Addiction

[Rockbottom]

Forgive me this relative downer amid the frivolity on here, but I felt like sharing ...

A couple months back, I was diagnosed with an addiction and am currently in treatment for it. I share with y'all mainly because I am learning not to be so secretive about things, and to throw the topic out there for discussion.

There surely are folks among us dealing with addiction - whether it be chemical, liquid, pills or otherwise. How do you cope? How do you grow? What is your support system like?

Like I said, this is all new to me. Learning about myself in this context is incredibly painful. This might well be cathartic. I don't know.

RB

 

[Colton]

RB: Best of luck to you as you face this head on. I'm proud of you.

 

[Johnny Dangerously]

Addictions -- hard for people to understand and have empathy about if they've never been in the grip of one.

Harder still to beat.

Wishing you the best. Holler if you ever just need someone to listen who won't judge or condescend.

I'm pulling for you. Congratulations on the big steps you've already taken.

 

[Oggiedoggie]

I would only suggest that you be aware that you are so much more than the addiction.

It's a day-to-day fight. And, if you should stumple a little, it doesn't mean that you have to fall.

You have an opportunity to learn more about yourself. That's better done with a clear mind.

Good luck.

Keep strong.

 

[alleyallen]

Addictions are terrible and consuming. It's a battle to hold on to any edge you can find against it. Just don't give up and use every avenue of support you can find. Best of wishes.

 

[KYSportsWriter]

rb, good luck with everything. and like jd said, if you ever need an ear, shoot me a PM.

 

[Herbert Anchovy]

An understanding wife who would go to the mat for you.

Every day is going to be a trial. Understand that.

 

[Brooklyn Bridge]

Just to echo, don't be afraid to reach out to family and friends. It is something you cannot do on your own. Good luck.

 

[Baron Scicluna]

Good luck, RB

 

[Ashy Larry]

Good luck RB. And remember, getting and staying clean is possible.....millions have done it. It's by no means easy.....and I echo what other's have said, reach out to friends and family, go to meetings or find a strategy that works for you.

 

[Precious Roy]

Sent you a PM RB, feel free to send me a line any time. I know the road and will be thinking of you.
Stay strong

 

[zimbabwe]

Remember that you only have to win TODAY.

And PM me for any reason.

It will get better. It will get easier. You can do it.

(Go to AA).

 

[Rockbottom]

As you can see, sleeplessness clearly comes with my current state.

I am humbled beyond words by y'all, both on this thread and with the PMs I have received. This will definitely be a place and the people I will turn to as time goes on for support and counsel.
My wife is a wonderful source of support, especially seeing as her mere continued presence in my life could have easily ended a while back. But she loves me too much to see me struggling alone.

Thank you, everyone.

RB

 

[Colton]

Be strong, RB. We're all here if you need us.

Birds of a feather, and all...

 

[forever_town]

RB,

I'm very, very proud of you for opening up on your struggles with addiction. It's not an easy thing to do, and it's not easy to be vulnerable on a message board where negativity sometimes rules the day.

However, as BYH has so frequently said, this place is at its best when people need support. I can't tell you how much this board's support meant to me when I was going through all the drama related to my unemployment benefits being denied (I'm getting them now).

When I posted a story that included my coming out of the closet, the number of encouraging messages -- both on the board and via PM -- was overwhelming. And the support from people here when I outlined my non-relationship with my mother and the death of my grandmother has also been hugely important.

Long story short: This place is terrific about supporting its own. We'll be here for you in whatever capacity we can be. Just let us know.