[Wanderlust90]

So I was reading something about AA & I saw the quote "irritable, restless & discontent" to describe the normal baseline state of being for an alcoholic or addict without their poison of choice. As I read it I felt like I could really identify with it. It sounds like exactly what I have been experiencing. I'm like a dry drunk, I've given up the substance (methamphetamine) but haven't changed my thought processes. I've been so proud that I could single handedly without professional help, rid myself of the pipe but I'm beginning to feel I'm only halfway there. All this agitation & depression feels exactly like the 12 steps describes the state of irritable, restless & discontent in recovery. Are my mixed episodes of agitated depression & dysphoric hypomania actually just another step in my recovery? I've decided I will reach out to the local substance abuse counselling service in my area to attempt to get some clarity on this. I would love some opinions.

I'm over this milquetoast existence.

[Slowbrains]

Congratulations! You got a good reason to be proud of yourself. I was/am an alcoholic and it's the truth that body craving for substances makes one experiencing those symptoms you mention. If i see free alcohol serving, like in an airport lounge, i start feeling quite anxious because my body knows that if it can trick me to get some relief, it'll get some alcohol and so... gets me drinking easily to get some relief for "fake anxiety".

I think first few weeks are easy as you need just some self discipline but the real hell starts from there. I have no idea how long you've been sober but i'd recommend do search some peer support- It's easy to quit and relapse alone...

[Wanderlust90]

Originally Posted by Slowbrains

Congratulations! You got a good reason to be proud of yourself. I was/am an alcoholic and it's the truth that body craving for substances makes one experiencing those symptoms you mention. If i see free alcohol serving, like in an airport lounge, i start feeling quite anxious because my body knows that if it can trick me to get some relief, it'll get some alcohol and so... gets me drinking easily to get some relief for "fake anxiety".

I think first few weeks are easy as you need just some self discipline but the real hell starts from there. I have no idea how long you've been sober but i'd recommend do search some peer support- It's easy to quit and relapse alone...

I've been free of methamphetamines for 2 1/2 years. Now smoke marijuana so I'm not exactly sober but I'm working on it. I've at least gotten rid of the substance that was going to put me in psych or jail.

I want to gain traction & meaning in my life again but I feel like I'm living a shell of the life I could be & am constantly searching for something. I find it when I use substances, if only for a brief while.

[Hashi/bipolar mom]

Hey there! I'm an alcoholic and have been part of AA off and on for about 8 years. My last major manic episode was last May and I ended up drinking and getting arrested. I've been sober since then but let me tell you, I've had a couple of times that I'm "white knuckling it". I definitely think being in a peer group for addiction helps a lot or if you don't want to do that, just see a therapist that specializes in it and helps you work through your issues as to why you are wanting to use. NA groups are great also!