[Justbyou]

I used to live a life of destruction. My addictions ruled my life and one of them was always in control. If I wasn't drinking/doing drugs I was active in my eating disorder or self harm.

Almost 8 months ago I entered a treatment center that focuses not only on drug use, but the body as a whole. They helped me dig deep and help figure out why I kept going back. I was there for 2 months. While there so many emotions came up, but I was finally learning tools to cope with the negative emotions.

I've been out now for going on 6 months. On the 23rd I will be celebrating 8 months off stimulants (in December 3 years off alcohol.) It's not the first time I've had this amount of clean time, but it is the first time I've felt so much strength within me and happiness in my life.

I have faced many challenges in these last several months. I've gotten to where I am right now by not giving up and holding on. Holding on to hope and knowing that those "bad" moments will pass. Reaching out when I was sad or needed help and using the tools that I have been taught.

I know so many of us struggle to believe that things will get better. If I could talk to any one of you struggling I'd try to help you see that it really does. It starts within us. The want and the desire to be better.

Hugs to you all.

[emgreen]

Originally Posted by Justbyou

On the 23rd I will be celebrating 8 months off stimulants (in December 3 years off alcohol.) It's not the first time I've had this amount of clean time, but it is the first time I've felt so much strength within me and happiness in my life.

Congrats on the sober/clean time! I'm glad the program you participated in left you feeling so much better! You acknowledged that this isn't the first time you've had periods where you were clean. Join the club, though, as a lot of people don't quit for good the first time. That was the case with me. And to be honest, I won't have "quit for good" until I'm dead! It's one day at a time. If I start listening to those urges I know I can be back out there again. Welcome to PC's addictions forum!