[pgolg]

I just picked up my ninety day keytag last week, and I am very proud of that accomplishment, but I am struggling to stay on track with my recovery, to keep at the NA meetings, etc with the gusto of everyone else.

I was recently diagnosed with the ADD and bipolar, and because of my substance abuse history, I am on Stratterra and it hasn't really had a whole lot of effect yet, its only been a week. I've been missing meetings all week and I just finally called another member I don't know well this week. My sponser has been on my crap and says I'm not really working a recovery program at all. I'm not really handling that well, because obviously I made it through the first 90 days right. Being diagnosed after realizing I've been suffering with this since childhood has been a blow and I think takes equal precedence in my life right now.

Anyway . . . to make a long story short, it is a good idea to try to find a sponser that also has ADD or is it best to keep her to keep my ***** is gear?? I just feel like she doesn't understand the mental illness andthinks the only problem that exists with me is the drug problem.

[DePressMe]

I understand you struggles with being in recovery and having to take meds. I take Dexedrine and I am in recovery. It is something I have to be very careful with and take it exactly like it is prescribed.

I think it is really important to have people in your life who understand all your struggles. Your mental health is part of your recovery program. You can't take care of one without taking care of the other.

The are many ways to work a recovery program--there is no one "right way". What matters is that you are sober and you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.

I would never tell you not to go to AA--AA is a great place for support. However, I don't go to AA and I believe my recovery is solid. Well, as solid as it can get--we are never cured. I think it is important that you find somebody who understands your struggles--all of them. If you want to go to AA, then adapt the program to meet your needs. There are many in the program who will tell you "take what works for you and leave the rest."

Stay strong....feel free to PM me if you ever need to chat.