I’m new to this, never really done the internet chat thing but I’m about to graduate a one year faith based recovery program and I want to stay sober. This is not my first time in rehab. It’s actually my 7th, I feel like I’m never going to get it. I don’t feel any different and I’ve been here 12 months and I’ve prayed so hard but I was raised in church and I believe in God but it has never kept me sober before. I don’t mean that in a negative way like it’s Gods fault but I do know that I have prayed all the way to the dope house and it’s never kept me from using. I want to stay sober this time but for the first time since I’ve tried getting sober I realize that I can’t place it all on God, I have to be active in recovery. I’m seeking something real, real people with real struggles that I can relate to. This recovery program I’m about to leave has helped me tremendously but I need more than easing my bible all day and praying. I’m not really even sure what I’m trying to say other than I need more than religion to do this life, I feel guilty saying that but I don’t want to go back to the old me. Not sure if anyone can relate to this or if I’m broken from all the drugs I’ve done but here I am!!! Help help help!
Faith without works is dead.
Although I don’t consider myself to be religious I do believe that a solid connection with a Higher Power has been beneficial to my recovery. Like you I have been to multiple rehabs. My sobriety didn’t stick, however, until I put in the work. For me that meant AA daily, IOP, therapy, sober living, getting a sponsor, and then working the steps.
Prayer and meditation a great, but those things alone won’t get you sober. Seeing that you already have a higher power it would seem that AA is the next logical step
Faith and the bible are just a facet of your recovery, there are many sides to it. Having a community of sober people to turn to who understand, having family, for some it’ll include medical assistance, medication etc.
Its many cogs all working together, work your sobriety (AA) helping others, find things you enjoy, hobbies that’ll keep you busy, work, family, friendships, meetings- along with your faith.
You’ve got the foundation now its time to build…
What is IOP
Intensive Outpatient. It’s good for establishing a good routine once you leave an inpatient facility. You have group for a couple hours a day for a couple days a week
Hi Brandon,
It sounds like you are halfway there. You have the faith side dialled in. You are just missing the action part. Your plan and list of things you do for your recovery EVERY day.
For me, I am finding success with a list of do’s and don’ts for rmy people places and things. People and places on the don’t list are non-negotiable. That way, I don’t have to pray that I don’t drink all the way to the pub. I don’t go to the pub. It is a non negotiable. Friday nights are a trigger for me. I don’t go out on a Friday night. Not even to the shops because I cannot trust myself… yet. I buy what I need earlier in the week so that I can stay home and watch films and keep myself occupied unti Friday night is over. Maybe that changes in the future but for now it is what it is and I am ok with that because I get to wake up every Saturday morning sober.
This is good idea for me , thank you!!