I have quit smoking, drinking and drugs and relapsed every time. My last attempt was decent however I had a real bad fight with my mother which caused me to replapse.
Today as I try to recover from a binge night, I have had enough. I feel sick, exhausted and ashamed. But I’m truly worried that a week or two weeks from now I will get triggered again, and my mind will begin negotiating with me telling me that one more won’t hurt and will smooth you. I feel weak.
I’m hoping this community will keep my motivation and determination for sobriety lasts.
Understand that there will always be excuses to drink but never a reason. The brain will intentionally find excuses. We have to find new ways to cope. Coping with the help of community is easier. Welcome to TS, you deserve a sober, happy, healthy life!
Learn, ask questions, reach out, listen. There are so many great people on here that are so helpful.
I caution against blaming other things for relapsing. I’ve done that a million times, and there will always be a million and one to justify our addictions. Learning to own our actions is a big, scary step in recovery. Because ultimately we are responsible for our reactions/responses.
We also have lived experience in getting, and staying, sober. Many people here have achieved long-term sobriety no matter what circumstances they go through. In addition to motivation and determination are you interested in learning how people stayed sober?
I’m on day 1 for cannabis, cocaine and tobacco. Day 26 for alcohol. Right now I’m trying to think of what I can substitute and what I can do to help fight the urges with all the triggers around me. I
Try not to overthink things. I used to do the same thing when I first became sober. Live in the moment. One sober moment at a time, and they will add up.
I’m over 800 days sober. Nothing can trigger me enough to lose that.
Hi there!! Welcome to the forum!!! I can absolutely relate to that feeling of “forgetting” how bad it was during my past relapses. It would usually take me btwn 3-7 days and before I knew it I was using again, completely confused at how I got there AGAIN!! Addiction is truly cunning, baffling, and powerful. Our addict minds will LIE to us every time… it will tell us that we can moderate, that we can use once and not suffer any consequences, that we are cured, that it will be different this time.
The trick is to notice ur thoughts when it is thinking these things (when ur mind is lieing to u). Once u can notice these thoughts, u can then challenge them by reminding urself of what happens every time u use (the shame and guilt, the debt, the physical withdrawl, the relationships that are damaged, the loss of work, the loss of sleep, etc etc). U gotta play the tape to the end. Dont stop at the “good ol’ times” (cuz quite frankly, it always ends in disaster). Write down ur reasons for quitting and read them daily. It really helps!
Thank you for this. This morning when I was crashing and feeling sick I took the opportunity to document every negative feeling I was having. When my mind begins to crave again - I will be reviewing all my notes.
Not gonna lie. I’m craving. Craving bad. But ironically that strong craving I’m currently feeling, is only motivating me to fight it. Fight this demon named addiction that has taken control of me.
Glad you’re here Dennis! This is a great place to find support and resources!
The link I’m including below is a daily check-in thread here on TS. It’s a great place to find, and eventually maybe provide support. It’s been really helpful for me this last month!
Welcome. Like has been said, work on those triggers man. Find ways to deal with them or initially even just ways to avoid them, but realise at sometime down the line, when you’re stronger in your sobriety you will have to deal with them.
There’s not a problem in the world that can’t be made worse by using.
Maybe try a meeting ,meet like minded people who have been were you are now there is online meetings now , im a shake your hand eye contact guy and a hug for the ladies guy , wish you well
How are u doing tonight?
