[Neurontin]

I started using drugs at an early age. It seemed like the missing link in my personality. It felt almost normal to me. My addiction got ugly real quick. When I was 18 years old I tried moving to california. I ended back in new york a year later doing the same thing. I didnt feel pressure from friends because I turned them on. I ended up in rehab at age 25. This was my intro to some harder drugs. The next 3 years was a living hell. I eventually started going to a 12 step fellowship and started learning how to live clean and sober. My first day clean I weighed 12olbs and a 26" waist (im 5'9") I was dying. Today Im 180lbs and in great shape. I share this so if anyone is addicted they can see that there is HOPE. We do recover. thanks, Peter

[susan888]

Thank you Peter! You have my admiration!

My 26 year old daughter has a chronic, painful disease and became addicted to prescription meds. She is almost 60 days clean and learning to deal with her illness in different ways.

Detox was hard, but she did it, just like you did. I'm proud of both of you!!

[lynn P.]

That's awesome Peter -thank you for sharing your inspiring battle with addiction. We need stories and posts like yours here. My brother was a lifelong alcoholic but unfortunately it didn't end well for him. I hope you continue to be strong in your battle. Wishing you peace.

Congratulations, Peter.

[Neurontin]

Just to update you guys...My sponsor {12step} is back from vacation and we talked yesterday. Im about ready for my 5th step which is "We admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs." [Taken from the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous"].....I just want to do two more excercises on step four. 1) Read my whole fourth step 2) answer 30 more questions from a step workbook. I also want to thank everyone who posted on this thread and I wish you the best.........Thanks, Neurontin

[lynn P.]

Keep up the good work (Neurontin)) - I admire your efforts and what you've accomplished so far..

[Ygrec23]

Good luck, Pete, we're with you all the way. Not only is what you're doing tough now, but it stays tough until you find out with a T WHY you needed those drugs. One of my brothers was a heroin addict until his death at age 47. Another of my brothers is an alcoholic. So I'm somewhat familiar with what you're trying to do. Just keep on trying and if you need a hand, we're always here at PC.

Take care.

[heefman]

Congrats Peter -

I am a recovering alcoholic with a long history of abuse as well. I never thought I would be able to quit, but once I was really ready, I finally did.

Brian

[Neurontin]

Thanks everyone ...I completed step four for sure and Monday or this week my sponsor and I will do my 5th step...Thanks and congrats on your soberiety Heefman...And Grec sorry abour yur brother..Be well......Peter

[Neurontin]

Well my 5th step is done. I now have some awareness of my shortcomings, defects, or if you like the exact nature of my wrongs. I experienced trust (for the first time in years), honesty, and acceptance on a different level. Im not this beast I always thought I was. Im actually a human that has some limitations. I learned some skills growing up in an alcoholic home in order to survive. Those skills no longer work for me as an adult. So now I need to allow the changes to take place and ofcourse with much action on my part. Steps six and seven are my next steps to work with my sponsor. I will keep you posted.....Neuron

[Neurontin]

Wow Step 5...ahhhh ...what a relief...Just an update on me and these Steps since I started this thread...My Sposor and I got Through Steps 1-12 and Im working on the 12 Traditions...Im on Tradition 5...These Steps & Traditions never end for me...Ive tried to practice Steps 10-12 to the best of my ability...Im a perfectonist so I need to be careful not to beat myself up...If you have any questions...feel free..or if you have any input Im Open to that as well... Peter F

[madisgram]

u're doing fine peter. sounds like you have an excellent sponsor and u have the willingness to change. remember progress not perfection. sometimes i feel, and my T agreed with me, that my 12 step program, AA, has taught me even more than therapy. it's difficult for non AA's to grasp that thought but it is true for me.-22 yrs. sober with a very grateful heart.

[Neurontin]

wow congrats on your 22 years and there is something special in our fellowship.......Thanks for sharing Madsigram...