Is there any situation you’re referring to then, that requires opiates for pain relief?
So I usually only comment on this thread if I see patterns emerging with people on the forum. It may not seem like it, but even here I bite my tongue far more often than I post. I don’t want to see anyone fail because I’m truly convinced that a relapse is incredibly dangerous, but I see a lot of posts that remind me of exactly how I used to be right before a relapse. I would love to tell that person the dangers of their line of thinking, or their actions or behaviors. I would love to jump out in front of that bullet for them and stop their relapse. Instead I say nothing and pray for the best. Sometimes I post here. Most times I don’t at the risk of offending people. It’s not like I have the power to stop a relapse any way. I have seen tremendous growth out of some of the people who have relapsed. I have seen others who remain unwilling to make changes and they continue to struggle.
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It’s definitely sad. I always like to think that no one from this forum has ever died and since it’s pretty hard to tell, it’s easy to believe they haven’t.
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This whole “relapse is part of recovery” thing bubbles up with frightening regularity.
@SassyRocks is right about one thing. People do have to find their own way. The problem is, they often encourage others to join them on the easy path.
I have reached a point in my journey where I think it would be best to step away for an indeterminate period of time. I feel a sense of frustration building. It’s been long in coming, but it’s time. Posting this here, as I’ll likely drop out of lounge status before too long. So,
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See around Steve! Keep us updated on the belt progressions!
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Hopefully you’ll still be around a bit. We all benefit from your wise words. That being said, I may drop out of regular myself. The lounge doesn’t hold my attention anymore. Theres no real reason for me to strive for regular status. If it happens, then that’s fine, otherwise don’t care much.
I remember I got quite frustrated about this earlier on in my journey.
I was fighting to stay sober, fighting the voice that kept saying I could have a drink. Raw with emotion and trying to find my way.
People kept posting about relapse being part of recovery, well that just gave my addict brain more ammunition!
I took and still do, take my sobriety very seriously and get frustrated when this attitude raises it head. Again.
I understand totally, the fact that some people still have drinking to do! I did it myself, its took me 27 months to get from admitting to my wife that I am an alcoholic to where I am today.
And so it does frustrate me to see people in the first throes of sobriety, talking in this way.
Thinking about it, I think it is a difficult subject to pin down, semantics plays a big part of the argument. What does a relapse consist of? Is one drink a relapse, or is it falling of the wagon for a considerable period of time? Idk. And it’s not for me to say, I’m doing me!
All credit to the person who started the thread, and to everyone who found the courage to post thereafter. I don’t think anybody was out to upset anybody else, on either side of the topic. I firmly believe that this topic will always be a difficult one to clarify. Just like whether the glass is half empty or half full, it depends on your own outlook!
@Yoda-Stevie I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that you have and still do inspire me in my journey. Who knows, I certainly don’t, whether I would actually be here now if you hadn’t had been here with your Yoda wisdom.
Thanks Devil dog!
Don’t be a stranger! I think we all want to know how you get on with your belts. Though I think we can all agree, the outcome to that one.
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I’ve said it before to you and I’ll say it again @Yoda-Stevie, reading your words changed my life forever when I read them on the eve of my day 1. They were like a sobriety lightning bolt that jolted me into a better life. I decided to better and then I worked to be better, and I work at it every day. You have had such a profound impact on so many of us. Hope to see you back at some point, but if not, God speed and God bless you.
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@Yoda-Stevie steve, i honour your thoughts,and decision. This is about your life and sobriety, no one elses. Great wisdom, support and laughs are missed, but most important is that youre well and balanced.
You remind me of my son who is deep into martial arts. He constantly listens to his emotions and,reactions and makes correcting moves when needed, sometimes it means just walking out from a situation or people. Some get offended by that, but i understand him perfectly…
What ever u decide im thumbs up for you 
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I really really appreciate every post you made. You will be missed here. Come back sooner than later. Stay well
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I’ll miss your wisdom. Your insistence on staying away from drink 1, and find whatever is needed to achieve that, has been a real uplift for me. Thanks. 
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@Yoda-Stevie I get the need to step back. As you know, I do it periodically. I’m going to say the thing that you always say to me when I go- we’ll keep the light on for you. You have helped so many people here, including me. Thank you. I hope you pop back in now and then. 
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Mr Yoda, I hear your words in my head all the time helping me make better decisions and long may that continue, your are a legend who has helped so many. Peace be your journey
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If you do go for a while, I just wanted to say as a newbie, thanks for all your posts. You and so many others on here have influenced me and given me so much to think about. The kind of wisdom, accountability, truth & tough love etc that I need to read (whether my posts or posts involving others). Thanks so much!
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This is so very true 
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It was nice to meet you Steve! Thank you for being here, your way of handling things has helped me in my sober journey. I wish you luck in yours
Hope to see you around some day 🙋
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This makes me so sad, but I have to be honest and admit that it is all for selfish reasons. And, dammit, I really need to stop expecting people to meet my needs. So I totally understand what you’re feeling. I’m still “active” but clearly much less so since I just realized that I lost lounge status myself…I never noticed.
But please continue to spread your wisdom. I know it helps both myself and many newcomers.
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Nice one Jenna, it’s when you realise that you " don’t have this!" As so many people like to say. You got you into the situation in the first place. Fully accepting that you need to look outside of yourself is the first step to a new improved life.
I love the way you have grown over the last couple of weeks. Go girl!
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Jenna, I love watching your progress and transformed attitude. Keep on rocking it, friend!
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