[Caretaker Leo]

At times I have come to feel as though I shouldn't be in this forum since I'm still struggling.

Yet, as I look through various forums in PC, I truly believe that PC is here for all of us - in any state, struggling with any issue.

I'm sorry, but Addictions exist. People try to overcome. People relapse. Even with wonderful advice and support and maybe even treatment, some of us will move a step forward and then fall back a step or two or more.

Thoughts?

[splitimage]

(((Caretaker Leo)))

I don't know if you read my posts or how much of my story you know, but if struggling wasn't allowed, I'd have been kicked off long ago. I've been battling addiction since 2005, with my first stint in rehab in 2006. I've been in rehab 4 times. I have had extended periods of sobriety - my longest was 14 months. I relapsed again about 6 weeks ago, after 9 months sobriety.

Addiction is a really hard disease to beat, and I have a lot of support, from my rehab, AA, and Women for Sobriety, and my friends.

At my rehab they say, "We know relapses happen, the most important thing to do if you relapse, is put it down as soon as you can, call us, and come back".

That's what I've done. I've kept coming back to rehab and to AA and I keep starting over. That's about the only thing I feel I've done right in my recovery.

In my opinion, the only failure, is the failure to try.

splitimage

Originally Posted by Caretaker Leo

At times I have come to feel as though I shouldn't be in this forum since I'm still struggling.

Yet, as I look through various forums in PC, I truly believe that PC is here for all of us - in any state, struggling with any issue.

I'm sorry, but Addictions exist. People try to overcome. People relapse. Even with wonderful advice and support and maybe even treatment, some of us will move a step forward and then fall back a step or two or more.

Thoughts?

I disagree with the first part caretaker...I know you refer to "at times", but, that you are 'still struggling' does not dis-qualify you from participating, contributing and best of all ...encouraging the rest of us here....otherwise we may as well all switch off! I hope that didn't sound condescending. And importantly... 'still struggling' represents, I suspect, an infinite variety of definitions depending on who, what and how we are?
....it's all relative mate.

I agree with the rest for sure...I don't believe there is any place for inequality amongst us....just a whole heap of quality in expressing whatever!
it's a personal journey and it's more helpful if it's a shameless one.

[madisgram]

leo i am so glad u're a participant in this forum. it took me falling down multiple times until i got it 'right', at least for today. you 'just keep coming back' as we say in AA. you're worth it and i for one know that!
I'm always a just a pm away too.

[RapidFlyer]

(((((((((((((((CaretakerLeo))))))))))))))))))))))

I look forward to your posts. I enjoy the way you write, your thoughtfulness, and your honesty about your success and struggles. Thanks heavens that relapse doesn't disqualify anyone or I'd be dead instead of sharing today.

It took me three years to finally put down the bottle and drugs. One day and a time they stay down. I am one drink away from a drunk. Nothing changes that except the work I do and the effort I put into working with others.

You are an inspiration to me. I learn from you. I learn from everyone here. I need you to keep posting regardless of where you are at, at a given time.

Keep coming back. I for one need your story to be a part of my story.

[gma45]

Caretaker Leo, You don't even know how much support you have been to me. I have had years of sobriety then I go back, This time with my illness I need to make it or I will die. Thank you everyone for all the support I get here or I don't know that I could of made it. It's hard when there is not much support IRL. Even though I slip up I feel I still have something to offer at least I sure hope so!