Share Your Story
Here is your chance to share your experience, strength and hope with our community. Feel free to share the good, and the not so good, about your experiences with addiction and recovery. Inquiring minds want to know. We know you are not shy!
Use the Comment Form below.
(If)…
| Limits and Boundaries:
This site has grown in readership and ranking. Some people are posting comments here for the purposes of getting backlinks for commercial purposes. That is not what this page is for and I will not approve them. It clutters up the message. This page is for those who want to help others in addiction and addiction recovery through sharing thier experiences. Before posting ask if you are making a positive contribution to this site and theme. If you would like to engage in linking activities, email me, but please do not link here. |
{ 145 comments… read them below or add one }
Bill,Stumbled across your site. I’ve been a friend of the friends of Bill for 30 years. I really like your site. I’m looking for the catch. Virus? Spyware? I’m going to share this with my patrients. If it comes back to bite me, I’ll use my secret NADAC curse to make your hair fall out.
Greg In Boonville
Your available feeds are html
Holistic treatment deals with the mind , body and spirit. My question to you is : What do you do to work on the mind? what do you do to work on the body? And what do you do to work on the spirit? To help individuals that have drug addiction. I really would like to know.
Sent you an email Grerg,
Sometimes late at night when I work on the site I ask myself the same question? I just thought it would be nice to provide info and a welcome. Don’t know if my message comes out right, but sustained long term recovery is possible. Good Info helps.
Bill
Just found your site. I N C R D I B L E!!! This is by far the most informative site I have ever found for the addict.
We are preparing to begin our Transitional Residential service for Women with a chemical substance abuse addiction here in Indianapolis. I have been knocking my head against the wall that will not only provide information for the resident, but for their family also. I think your site will fill that spot nicely.
I will refer this site to all my cohorts in the field. Thanks again.
Sincerely,
John Sherman
Executive Director
Door of Hope Recovery House for Women, Inc.
1826 W. Vermont St., Indianapolis, IN 46222
Telephone: 317.951.0421
I noticed that the word “Alcoholics Anonymous” is spelled “Alcohilcs Anonymous” at the top of your “Catagories” index.
my sister has meet some people who are just out of rehab and is planning to welcome them to rent a room in her home how save is this? and where can I find out more about them? she know one of them but not the other two.
My suggestion would be to talk to your sister and express your concerns. Having someone live with you is a big step, it sounds like you are concerned for her well being, express that to her.
Are males the only ones that get addicted to codeine?
And it’s means ‘it is’ or ‘it has’. You were correct with ‘its’ the first time, then got it wrong the next two times. Its with no apostrophe is appropriate for what you mean to say.
And how about including females now and then?
I am hot on spelling and grammar, but find it is a bit picky to leave comments regarding this issue when your site is so fantastic, would you consider a forum – type area or chat rooms – I have started a site (click on my name at the top – Bill has linked it via comments for everyone). I am going to link your site onto mine, I think you are brilliant.
I wish I had found you sooner…
angeljinna
I am a recovering alcoholic with 5 years sobriety. Initially, I didn’t understand the steps or that this is a fear-based disease. I started to gain the “tools” in my 3rd to 4th year. I’ve even used them on occasion usually when I had a bad day at work or a argument with the husband. Turning if over was never easy and still can give me trouble. Until a year ago, I thought I tested these new found “tools” in my toolbox until I learned my son Pete who is now 16yo has a heroin addiction. Talk about fear! I’m still scared to death. This all happened right under my nose. Both my husband and I are home every night. When I found out why he was so sick with flu-like symptoms, hot and cold sweats, back/leg pain – I thought I wanted to die. He’s currently in a rehab in Florida and hating every minute of it. The tools are what is getting me through this. I’ve come to realize what I could never figure out before…why I was put on this road to recovery. This is all playing out as if it were pre-written somewhere. I was supposed to suffer and gain sobriety so that I can guide and help my own son. Lord, somedays I’m hanging on by a fingernail, but I’m not giving up and not going to drink over it. I keep telling myself “it’s His will not mine” whatever happens. I’m proud to be a recovering alcoholic because only once I surrendered did I really learn to live and AA has provided me with so many answers to all my questions that no other outside professional, guru, etc., could answer. Only those who have walked my walk can enlighten me. I thank you all and ask for your prayers for my son and his recovery.
God bless,
Donna C.
Alcoholism can lead people into serious trouble, and can be physically and mentally destructive. Currently alcohol use is involved in half of all crimes, murders, accidental deaths, and suicides. There are also many health problems associated with alcohol use such as brain damage, cancer, heart disease, and diseases of the liver. Alcoholics who do not stop drinking reduce life expectancy by 10 to 15 years. Too much alcohol can destroy brain cells, possibly leading to brain damage. It can also harm vision, damage sexual function, slow circulation, be the grounds for malnutrition, and water retention.
__________________
cutie_tech123
Comprehensive resources for those looking for recovery from addiction. http://www.addictionrecovery.net
cathy smiths last blog post..Day Treatment Programs for Alcohol Addiction or Drug Addiction in Delaware for Working People
I have been touched more than most by gambling addictions directly and indirectly.
There is no easy answer as I found gambling addicts are intent on self harm. Such self loathing ignores rationality. If you show the addicted a way to stop losing it really makes little difference.
And yet my own rationale is that it is NOT the gambling that is BAD, it is the LOSING. Successful gamblers bet more and more regularly than the addicted but they don’t have a gambling problem BECAUSE they WIN.
I am not trying to be simplistic here but I think it worth considering in terms of gambling addiction.
AnalynG
Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…
Thank You , folks
Bill
hi Donna C.
I’ll pray for your recovery…god Bless!!!
First of all, I really appreciate you to do this type of social work. You take the challenge to recover addict people. As a social worker I lift up many people I really wondered to see your site. This will be very helpful to me. Thank you.
Nice message Bill, I am looking forward to hear what you have to say. I definitely agree with you about florida beaches
iam going on 2 months sober i like reading because i learning more about other people in there early recovery and how they stay sober
god bless everyone
maureen
To whom it may concern,
On Nov. 19, 2005 I came to in the sober house where I was living, wondering what the hell just happened. I had a relapse with an anxiety medication that put me under for 2 days. This was not the 1st relapse I’d had, but hopefully it will be the last.
I called my sponsor crying about it (of course he already knew, the AA grapevine spreads far and wide). He was none to happy with me, but came to get me anyway. He had just had another sponsee that committed suicide after relapsing. This time, I told him, would be different. He asked why he should believe that. I told him that this time I would follow direction and do whatever he told me to, and I kinda meant it, because I thought that was what he wanted to hear.
Because you have to be sober to live in a sober house, I no longer had a place to live. I was penniless, jobless, and homeless. There was no one left who would buy my lies, or take me in. My family had given up on me long ago. I was asked to stay away, because they didn’t want to watch me die.
So, the first thing he told me, was to go to the Rescue Mission for a couple of days, until he could figure out what to do with me. I did NOT like that idea. ME? At the resue mission? I was better than that. But, that was my choice, recue mission or go live under the bridge. It took a lot to walk in that door, and the first thought through my mind was, “Oh my God, look at these people.” The very next thought was, “Oh my God, I AM one of these people.” The next thought, I have found, was the most important breakthrough in my recovery, “Dear God, what have I done to MYSELF?” Myself being the keyword. It was the first time in my life that I didn’t blame some other person, place, institution, or thing for my troubles. I also realized for the first time, that I was no different than anyone else. I now understood that my thinking got me where I was. Now I was ready to do whatever my sponsor said, and I did just that.
I stayed at the mission for 3 days, when I was accepted into a recovery house. I went there because my sponsor told me to. Although I didn’t like it, I stayed there for 9 months, until my sponsor told me it was time for me to move on. I used the recovery house for wwhat it was intended to be, a stepping stone.
It all began almost 4 years ago. Along the way there has been triumph and tragedy. A month after leaving the sober house, one of my roommates and a close friend, committed suicide in his room. I still listen closely to my sponsor, although he won’t make choices for me, he gives me my options. I still don’t make any major decisions on my own.
Because of this, my life has changed dramatically. I have gone from the rescue mission, to having my own home. I have a job and I’m going to college. I have a car. I just got 50/50 custody of my daughter. I have been accepted back by family. I have gained more than I lost. I finally have a life.
All these things were made possible by God, and working this program. I still attend regular AA meetings, because as my sponsor puts it, you can’t let the rewards of sobriety get in the way of sobriety.
Thanks for listening,
Brett
I think there needs to be something done about pharmecutical abuse. I was prescribed xanax nearly 6 years ago. From my understanding, it is to be used only for short periods of time. I became addicted and got myself into a mess of legal trouble for doctor shopping. I found it extreamly easy to walk into any doctors office and get prescribed xanax. From my personal hell with xanax, i believe the drug should be outlawed. For 6 years of my life I would abuse the drug, forget a week of my life, go through withdrawls. swear I would never do it again…….then the next month when my refill came in I did it all over again. I have finally been off of the drug for a month now. But not a day goes by that I don’t think about the good feeling that little pill gave me. I do not think it is ethical for the doctors to dipense xanax like candy, not even warning patients of the high potential for addiction. Has anyone had a similar experience?
I would like to communicate with some recovering addicts, especially xanax addicts. I have been playing with recovery for over two years and after my last relapse, where I believe I hit my bottom, I can honestly say “I understand that I cannot successfully use drugs.” When I relapse it is always the same story, “I can just take a few xanax, veg out and no one will know the difference.” But it never works out that way. This time was bad. I took nearly 180 two millogram xanax tabs in 7 days. I broke my nose when I fell flat on my face on my mothers porch, which scared her. I remember bits and pieces of the week, but will never forget the absolute shame, humilliation and hopelessness I felt when the drugs were gone. I layed in bed for two whole days praying to god to help me stop ktrying to kill myself, and finally came to the realization that I can NEVER use drugs again. Has anyone had an addiction to benzo’s? I am not new to recovery, but this is the first time I have taken it seriously. I would like some experience strength and hope. Thanks.
Wow, there are some really inspiring stories here. I am not an alcoholic or addicted to drugs, but I remember the story of my friend Kim tells about right after he had gotten out of jail. he was sharing in church and a very old lady name Beulah reminded him that we ALL have been in prison of one kind or another.
I think that it’s possible that most of us, if not all of us, have been addicted to SOMETHING. I thank all of you for sharing your stories and I wish you all the very, very best.
The only true solution to any addiction – regardless, is God’s solution. God is waiting for you to confess your addiction, to become humble before Him and everyone that you lied to about your addiction.
We are preparing to begin our Transitional Residential service for Women with a chemical substance abuse addiction here in Indianapolis. I have been knocking my head against the wall that will not only provide information for the resident, but for their family also. I think your site will fill that spot nicely.
my brother was hook up with the drugs when we were in the philippines. He has lot of friends and maybe from them, they influenced him. Its been many years taht he indulge in that situation where he sold some of our appliances and jewelries. Until, the time comes, he joined a gang that held up people. He was jailed for a month since my dad bailed him. He went to my dads province, far from his influential friends. There, he recovered. And im thankful, he met a girl that changed him alot. Now, he is a successful businessman, managing the farm of my dad in the philippines.
watch greek
I am glad that stumbled upon your website in search of information for my brother. He was clean and sober for over 90 days for heiron but went out to dinner and had a beer. He called me very upset about it and I didn’t know what to say. I only thing I could say was that it will happen and no one is perfect. It is a struggle which you have to take one day at a time. A lot of people will find it harder especially the way things are now. Daily they are reminded of other struggles people are facing today such as no jobs, no health care or roofs over their heads. How can we really encourage them when we ourselves are struggling ?
ive been with this man for three years he drinks every other day he somehow got me to fall in love with him but then he will pick a fight to get me to leave then calls girls over to party with him after a couple days he calls me crying telling me he loves me and cant live without me i come back everytime we set and talk about our life together and promise to change whats wronge then he gets drunk and acts like he doesnt want me around
My son of 21 nearly got addicted to drinking and smoking when he was younger. it was a case of who had the stronger influence on him.. his family? or his friends? His family eventually won! Thank God! We just had to show him we love him and that both his eldest brother, whom he idolizes, and myself forsook smoking and drinking. It is more of ‘do as I did’ and not ‘don’t do what I did!’
Donna C God bless you can do it
Wow, there are some really inspiring stories here. I am not an alcoholic or addicted to drugs, but i remember my friend tells about right after he had gotten out of jail. He was sharing in church and a very old lady reminded him that we all have been in prison of one kind or another
I think that it’s possible that most of us, have been addicted to something. I thank all of you for sharing your stories and i wish you all the very best
bianca
These stories are very good. I’ve never even had any of these substances, but I was addicted to a game one time. This game consumed my life, and my time. The game, as many of you may already know what I’m going to say was World of Warcraft. Finally, after I had gotten my grades back for the semester, I took the disk out, and just broke it in half. I don’t miss it one bit though is the funny part. Once I did that, I kept on moving. I’ve always wondered though, if it works the same with substance addictions. Good luck to you all. This is one thing, where the grass will always be greener on the other side.
i have a really close friend, very close. Trying his very best to be a better person. With this economy and very poor support he relapsed. His mom died of substance abuse. His dad beat him up when he was a kid. Lately his car broke down, he can hardly find a job, can hardly afford a place to live. It’s really hard out there. I know it’s hard when you lost everything you have because of alcohol addiction. Then you have a hard time getting your life back even how much you want to. Because of his past upbringing and present stress he relapsed.I don’t know what to say. He is a very nice person with the biggest heart and can hardly get a break because of the wrong decision he made in life. I want to help him bad but now i can’t find him. I am afraid that he went back to his family and will blame him and made him feel worse about his relapse. I know he have to suffer the consequences of his action and learn from his mistake. He need to know that he made a mistake, but i know deep down that he already does. I know how hard he tries to stop drinking and help other people in the halfway house to stay sober. The last thing he needs right now is the blame game. I know he is beating himself really hard right now for slipping. Am i wrong to be a friend and try to rescue him? E- mail me. I want to save him. I don’t know if this is the right decision or not. I really care for him and want to do everything to help him win with this struggle. I don’t know if by doing so i am just hurting him more. I need your advice. If you can e mail me back i will really appreciate it. I want to see him succeed. We were talking about him going back to school. We are dreaming together a better future for him. I want to see that come true. They say alcohol addiction has no cure, i don’t want to give up on him when i see everybody else does. I can’t pass judgement on them because i know they have been through a lot with him and his addiction. Am confused. I need your help.
I am a mother of a 15 year old boy who 3 months ago was a troubled but functional boy who was above average intelligence, goofy and all the other things that 15 year old boys are. Six weeks ago he decided to try “robo-tripping” so he wouldnt get in trouble for smokin pot from me. He went on a 12 day binge-trip and now he can barely operate a washing machine. There is very little light in his eyes and I wait for the day to come where the depression that is an after effect of this takes his life. I can’t find anyone who has recovered from this to tell me what I can do to save him and the doctors are clueless. If there is anyone out there who knows or knows of someone who has done this and recovered please post something. It is so sad to see this boy have this severe of damage and just watch him dwindle day by day and not be able to stop it.
That is an awesome video about coffee addiction)) It’s so familiar to me that I almost identify myself with the main character. But I really don’t feel bad about that. Help me!
Nice message Bill.. Thank you
conceiving
It was a very touching stories. let me tell you about my uncle cased, i know its not good to discuss about him because he is already dead but its actually tortured me. Before, he is a very alcoholic, a cigarette smoker too which were we cant do stop him. That is really his hobbies until the time came it cause him sick which are the kidney, lungs diseases which doctor cant cure because its too complicated. while he’s doing that I’m so worried, but how can i can avoid to that case? I might afraid of, to that kind of hobbies.
Thanks to all of you for your comments and stories on substance abuse . I have suffered indirectly the effects of it. My grand father was an alcoholic and most of the time I remember him – DRUNK – but I love him very much because he raised me on my first years. However, I do remember thinking when am I going to see him in a sober state? It was hard looking at him always under the influence of alcohol. He was a strong being, he passed way close to one hundred years old. He died of an alcohol unrelated death.
Although ferrets need daily time outside their cage, they generally still spend a significant amount of time in their cages so need a good sized, interesting cage. Here’s a brief rundown on some large ferret cages available online.
Ferret Guide
I just wrote a book “The Vivcious Cycle, The JoeWaWa Story
I think it a very interesting story that is uniquely written. Check out the links
http://www2.xlibris.com/BOOKSTORE/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=77651
Everyone has a little Joe WaWa inside them, the guy that always wants one more and does not know when he has had enough. I came of age in the mid -1970’s, where I discovered sex, drugs, rock and roll, and the pain of addiction, thus “The Vicious Cycle” begins. I’ll take you through the early years where it all began, then into the “Casino and Beach” years’ where it all began to fall apart. Finally the journey continues into the recovery years where my search for normalcy, spirituality, love, family, meaning, and the American Dream, this book, was sought. I have added some poetry along the way highlighting the good times and the bad. These poems were written in my journal during the highs and lows of my addictions. Therefore, they are in their original form using poetic license. Joe WaWa, not an American hero, just a guy who saved himself from himself.
I just wrote a book “The Vicious Cycle, The JoeWaWa Story
I think it a very interesting story that is uniquely written. Check out the links
http://www2.xlibris.com/BOOKSTORE/bookdisplay.aspx?bookid=77651
Everyone has a little Joe WaWa inside them, the guy that always wants one more and does not know when he has had enough. I came of age in the mid -1970’s, where I discovered sex, drugs, rock and roll, and the pain of addiction, thus “The Vicious Cycle” begins. I’ll take you through the early years where it all began, then into the “Casino and Beach” years’ where it all began to fall apart. Finally the journey continues into the recovery years where my search for normalcy, spirituality, love, family, meaning, and the American Dream, this book, was sought. I have added some poetry along the way highlighting the good times and the bad. These poems were written in my journal during the highs and lows of my addictions. Therefore, they are in their original form using poetic license. Joe WaWa, not an American hero, just a guy who saved himself from himself.
This site is a huge benefit to me, with resources and great quality content. My sister has a form of addiction (annorexia) and this is a good place for me to come and read up on the best possible mental attitude for me to take when reading others stories and tips. I think this site is fantastic.
There are some inspiring stories here. Alcoholism can lead people into serious trouble, and can be physically and mentally destructive
Hey Bill hope you are great today since you have a great site. This is my first time to come across with this kind of site. This is very helpful to other readers or bloggers and to anyone. Well what I want to share is not a story of recovery from certain addiction. But I too, experienced addiction. We all experience it but in dissimilar or varied state or form. I’ve been food addict when I got my first pregnancy. What I did was eat all day, as if my stomach is always crunching and empty. And the result, after I gave birth, my body was so fat as if I’m still pregnant. I had to do workouts and exercises to bring my old body back. Well that’s all for now.
A FRIEND
I have a friend who helps me when I’m in need.
My friend answers my calls when the demon wants to feed.
We haven’t known each other for years, only for a short while.
He gets me out of my head, informs me when I’m in denial.
Wise with experience, he’s been down this road before.
Serene Choices he helps me make with getting high no more.
My friend talks me down when my addiction starts to flare.
Never dishearten, always bolsters with the utmost care.
My friend doesn’t want repayment, even though I couldn’t repay him enough.
He’s wise with my temperament, and when needed his words can be tough.
Even with the hectic and strenuous activities of his day,
He’s still engaged in my program, to have his strength I can only pray.
My friend is a great teacher of sobriety, and a slayer of the monster.
He’s my friend, my family, and people call him my sponsor.
Travis Grider 3/10
Great poem! You should be so proud of yourself for being clean and for being a great writer. I am so glad you are able to share your poems with other individuals that need to hear them. I am so proud of you and where are you are today. I can only image how hard it is for you especially with our crazy family. I know it doesn’t seem like it sometimes but you being sober makes our lives so much better. You are an inspiration to me and to our family. Keep up the good work and congratulations on 9 months and 9 days CLEAN!!! Love you. Mary
Good Job!! I am also so proud of you for making the choice to get clean and for staying clean! We are all so lucky to have someone like you in our lives to inspire us and let us know that with enough hard work we can do anything.
I used to be addicted to cigarettes, I just couldn’t help puffing away all day. Everytime I used to get a break my hand was dipping in for a new smoke. Took me a while to get over it and I’m happy to say that I’m now clean for a year!
Thanks for the inspiration.
Your stories are touching and inspiring. For me there’s no amount of medicine or drug or rehabilitation that can make someone feel better without the aide of someone who really cares for people who needs help, that’s why we must be thankful and greatful for those who are keeping on giving us the chance and encouragement to do right and live our lives in more fruitful way.
MY ADDICT
Eyes burning thru the dark haze,
Searching, unseeing, running thru a maze,
Scratching, clawing, and fighting to be someone.
Thru the murky smoke I thought it was fun.
Not promoting joy, but only inflicting pain.
Loved ones praying the lord cleanses me with his rain.
Heart pounding, sweating, uncontrollable shaking,
Punishment is hell if not for the choice I’m making.
A little time goes bye I start to steady.
Praying to God to please, please make me ready.
Mind starts clearing, fog starts fading.
Determined now not to sabotage my saving,
A second chance for me God is giving.
For a clean way of life, for a serene way of living!
Travis Grider 3/10