June 27, 2004
-
THINGS THAT REFRESH MY SOULRecovery
This subject doesn’t come up much in Xangaland, but I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that it is the single most important feat I have managed in my life without exception. The illness of chemical addiction touches virtually every family in some way, and in my case it began in my youth when I was prescribed various prescription drugs routinely doled out to highly strung folks, and then with the way paved to find the answers through pharmaceuticals I became a wine “connoisseur” in college and then entered the ’60′s a prime candidate for the psychedelic Haight-Ashbury (where I actually did live) way of life. From there on it was a long downhill slide out the other side of flower childhood and back to drinking and prescription medication. I was 45 before I found the way out that worked for me in 12-step programs. Like a mole emerging from a life underground, I began a new life in the light and now 20 years later can say that I know a lot about how to stay here. I used to be Out There, and now I’m just In Here. Too. My regards to all the thousands of others who have traveled this path and survived.
Deep Thought: I don’t think God put me on this planet to judge others. I think he put me on this planet to gather specimens and take them back to my home planet.
Today I am grateful for: Family ties
Comments (10)
it is a hard path to survive. today is day two without the crutches i have grown to love and rely on for the past five years. thank you for posting this today. it was the boost i needed, RIGHT NOW, and just…yay.
I am dealing with that currently with the Vicodin. It’s great for pain, but it’s drawing out too long and I need to figure out how to deal with it. Great blog. Great timing.
I applaud both of you for taking a look. The answers are out there. The first step to finding them is to realize you don’t have to do it alone.
Amen……and Bravo…..
Congrats on overcoming!
As always…love your Deep Thought!
That is so true, about how addictions affect every one of us, in different ways. Fragile lives. You gave yourself back your life.
Something to congratulate yourself for everyday. To make such a major turnaround at that juncture of your life is very commendable. Its good example to others that it’s never too late for change.
Thank you for posting this. I’m currently watching my husband go through this with Vicodin, Ambien and alcohol. It’s very difficult for me, and after 11 years, I’m at the point where I’ve moved into our guest room. The Serenity Prayer is equally relavent to loved ones of addicts as it is to the addict. I’m learning that I can’t change my husbands behavior, nor am I responsible to do so.
I’m so glad you found your way to my blog; it directed me back to yours. Hopefully, I can gain some wisdom by reading what you’ve had to say.
Sounds like you’ve found a program and support system. Good for you! I know how very difficult this experience is from both sides.
This is so wonderful!
I have been lucky not to have an addiction problem but I counsel with many who do….HUGS!