[DespondentDaisy]

So, it's been over three years since I last did cocaine and smoked cigarettes. It's been over 7 months since I quit smoking weed once and for all. I often wonder though if I should've sought advice at least from a facility on what to expect- I did it on my own. I went through withdrawals and everything- tough stuff. I think perhaps I should seek therapy still- I can't think of why I was originally thinking this might be helpful at the moment: my ex (who hasn't moved out yet) is watching tv behind me and the volume is interrupting my thought process; but I think basically there might be some residual effects of using that I might need help with- maybe even lasting damage to my social skills and thinking? Any thoughts? I remember I went to one NA meeting 7 years ago but don't remember how it's different from AA. Should I just continue to try to be strong, or would I benefit maybe from checking it out at least?

[Leed]

Hi ~ since you're thinking that you MIGHT benefit from either therapy or N.A., etc., it is probably a good idea if you DO follow up with one of these. Why not try N.A. or A.A. and see what they have to say? Go to a couple of meetings before you decide if it's something you want to do. If you find it's not for you, then you can perhaps seek out a therapist who can help.

I've found that when I start thinking about maybe needing outside help, those are the times I need help the MOST. I've been in and out of therapy most of my adult life, and it's been a God-send to me! I hate to think where I'd be right now if I hadn't sought help!

Best of luck, and let us know how you come out! God bless. Hugs, Lee

[madisgram]

daisy it won't hurt and may help if you try AA or NA again. hope you'll keep us posted. we do care about you.

[Willcat]

Aside from my weekly AA meeting I use SMART Recovery among other things not only to help me in my addiction treatments, but also to build healthy living skill for daily living.

Have a look. Maybe you will find something useful.
SMART Tools and SMART Articles

[DespondentDaisy]

I just wanted to say I checked out the link Willcat gave for Smartarticles. Thanks. I began reading about it the other day, viewing the prower point definition and description. I'll get more into it after the holiday. Thanks everyone! Have a safe and hppy holiday!

Hi despondant...,

I've attended AA in the past. I would go reluctantly but I went because I felt better after it was over. They offer suggestions and the highest rank any member acheives is sober. I've taken some suggestions and sometimes they seem to help. Nobody has yelled at me at AA, for doing or not doing anything. I attend NA currently and have been clean almost 18 months. I've been in recovery since around 1989. I have met some people who say hi to me at meetings and sometimes even around town. I share my experiences with drug addiction and how I stayed clean today. Then I share the realities of my life today, being clean, compared to the realities of my life while I was using drugs(or alcahol or whatever). It helps me to feel like I can help someone who is trying to stop using drugs by telling my story and share my experiences about using, getting clean and recovery. It is better than sitting at how alone. I hope this helps you...

Thanks, A.