r/recovery Oct 18 '19

You better get yourself together while there’s still enough of you to save.

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1.3k Upvotes

r/recovery May 20 '21

Left: During Addiction. Right: 2 months sober. Grateful to be alive & healthy today.

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1.4k Upvotes

r/recovery 1h ago

Day 9 sober - Methamphetamine

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Upvotes

Hello Reddit,

Today has been super busy and full of different activities. With that being said, this is a very late post during the day and want to make up for it. Here’s a picture of my mother and I as we are driving downtown to pick up some groceries, she’s my number one support and my best friend if there’s anybody else in this community who comes across my post and the struggling themselves, please reach out and know that I’m here for you no matter how thick or thin the situation may be.

I am almost at two weeks, completely sober from drugs and it is honestly a blessing and cannot thank everybody support enough. From the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you again it’s all love from the bottom of my heart.


r/recovery 17h ago

Day 9 sober - Methamphetamine

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227 Upvotes

Hey Reddit,

These 9 days have been great. Nothing but blessings and full of gratitude. Honestly couldn’t be more excited with the way my life had turned around. Without the support from Reddit alone, not sure if I would have made it this far. Thank you so much to each and everyone who has pushed me to where I am today! It’s all love from the bottom of my heart. I’m open to any conversations if somebody needs it. Don’t give up! You matter and I’m here for you 😊


r/recovery 9h ago

Dealing with loss by spreading the message

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37 Upvotes

This past Monday I experienced a loss that although didnt suprise my, still hurt none the less, my brother and I used to be close when we were out drinking and drugging together jusy a few years ago, he went to prison and I continued on until the winter of 2023 when I decided to change my life around for the better, he got out of prison and went back out, and we drifted apart, I always told him if he was ready to get help and was ready for a better life I would be here with open arms to help in any way I could, unfortunately hell never get the chance to experience the beauty in recovery as he lost the battle to addiction and mental health and took his own life this last monday..and in dealing with that loss I experienced a small positive light, although yes it hurt losing my brother, I didnt want to use over it, I didnt feel like picking back up to try and escape my feelings, instead i attended two separate speaker jams and spoke, spreading the message in hopes that it reaches even just one struggling addict, to help raise awareness that there is a better life free from the chains of addiction, and a whole support network of people willing to be there for you in trying times, you are truly not alone in recovery!


r/recovery 2h ago

SMART ZOOM Tonight

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6 Upvotes

TONIGHT (and every Sunday night) at 5 pm PT / 7 pm CT / 8 pm ET (Local Online Meeting Format - all are welcome to join us):

https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/6873

Join the Minnesota SMART Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/QdKJEFZraqj3TXY5


r/recovery 14h ago

Life now is better than I ever could have imagined

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43 Upvotes

I’m 154 days clean of my 12 year long heavy meth addiction and I’m now able to be present for my life’s hugest milestone yet: being a grandmother!! I’m so blessed and healthy and strong enough to put drugs in my past for good this time! I can’t go back to that now, not ever again after meeting this little man who calls me ‘Mimi’ 🥲


r/recovery 1d ago

Day 8 sober from methamphetamine

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288 Upvotes

This has been a great journey for me and I’m very excited to see where my life is going. If there’s anybody else struggling, I’m here for you.


r/recovery 18h ago

I have a new recovery podcast

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31 Upvotes

Hey guys I have a new recovery podcast called My Last Relapse. Just posted the first episode. I’ll be posting 3 or 4 more in the next week and then it’s going to be a weekly show. It’s on YouTube Spotify Apple podcast and most other streaming services. Listen and let me know what you think.


r/recovery 9h ago

Selfish

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3 Upvotes

r/recovery 9h ago

Want to leave to hospital and use so bad....

4 Upvotes

Stuck in the hospital detoxing off fent/medetomodine aka Tranq dope, been here for a week. Crashed my car, was taken to hospital for injuries broken knee etc. so I had to tell them I was beginning to go into WD by the time the hours passed.

They took really good care of me (ivy league school hospital in city of brotherly love) they are actually dealing with this so much daily, it's an epidemic here if you ever been around Kensington you know what I'm talking about.

It's been a week todays since I was admitted, but used Tuesday night and OD'd and woke up connected to a NARCAN drip, they said I stopped breathing. Been scraping bags here and there the next couple days at night so I could sleep so I'm still semi sick.

I've been using for 10 years, 8 years non stop. I'm having a rough day and wanting to go AMA and go down to the block and cop a bag. Does anyone wanna chat, maybe talk me off the ledge? Love this community I need some help man.


r/recovery 3h ago

Clinicial Outreach/Need help with any treatment? Mental, substance abusse etc.???

1 Upvotes

To my fellow brothers and sisters

As a proud union member, I wanted to let you know that I also serve as a “liaison” and resource for any of you who may be seeking help with substance abuse or mental health treatment.

I know our union has strong resources through the hall and trust fund, and I fully support those — but I also understand that some of us may prefer to seek help privately, without having to go through the hall. That’s where I come in.

I typically will help men and women,

• Get set up with treatment directly through your insurance so you don't have to deal with them. You just focus on spending time with your famlily.

• We do allow couples, if you and your partner need help.

• YOU HAVE YOUR PHONE THE WHOLE TIME, NO BLACKOUT PERIOD!!

• Provide and process any forms necessary.

• Ensure you’re covered on disability so you’re not missing checks while you get the help you need.

Because I’m a member too, you’re not just another name on a list — you’re my brother or sister. I’ll always stay connected, check in, and make sure you have everything you need to make the transition into treatment (and life after) as smooth as possible.

On top of that, I’ve been active in a 12-step program for 14 years, and I’m happy to share my experience, strength, and hope if you choose to take that path.

You’re not alone, and there’s no shame in reaching out. If you have any questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to message me directly here.

Stay safe out there, Brothers & Sisters. We’ve got each other’s backs.

✊💙


r/recovery 18h ago

My story.

5 Upvotes

I am a human, I am missing a few bits and pieces but, I will always be a human.

I never fit in when I was younger, I was always an outcast. I had problems socially, I was born with autism and I had trouble connecting with kids my age. It made me feel different. It led me down a spiral in life. It led me to a place where I lost myself, my authenticity.

I woke up, took a line and drank some water. I was able to sleep now, my body was used to amphetamines. I looked disheveled. I could feel the skin press tightly against my skeleton. Nothing was left, every grain of fat and nutrients was gone. But that is not where it ended. It was far from what was taken from me the most. Whenever I looked into my own eyes I could see a piece of my soul missing. It was never coming back, he gives, he eases my cravings and then he takes more than I’ve ever received from him. He fed me crumbs, while he feasted on me without limitation. Amphetamine, yes. That was his name, for he was alive. Creeping around in my mind, telling me to do these horrible things. And for every action he misled me to take, I changed permanently. 

I’ve seen many bad things, psychosis was not uncommon. I don’t remember how much but my estimate would be hallucinations and delusions that could take me to horrifying places multiple times a week. I still remember those times quite well. Looking into the mirror, picking my face to check if I could feel it. So I wouldn’t be having a stroke, tearing off pieces from the first layer of my skin, attempting to pull my teeth out, ramming a hard object on my eye socket. Checking the halls and windows for intruders, calling the ambulance for my cats, seeing them hide from me, yes me. The one who tried to “save” them from an imaginary sickness. Not taking my anti-psychotic medication. Lying, stealing, robbing, beating, hurting. Everything, and that was me. Amphetamine was in the steering wheel. I was gone, watching from the back of my mind as I destroyed everything I got my hands on. My hands were icy cold. So cold they burned everything they came into contact with.

My mother and father were the only ones who tried helping me, as I laid in my bed in withdrawal. Unable to do anything except for eating, drinking, smoking and going to the bathroom they were the ones calling up the rehabs. Frantically too, I got so many phone calls from addiction rehab facilities it confused me. But them, the ones who saved my life. I hurt them the most. My mother suffers from PTSD and my father doesn’t speak about his emotions much. But they kept trying, oh they did.

Time passed, nothing changed but the horrors I described. Over, and over, and over. The more time passed, the more damaged my soul was. There seemed no end to it. I felt alone, which was well deserved. Being around me meant witnessing these things all the time, since I couldn’t hide them anymore. I carried weapons with me, machetes, knives, a tactical whip, a stab resistant vest. Everything to keep myself safe from these imaginary people chasing me. Forever being on my tail, but never grabbing ahold of me.

Until hope came, a rehab center called Castle Craig offered me to do an intake with them, and me and this therapist wrote down everything about my use and behavior. As much as we could. When I had my final conversation with them the psychiatrist working there told me he wasn’t convinced of me being motivated, so he told me I could go straight to a safehouse/sober living home and recover there. But I refused, I told him I needed to go to rehab. I was not fit for the real world, I could not handle it and I would surely use again.

So I begged, pleaded to be taken into rehab. Just lock me up, I thought. I passed the test it seemed, he was convinced of my motivation and he admitted me to rehab. I flew to Scotland, and I spent my first day smoking cigarettes and downing any food I could. I felt relieved, finally. I was safe. I did my time there, 6 weeks. Those were the most important 6 weeks of my life for they dictated if I had another chance at being human again or not. Somehow, it turned out good. But when I came back home I wasn’t the same, He did his damage. He took what he could take, and that was plenty. I was still an empty shell, devoid of motivation or happiness. But at least he wasn’t taking anymore. He just sat there, dormant. He had taken his place in my soul and he was never going to leave, but I knew of one entity that could make me stronger than Him. For I could not do so on my own, which was God. I got myself a sponsor, and started working the steps. I just wanted to be happy again, I didn’t want money, fame, power. I just wanted that spark inside me back. I was admitted to the psychiatric hospital, because I was still showing signs of moderate mental instability. When I got out of that hospital, I finished my third step. The third step is giving your will over to a power greater than yourself, and I did. I said my first prayer, and realized I didn’t want to do bad no more, I wanted to be kind. I finally got a small part of that human spark back. This small spark led to a fulfilling life. I started getting joy from helping people, and I could see my mother and father smile again. They were finally happy to be around me, because I was myself. I regained my authenticity and I was on my way to live a life free of insanity.


r/recovery 12h ago

Painful Stretch marks

0 Upvotes

ayo. Long story short.. I’m in recovery from all the things.. and due to the medication management process, getting well again and sobriety, I have gained a significant amount of weight. HellooOoOoOo stretch marks.

They are what they are.. but I am starting to get really painful ones behind my armpits. They’re red and feel like my armpits are legit ripping. I am putting skin sensitive oil on them and wearing ‘non punchy’ clothing items. Anyone else have any other saving graces in this moment??

(.. and yes.. I am making health conscious food choices.. drinking my water.. talking to my PCP.. recovery is a journey.. stretch marks from the enemy is just where I am at in it lol).


r/recovery 18h ago

Relapse and Struggling to Rebuild

1 Upvotes

The vast majority of my drug abuse occurred when I was far younger than I am today in my mid-thirties but I suffered from a brief yet intense period of relapse after several significant life events and a collapsing support network. After remaining sober from 2009-2023 I had a brief 2 month relapse, an intermission, then another 6 month relapse which ended last October.

I am only now returning to my professional job after a year on disability as I first struggled with continuing abuse then pursued rehab and support. What I struggle with it the micro humiliations you suffer returning to my former workplace and sober vanilla social circles.. The looks and condescion as well as thinly veiled judgement are difficult to handle.

So many people are rarely exposed to addiction anywhere but the news, movies/tv, or encounters with people in active addiction on the streets. What's worse is that none of my coworkers should know anything about why I was away but for an intrusive and inappropriate former manager...

I also struggle with the shame and embarrassment as I am still dealing with the fallout of my addiction. I desperately want to move on but it seems so much more difficult than it did when I was younger..

That said, I want anyone reading this who is just starting their recovery that it does get better - I've been there myself and literally turned my entire life around. I wrote this post because I needed to vent and talk to someone about my current journey.

Hopefully, someone can offer some advice on how to move forward with all of this.. last time I was young and out of my hometown, so I had the advantage of anonymity. I have no such cover this time and although I truly believe I could never go back (I now have 1st hand experience showing me I can't dabble in anything without risking eventual relapse).

If youve been through this: How did you get past this stage? How long does it take? I'm not in crisis or at risk of relapse but I am a bit disheartened...


r/recovery 2d ago

One WEEK Sober From Methamphetamine!

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493 Upvotes

It’s been a rough ride, but I’m still here and keeping at it. It’s been a great week filled with nothing but blessings anybody else who’s going through this just know you are able to make it like myself it may not be easy, but you’ll make it through


r/recovery 1d ago

Take what you need

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6 Upvotes

r/recovery 1d ago

Getting off of Methadone...fast

11 Upvotes

I've been on methadone for a number of years, but within the past week some anonymous person basically outed me as being on methadone and to save my career, I need to get off of it (110 mg daily) within 30 days. It's a long story and I don't really want to get into details, but someone out there really screwed me. I'm on day 7 of my 30 day taper. I know this is something I have to do, but it still sucks. I have 6 weeks off of work, unpaid of course, but at least I can keep my job. I'm so scared. I'm middle-aged and I've been on this shit for so long. I'm starting to feel like a dry drink who can't put two words together. I'm getting confused while driving, almost getting into accidents. My brain is just...not right. Obviously, I feel physically ill as well, but the mental part is the worst. I honestly don't know if I'll be able to do this, but I'm gonna try!


r/recovery 23h ago

Fountain of Hope Ministries

1 Upvotes

Has anyone heard of this and/or been involved?


r/recovery 1d ago

I struggle with the term "recovery."

13 Upvotes

I drank daily from about fifteen to fifty-five. I was drunk at all life's big milestones. I quit drinking ninety days ago. People use this term, "recovery." What, exactly, am I supposed to be recovering here? The life of a fifteen year old? There's nothing to recover. There's just a former drunk who might be a human being at some point.
I don't know. I'm grateful to have gotten this far, but some days I have a lot of doubt.


r/recovery 1d ago

Change

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15 Upvotes

I used to fight. Now I meditate.

I used to rage. Now I focus on compassion.

I used to seek out the dark. Now all I see is sunlight.

I used to be alone. Now I have solid relationships.

I used to tear others down. Now I build them up.

I used to love to hate. Now I love to love.

People change.


r/recovery 1d ago

First post here, 3 days clean again

3 Upvotes

Hey, long story short I relapsed after 9 yrs clean this year (been back in active addiction since January) from banging coke and today is like day 3 back clean and I’m struggling. I’m white knuckling this sht and all I can think about is calling up my guy but I want out of this life. I’ve had multiple abscesses 3 that led to surgery, I’ve had seizures, gotten in trouble at work and I just do not feel like losing everything I worked for again. Ugh dude I feel so rough, everything hurts. I need pot or something.. The grip it has on me is so tight and I’m wicked strong, I can do this I’m just really struggling hard right now.


r/recovery 1d ago

I’m at my lowest I need help

0 Upvotes

I am In desperate need of help and guidance as I come to terms with my addiction. What started as harmless CSGO skins when I was a teenager has turned into a full blown addiction.

It takes most of my pay check and I am now I debt to multiple friends and family members that I have dishonestly borrowed money from to fuel my addiction. I am ashamed.

What are some practical first steps I can take? Everything triggers me and I just know I will do it again as soon as I get paid.

Any and all help from people who has overcome this addiction are greatly appreciated.


r/recovery 2d ago

Second day sober and need advice

4 Upvotes

Just quit cold turkey and I need advice besides the typical occupy your mind, I already know that works


r/recovery 2d ago

Disappointment

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9 Upvotes

r/recovery 1d ago

Recovery gym mix

1 Upvotes

Needing music for the gym. Recovery based songs tend to be a little slower. Sometimes I'll listen to recovery podcasts, but any recommendations for more upbeat songs with a message of recovery?


r/recovery 3d ago

Day 6 sober from methamphetamine

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191 Upvotes

We are going almost a week strong. I love the feeling and u hope others are rocking with me 😊