in you again. I looked to the “Higher Power” and BEGGED him to help me, wasn’t religious at all through my addiction, but it is By the grace of God, that I am able to have all things restored to me now. The home, the kids, the love of my family. Let your recovery be helped by this verse…Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he becomes a NEW CREATURE…ALL things old are PASSED AWAY and Behold, ALL THINGS BECOME NEW! How powerful is that? PLEASE PLEASE believe in yourself, and BEGIN TO HEAL. I Love all of my brother’s and sister’s out there struggling, and suffering. I have an ear to lend as well as a shoulder…My email is shawnmarief37@yahoo.com. Email me if you need me Please…I love you all, and GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!

  50. By lenny.a ct. on Mar 27, 2008 | Reply

    i just wanted to thank those who i meet at the el paso reg.NA convention for all the love and support,which i brought back to connecticut.NA is truly the way!!! I LOVE ME TODAY!!!!

  51. By Jackie on Mar 28, 2008 | Reply

    I want to thank all of you who took the time to share your words of wisdom. I have been clean for 80 days and more then aware of how fragile I am at this point in my recovery. I take in as much as I can through meetings, reading, and now I have just found this site….once again Thanks, it is so nice to know that there are people who actually care!

  52. By Seanette Cole on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    I need meeting scheduals for Boise Id. Could You Please Help Me. I dont Know Were to look, or how to pull them up on the compurer.

  53. By ShawnMarie on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    To You Jackie….EXTREME CONGRATS on your 80 DAYS OF NEW LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO VERY PROUD OF YOU and My prayers and hope is with you as you go on each and every minute of each and every new sober day. People do care Jackie, and those of us who have been there, in the dark world of drug/alcohol abuse HAVE to take care of each other.
    Too all my brothers and sisters out there, I love you all, and BEG FOR DELIVERANCE from our own self destruction.
    To all that are still sick and suffering, Today can be the first day.All it takes is realization of a problem and a desire for change. If anyone needs help, or just a freind, emailing me is welcomed.
    Hugs and Hope to all,
    ShawnMarie in Virginia
    PS, SEANETTE COLE

  54. By ShawnMarie on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    PS …SEANETTE COLE, Try you local Community Services Board, or your local social services for a list of meetings. Also try on your address bar this…. boiseidahoareanameetings.org
    That may take you the a welcoming door for your recovery. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!!!!

  55. By ShawnMarie on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    SEANNETTE, I found it under google.com. In the search area I typed in boise idaho area na meeting and it brought up a list of them so GO CHECK IT OUT!

  56. By d on Mar 29, 2008 | Reply

    How hard is it to find a NA meeting in vegas????

  57. By ShawnMarie on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply

    D…….all you have to do is google las vegas area na meetings and it will give you a listing.if that doesn’t do it then call your local community services board for a listing.

  58. By ShawnMarie on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply

    Good Luck…..As always, my prayers are with all of us…and especially the still sick and suffering….Keep your heads up! Love you all

  59. By ShawnMarie on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply

    Does ANYONE visit this site on a regular basis OTHER than Me????????????? I know I am not alone out here….hello ??????? hellllooooooooo?????? Is there anyone out there???????? Heheheheh

  60. By ShawnMarie on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply

    Oh Yeah, and to all….I still have much love for my brothers and sisters out there! (Feeling like that character on “I am Legend” *L*

  61. By kimberly on Apr 7, 2008 | Reply

    my name is kim i have been trying to recover from shooting cocaine and smoking crack. i just got out of a detox program where i was there for 5 days. I was also in a abusive relationship when i was using the drugs. i have several triggers that i know will start me using again. but i realize i have to be strong and have the willpower to say no i will not continue on with that cycle in my life. i have a wonderful 13 year old son and a wonderful mother that is behind me 100% i also have a father but i dont think he realizes how strong of an addiction i have, i also have a very good friend named matt that i met in detox that has been like a rock to me.i know when i was down in detox i could talk to him about my fears when i got out and i know he was there for me and he will always be there for me,now i have been clean for 7 days and i am going to outpatient rehab starting tomorrow plus i have to complete 90 meetings in 90 days with na and i am looking for a clean life.

  62. By angel on Apr 20, 2008 | Reply

    Hi my name is angel and my clean date is new my new date is 4/18/2008. i had about 6mths clean off of street drugs and lost my children in february of this year and i relapsed on drugs and alcohol the last time i got high was march 22nd but alcohol seems to have taken over, well truthfully if i didn’t have to worry about drugs screens i would be doing both. i was looking for n/a meetings online and found this site. I’m tired of this life, I want so badly to know again what it is like to live life clean. thx for listening to my story…

  63. By Kim on Apr 21, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, my name is Kim and my clean date is March 3, 2008. My probation officer sent me to Morris Village in Columbia S.C. and I am grateful for that experience. I stayed there 45 days and am now 49 day’s clean. I have been going to NA meetings and even went to the NA convention in Charlotte N.C. As of today I am happy with my sobriety and am looking forward to living a clean life. It is still a struggle every single day, but with God’s help I can do it. My e-mail address is kim.satt@hotmail.com if anyone wants to talk about recovery. Thanks for listening to my story.

  64. By chris wey on Apr 21, 2008 | Reply

    i have a copy of the first pre approved version of our basic text,, ive fallen on financial hard times. ive had this copy since 1981 is it worth anything. please if anyone is interested contact me

  65. By Denise from beautiful NC on Apr 29, 2008 | Reply

    HI to all! I have read everyones stories and sure do see myself in all of them. I have been suffering from infertility and have let substance abuse take control of my life. I have a wonderful, loving husband , but still have this hole in my heart from not being a mother. I would like you to share more ideas about retraining your brain and filling in the void areas with other activiites. As soon as some crisis comes my way I reach for a drink.. I absolutely love my husband , but it find it uncontrollable. I am never happy when I use. well please share some more stories.

    Love and Light,

    Denise

  66. By Christine on May 9, 2008 | Reply

    To everyone who in recovery. I want to say I am proud of you and want to encourage each and everyone to continue to take it one day at at time. If you have to take one minute or even one second, you do that. I am the mother of a 23 year old crack addict who will be coming out of rehab on Tuesday. My son reached the end and has begun his climb upward and I so proud of him. As a mother, it wasn’t easy watching the destruction of my son, but it by God’s Grace that he is alive today. I do believe in the power of prayer and in the Blood Of Jesus Christ. There is hope and there is life after addiction. Please continue to be strong and continue to fight to reclaim your lives back. Your lives are worth something and you have been created for a reason. Reading your statements and writing do give me encouragement for my son. Thank you for standing up for yourself against drugs.

    A Mother With Hope
    Christine

  67. By Melissa Gail on May 16, 2008 | Reply

    Hi, my name is Melissa Gail and have been addicted to painkillers for the past several years. I haven’t taken a pill since 03/18/08 and am really struggling right now to stay on the right path. I have hurt and lied to everybody that I love and yet they are still here for me and I have no idea why. All I want more than anything is to get my life back and unite my family as one again but it has been so hard because I have caused so much damage by all of the lies and deception. I don’t know how I could have let things get this bad and hope that it’s not too late to make amends with everybody that I hurt, including myself. If anybody has any words of wisdom and/or encouragement, I would love to hear it.

  68. By jerry h on May 21, 2008 | Reply

    Hi,I am Jerry an addict.Well I’m not goin to sugar coat it I have relapsed and it really hurts so damn bad.At this point in my life I need some people to talk to and get back into meetings.I am very concerned about knowing more about on line meetings. Somebody please if you have time talk to me and let me know.

  69. By Melissa Gail on May 22, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Jerry. I posted the comment right above yours. I’m fairly new at this (clean since 03/18/08) but am more than happy to say any encouraging words to help you through this difficult time. I can’t say that I know how it feels to relapse but I do know how it feels to be addicted and have that addiction completely control your life. I was able to go online and plug in my zip code and find out that there are meetings in the area where I live every single day of the week. It might be beneficial for you to log onto http://www.na.org or http://www.aa.org regarding finding out about online meetings. Alot of times you can have an online conversation with someone which may prove to be extremely helpful. It also might be beneficial to actually physically go to several meetings. You’ll be surrounded by people who are in the same or a similar situation as yourself and may be able to provide you with words of encouragement as well as support. I am here anytime you need to talk, I usually log onto this website a couple of times a day. Just remember to take it “One Day At A Time”. This is all great advice that I received from my father. He has been sober for 17 years so he definitely knows how I feel and exactly what to say to help me and to get my life back on track. I am more than happy to pass his words along to anybody in the hopes that they will help another person as much as they have helped me. Keep your head up and tomorrow will be a better day.

  70. By ShawnMarie on Jun 9, 2008 | Reply

    Hello My Friends, brothers and sisters in recovery. It has been QUITE awhile since I have even had a minute to get on my computer, But I want you all to know I am STILL clean and SERENE, and I am furthering my education. YES I am 37 Years YOUNG and I am going to college in the fall to become, of all things, A DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELOR!!!!!!!!!! How is it that I am doing this?
    SImply because SOMETHING good has to come out of this, and i think that from my own personal experiences with drug addiction, I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!!! Get thee behind me Satan, I am walking, no I am RUNNING to a new me….one that can HELP OTHERS!!!!!!!
    As always, I love you all, and to the sick and the still suffering, PLEASE TRY AGAIN, as many times as it takes…When you get tired of it, it will get tired of you…Keep your heads up, I LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  71. By jessilynn on Jun 9, 2008 | Reply

    Hello my name is Jessi and I am an addict. I just happened to stumble upon this while researching the disease of addiction and looking through some things. Today I have 60 days clean and I feel great. I like me today and I want to stay this way so for everyday I will fight to stay clean and sober and live the life I should be.

  72. By Carolyn C. on Jun 18, 2008 | Reply

    I’m Carolyn, and I am definitely an addict. Today I have 7 days clean, after my second relapse in 2 years. I am greatful today, to my higher power, and to my family for not giving up on me. I am faced with many difficult situations. I will pray for my higher power to take these worries from my heart and to give me the strength to let him handle these things. Thank you, Father, for today clean.

  73. By Tammy on Jun 21, 2008 | Reply

    I am 42 yrs old and i have been married to my husband for almost 11 yrs but we have been together for a total of 20yrs.My husband is addicted to pain killers and has recently went into the hospital to detox off of “well you name it and he has taken it” Back 20yrs ago when he and i first met he was in a horrible car accident and he was hospitalized for 90 days the outcome was he had pins and rods holding one of his legs together and the other leg hade a big chunck out of it down to the muscle they had to take skin off of his hip to cover the injury to his leg,oh i forgot to mention that this was a alchol related accident.Three years ago he stopped drinking alchol but continued on with the pain medicine and etc.The pins were backing up out of his rods that were rubbing agaist his bone so no doubt he was in pain,he finally had surgery to remove the pins that was causing him so much discomfort after a couple of months he should of not needed anymore pain medication but from being on pain killers for so long he had become very dependent to the meds to the point he no longer was taking the meds orally but was snorting them up his nose,enough was enough but he was in such denial of the problem he had that we argued on a daily basis and it has detroyed or marriage,it took for me to file for a divorce and have the papers served to him before he finally would realize the serious addiction that he has to these pain meds we are very fortunate to have really good insurance for him to go into treatment,he is now at a halfway house for men to deal with his addictions he has now been clean for 2wks but still going through alot of withdraw symptoms.All of this has really taken a toll on us i no longer have my husband that i truly love him, the divorce thing was a form of tough love and he has all these years been dealing with his childhood horror story in all the wrong way you see it was not just about the car wreck he was tring to cover up other pain that no drug would cure for him no matter what happens whether our divorce happens or not i truly pray to our almighty father that he can get through this awful sickness and finally find some peace in his heart and in his mind,I recently got a print out of all med that he had been taking from a dozen different doctors and now i am really angry with a few doctors that had been prescibing him way more than what needed my husband is at some fault for his life being out of control but these doctors are also prescribing more than what need be thats why this country has so many people fighting to get their lives back to normal that has a bad addiction to pain killers i never realized just how many people there was until i started attending some of my husbands meetings with him,please stop for 2 minutes of your day and say a prayer for us we are going to need it we have a long journey ahead of us,if anyone out there reads this and has some good sound advice for this family please,please respond back to me. Thanks and God Bless, Tammy.

  74. By liz on Jun 23, 2008 | Reply

    I am the mother of a child who is 24 and huffs, she has two beautiful children that I care for she is not allowed to be around them unless i supervise a hour or two…she is homeless and I know she is still using in my heart she has alot of mental disorders on top of it…her body is distroyed from it heart kidneys and scars all over her body…she is such a pretty girl and now has to live in a car, steal and lie….my heart is broken and we don’t get along…I can’t help her anymore no one can….shes been put in rehab and in a iop not to mention the na meetings…but she won’t get a job…she mentally can’t handle it..there is no one left to help her…I pay for her car insurance and some of her fines but mostly I take care of her young boys and work full time…it’s so hard to function not knowing if the phone is going to ring and I know in my heart I can’t enable her anymore…what or where can I go for help….please help me help her

  75. By Eric on Jul 2, 2008 | Reply

    my name is eric 32 year old meth and heroin addict from hell = MODESTO CALI i had 3 months clean after going through src a treatment center but i relapsed last week i feel stupid any way i would like some peeps to email me that can relate
    ewf092675@yahoo.com

  76. By steve on Aug 17, 2008 | Reply

    im struggling so much right now I quit a gravey job good paying at all because Dope was more importent I know what to do but why dont i

  77. By maureen on Oct 3, 2008 | Reply

    i am in same situation with my daughter i am an enabler to her too it so is not easy plse respond

  78. By maureen on Oct 3, 2008 | Reply

    i gave my dgtr more breaks and covered up for her because i was so in the dark and never ever imagined the amt of stuff she was doing she went from having a great job full time to now stealing vandalizing an hurting the ones she loves she is so lost in time as the avril leveine songs says she has no where to go nobodys home she thinks shes lost her mind shes lost in time i need toPUT her someplace or i feel i will be attending her funeral; before long she has asthma she is playing with fire and doesnt seem to know how to help herself so the real tough love amid disgust hurt and pain and disappointment has to happen now please someone respond to me its a heartache i hope many never have to endur and her so called boyfriend claims he has been taking care of her yeah great job ryan way to go ever hear of a job???? always a scam thanks moe

  79. By aim bakker on Nov 5, 2008 | Reply

    hey.. my names aim and ive been an addiect since i was 14 yrs old and being 14 was not easy ive had alot of health problems… now i am 21 learning how to live a normal life with useing and its the hardest thing in my whole life.. I am tryin to do the right things in my life and i wanna stay like it but man it so hard.. i give in and i no i shouldnt.. i do go to my NA meetings and i loive them… i no im also trying to live just for today cause i dont wanna get a hold of myself….

  80. By Eric B. on Nov 11, 2008 | Reply

    I to stumbled upon this site bt accident. Maybe it was GOD trying 1 more time to fix his broken child. I have used and abused all types of drugs over the past 30 plus years. I am truly tired. Last night i went on a crack bindge and spent money that i did not have to spend. My poor wife is at her wits end. We have a butiful home and business. But if I keep this up I will not hve anything. The most important thing is my family. I can not continue this bull….. I really want to change. This is my start. I have to find help fast. But truly help is within if you look for it. I have to start somplace right? I know it is not going to be easy but if i dont do this i know i will be dead soon. This is not fair to my wife, children, or other family members.
    But more inportant myself. For those of you out there who understand, please pray for me.

  81. By Anna B. on Dec 10, 2008 | Reply

    I really wish I could find some information about narnon meetings for my family. I’m not sure where to look. If someone could tell me where I can locate this information it would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!

  82. By luz on Dec 11, 2008 | Reply

    hi i’m luz and yes i’m an addict i really would like to know if there a chat room for addicts only.

  83. By luz on Dec 11, 2008 | Reply

    Hi i’m luz and i had nine years clean i relapes and went on a four year mission. now i have nine months clean and going through areal rough time today. is there any chat rooms for addicts?

  84. By LindaLou on Dec 18, 2008 | Reply

    My name is Linda. I’m an alcoholic and crack addict who recently had 2 relapses in a week. I had been clean a little over 2 months. My biggest problem is not being able to give everything to God. So please someone who has stuggled with this same problem write me at babygirlfoster5@aol.com I know in my heart that if I just trust God’s Will instead of trying to manage it on my own that things will work out. Please pray for me. I feel like I’m going CRAZY.

  85. By Belinda on Dec 18, 2008 | Reply

    By Belinda on December 18, 2008. My name is Linda. I’m an alcoholic and crack addict who recently had 2 relapses in a week. I had been clean a little over 2 months. My biggest problem is not being able to give everything to God. So please someone who has stuggled with this same problem write me at babygirlfoster5@aol.com I know in my heart that if I just trust God’s Will instead of trying to manage it on my own that things will work out. Please pray for me. I feel like I’m going CRAZY.

  86. By lester on Dec 24, 2008 | Reply

    I need to know how to deal with relationship
    I have clean three years but I always meet someone around the rooms or anyone and always fall in love . I need help

  87. By lester on Dec 24, 2008 | Reply

    my E-mail is lesterwilliams47@yahoo.com

  88. By Valarie on Dec 28, 2008 | Reply

    Hi Im an addict named Val. I am addicted to Fentanyl and any other opiates I can find. Help! I am going to na meetings and really want to get clean but the fear of the withdrawals is forcing me to prolong my detox. Any suggestions?

  89. By Mogan on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply

    hello everyone
    Just wanted to say I have been addicted to weed for 10 years. I have lost pretty much most of my emotions,i’m lazy, i don’t care about anything and my marrige is in shambles. i have brought her into this way of life and feel much regret. many people have tried to help over the years. i now relize I really dont want this life and have procrastinated for far too long.I hope to look back on this message and say this was the day everything changed.
    love you all.

  90. By Mogan on Jan 8, 2009 | Reply

    Everyone keep writing!I would like to hear from you all Klane2008@live.ca even if you just want someone to write to.
    Love you all
    morgan

  91. By carly on May 19, 2009 | Reply

    sd

  92. By milan on Sep 23, 2009 | Reply

    wats up fellows? of course anyone can quit, i was the worstone for 12 years but m clean for 4years.Sooner the better n easier so run for help.I guess,the mainpart is u really wanna quit n how serious r u….goodluck

  93. By LYN on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply

    I really don’t know how to start this, but my heart breaks for each of you. I have a close family member that is addicted to pain killers and anti anxiety drugs and I don’t know what to do. My heart breaks because he was raised in church and loves the Lord, ut these devilish chains have such a hold on him. He seems to be fine one day and somehow or another he gets more pills and then he runs out, and gets so sick. I am so worried. I pray and God Is all that is keeping me going right now. I don’t know if he would talk to any of you or not, but he needs help bad! He wants to go back to school, but it’s like he forgets everything as soon as he learns it. He met the most beautiful girl and she swept him off his feet. He was to have had a date with her yesterday and he is out of his meds and today he is sick, so he didn’t get to go. I don’t know what to do to help him. He loks like he is just withering away, mentally and physically. Please pray for him.

  94. By LYN on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply

    Latisha, I haven’t seen anymore posts from you , but I am here if you need to talk. Hang in there honey cay=use you are wort so much more and so are the rest of yo, so much more than a habit that kills, breaks hearts, causes you to lose the people you love most. You are worth the agony, but remember GOD won’t put more on you than you can bare!!!!!!!!!! It may feel like it, but just have faith!!!!!!!!!! He will help. ASK HIM FROM THE HEART<<<AND HANG ON TO HIM!!!!!!!!!!!

  95. By Erin on Oct 28, 2009 | Reply

    I find this all very funny you know! I need help, I have been to NA chat rooms (many)! & have found not one person to speak to. I’m done! The more I try the more I want to use! it’s too hard! & I’ve been clean for 9 years. I can’t even find a meeting in Carson city where I live! Gamblers ok alcoholics ok, I dont bars or casinos. Drugs addicts in this state are afraid I guess! (I have found a need) but I have to get get clean first! The only NA meeting I could find here was on my street & the spoke spanish! They tried hard to help me but to no avail. I am addidcted to xanax & need to taper or I get suicidal. I need anonymous help. Its a long story. Will you hear me? Can you understand? Is there help out there, or am i looking in all the wrong places? Thanks, I got alot off my chest!
    Erin

  96. By Patricia Blunt-Bey on Mar 1, 2010 | Reply

    Help is available but you have to want it,I’m willing to listen and give you some advice and assist you as far as your addiction goes I am a drug counselor.

  97. By Dave on Jun 28, 2010 | Reply

    I have been sober for over six years! You can do it too!

  98. By Dedra on Jul 20, 2010 | Reply

    My name is Dedra I will have 90 days clean july 28th, I am struggling more daily it seems, why did it go from hard as hell to okay to imposible it seems? Im getting week, please help I dont want to fail, AGAIN……onesillygyrl_68@yahoo.com
    I am glad this site is here and i found it,. Nausiated……

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