Day 1. New mindset

[Matt]

@OohImMentallyIll

The problem seems to be that if I do have one drink I don’t stop.

This story is sooooo common, you are not alone all. You are also not the only therapist who is working on being healthy and sober:

Ask A Therapist

One of the most significant drivers in my recovery is my career as a psychotherapist. I work with adults struggling with mental illness and the majority also deal with substance abuse. A lot of people have questions about therapy and I’d be happy to help out, answer questions, etc. I feel useful and motivated when I have the opportunity to be of service. This in no way negatively impacts my own recovery; on the contrary, it will probably be refreshing to me to be able to share my personal experi…

There may be more threads, that’s just one I found with a quick search.

You are not alone.

I think one thing most people would agree on - whether they’re in recovery or not - is that being honest matters. We can’t fix what we don’t acknowledge. And if we spend our lives trying to hide from something or avoid it, that sucks up all of our energy - which we now can’t use for other, more constructive things.

@OohImMentallyIll

I have been reading through some posts but I feel like I am intruding on a community that is not for me.

That’s understandable. At the same time I would say, follow your heart and keep an open mind. If something feels helpful (or potentially helpful), try it, stick with it if it takes some time, and you will see results. I don’t think you would have posted here today if you didn’t think this could be helpful, so stick with it and see how it grows. The worst thing that will happen is you’ll learn something.

It takes courage to open up. It takes guts to be here. In that way you’re the same as the hundreds of other people who are active here every day. Every one of them faces the same decision you do: do I face it head-on and learn something, or do I remain confused and lost? We all make that choice, one day at a time - and that takes guts. (Which means: you belong. You’ve got the guts.)

There’s a lot of wisdom and fun in these threads. Here’s one of my faves:

Resources for our recovery

I like the checkin thread too. I don’t go every day myself but I find it helps me ground myself when my mind starts racing and fixating:

Checking in daily to maintain focus #40

And of course pets and nature and food and mugs!

Post photos of your pets #4

Post your most inspiring photos of nature #3

Foodies Unite #4 (trigger warning food) DON’T GO BACON MY HEART!

Coffee/Tea mugs / morning thoughts

Thoughts on challenges in relationships where addiction is present:

Are you affected by a loved one who is an addict?

Gratitude:

Daily Gratitude List. Gratitude The Air Of Recovery

And so many others. Welcome @OohImMentallyIll - you’re in a good place and you’re learning - and you can do it