Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

staying sober

TSE

TSE

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jun 25, 2007
4,077
3,725
St. Paul, Minnesota
hey all girlfriend is out of town and its the first night ive had alone in a long time ill be this way until wednesday. going to hang out with a friend tomorrow to not isolate too much. just got out of a twelve step meeting. now that im out still feeling that pull

hows everyone tonight
 
  • Like
Reactions: decafjava
TSE said:
hey all girlfriend is out of town and its the first night ive had alone in a long time ill be this way until wednesday. going to hang out with a friend tomorrow to not isolate too much. just got out of a twelve step meeting. now that im out still feeling that pull

hows everyone tonight
Click to expand...

Good luck and stay in some form of support therapy. Stay grounded and in tune with yourself as trading one vice for another is both extremely easy to do and common.
 
Just want to say I’m still sober, although I feel like I’ve been “white knuckling” (basically just fighting the addiction and struggle internally) versus feeling serenity in sobriety and being at a good place in my program to where it isn’t even a question whether I’m going to stay sober or not.
 
  • Like
Reactions: decafjava and jkcerda
TSE said:
hey all girlfriend is out of town and its the first night ive had alone in a long time ill be this way until wednesday. going to hang out with a friend tomorrow to not isolate too much. just got out of a twelve step meeting. now that im out still feeling that pull

hows everyone tonight
Click to expand...

Greetings!

I do not suffer from addiction personally, however I have worked for a psych hospital as a psychopharmacologist for almost 10 years now. Somewhere between 60-75% of our patients at any given time have substance use disorders and we have a multitude of programs that address addiction. I also am a partner in a private residential psych program and generally speaking 80-90%+ of our clients are being treated for substance use disorders.

I have all the respect in the world for anyone who takes on the challenge of addressing substance use. It's probably one of the most difficult things anyone could have to deal with. I've seen many good people lose their lives to this disease, so it always makes me really happy to see people succeeding in their recovery. And this whole pandemic has been a disaster in terms of increasing mental health issues including addiction.

It's great to see that you're reaching out for help and making a plan to deal with difficult times. Being alone or lonely is definitely a huge trigger for people. Making plans to stay social and keep yourself occupied is awesome. I know I'm late to the game here but I hope everything went well.

Please continue to reach out if you're ever going through any difficulties. I know there are many people in this community that can relate and who are willing to help. My PM box is always open too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: decafjava and KaliYoni
Hey man! I might not be the best person to talk to but I’m interested in trying to help, first, what do you mean by -sober-? For a suburban mom the term is easy but for anybody who has dopamine/serotonin issues it’s harder. Are you substance free? No caffeine, THC, nicotine, hard drugs, not even using melatonin to get to sleep? If not what are you currently doing and where did you start in the journey? It’s a lot but you posted because youre looking for help and I’m trying to, you wouldn’t have posted if you aren’t willing to be somewhat prodded.

I use CBD/THC medically for severe OCD and I drink recreationally. I’ve had friends be addicted to various substances including opiates and cocaine. My best friend died a few months ago from a fentapill. My advice would be to stick through whatever your dealing with. You know your body best, your quitting because you noticed something wasnt going how it should and if you keep going you’ll be happy with the results. It seems like you also value your girlfriend, remember any slip will hurt her more than it’ll hurt you, and that down will feel worse than any high.
 
Last edited:
jkcerda said:
nephew cut all ties with his friends that were still doing it, it helped a lot as well as keeping his mind occupied in other things.
Click to expand...

Good for your nephew. Got to have friends that support you rather than lead you back into your addiction.
 
A.Goldberg said:
Greetings!

I do not suffer from addiction personally, however I have worked for a psych hospital as a psychopharmacologist for almost 10 years now. Somewhere between 60-75% of our patients at any given time have substance use disorders and we have a multitude of programs that address addiction. I also am a partner in a private residential psych program and generally speaking 80-90%+ of our clients are being treated for substance use disorders.

I have all the respect in the world for anyone who takes on the challenge of addressing substance use. It's probably one of the most difficult things anyone could have to deal with. I've seen many good people lose their lives to this disease, so it always makes me really happy to see people succeeding in their recovery. And this whole pandemic has been a disaster in terms of increasing mental health issues including addiction.

It's great to see that you're reaching out for help and making a plan to deal with difficult times. Being alone or lonely is definitely a huge trigger for people. Making plans to stay social and keep yourself occupied is awesome. I know I'm late to the game here but I hope everything went well.

Please continue to reach out if you're ever going through any difficulties. I know there are many people in this community that can relate and who are willing to help. My PM box is always open too.
Click to expand...


Thank you so much. It's funny - I have a sober date of June 28th of last year and sometimes recovery feels like torture and not worth it, but it totally is and I logically know that. I honestly don't know the difference between staying sober and not in these moments and how I've stayed sober. But I'm thankful every time I make it through the other side clean and with nothing but positive consequences.

acorntoy said:
Hey man! I might not be the best person to talk to but I’m interested in trying to help, first, what do you mean by -sober-? For a suburban mom the term is easy but for anybody who has dopamine/serotonin issues it’s harder. Are you substance free? No caffeine, THC, nicotine, hard drugs, not even using melatonin to get to sleep? If not what are you currently doing and where did you start in the journey? It’s a lot but you posted because youre looking for help and I’m trying to, you wouldn’t have posted if you aren’t willing to be somewhat prodded.

I use CBD/THC medically for severe OCD and I drink recreationally. I’ve had friends be addicted to various substances including opiates and cocaine. My best friend died a few months ago from a fentapill. My advice would be to stick through whatever your dealing with. You know your body best, your quitting because you noticed something wasnt going how it should and if you keep going you’ll be happy with the results. It seems like you also value your girlfriend, remember any slip will hurt her more than it’ll hurt you, and that down will feel worse than any high.
Click to expand...

Yo. I'm really sorry to hear about your best friend. To be honest, the thing that motivated me to get clean is seeing my best friend in the hospital after ODing on heroin. I can still cry in seconds just thinking about that. Actually am now that it crossed my mind for the first time in awhile. So, so, so sorry. Hit me up if you'd ever like to chat.

ucfgrad93 said:
Good for your nephew. Got to have friends that support you rather than lead you back into your addiction.
Click to expand...

This is step one, without question. Even if the friend totally is a great person in their own right and care about you, you are inevitably going to break some friendships and hurt some feelings. But you HAVE to put sobriety first. Period. Someday when I get further into my program, maybe some doors reopen if they are meant to. But right now I have too much to lose by being around certain activities.
 
I've never been drunk and only drink an ounce a year for religious reasons. So I don't know what it feels like at all. It's pretty easy to be social these days with the internet. I'm old enough to have a group of friends to chat with or email with, even when we're far apart. Stay social.

My main addiction is working out and I'm headed to the gym shortly after running outside.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back