Battling With Addiction

[Milford King]

When I decided to quit that lifestyle..... I had to walk away from most of my life-long friends. It was hard and sad, but a few of them are now in a grave because they chose to stay in that lifestyle. No regrets.

This is the cold hard truth. If you’re battling with addiction you will never break free until you remove yourself from the environments and triggers that push you into your addiction.

This is probably the hardest thing to do….

It’s gonna feel like losing a lifelong friend because it is exactly that.

But… the upside is… you can achieve happiness. And once in awhile (especially with addiction) the grass truly is greener on the other side.

Change your environment.
Change your mindset.
Change your life.

 

[Milford King]

Coincidentally I recently battled what I would consider alcoholism for what I mistakenly thought was the first time in my life. My wife made me realize that it wasn’t the first time… it’s actually been a long drawn out fight. It’s just the first time I realized what was involved in the fight.

It’s crazy because I’ve pretty much always been reclusive. I’m pretty much as “country” as it gets. I don’t particularly enjoy being around others, it’s not my comfort zone. I have a few select people in my social circle and they pretty much tend to be like family and also they all really enjoy drinking. I had to limit my interactions severely in order to finally get past the point of that initial first drink. Because it always turns into multiple drinks.

But the shit was getting in my way and I had to stop. Some triggers really are impossible to avoid on an average day… like work being one of them.

I always hated the idea of this being a “non stop” process. Like every damn day I gotta fight this fight… it’s bound to get exhausting.

I haven’t had a drink since before Christmas. Although I’ve been really close to throwing in the towel, some days I completely forget that im fighting this fight. And that’s ok with me.

Some days are better than others but i refuse to be the beer gut dad that is unreliable because I had to drink 12 drinks after a shit day at work.

Just keep fighting and surround yourself with people that are willing to fight for you when you’re exhausted.

 

[j2048b]

So i read this the other day and IT should speak to anyone who has been or is an addict because what people cant see is that most on these people on the forums are trading one addiction for another ( steroids especially if u have had any addiction that had anything to do with needles)
Its called addiction transfer, and it is real. Much like smokers, the fluidity of the motion of u moving ur arm to making a smoking gesture, the fluidity of using a needle, yet filling the syringe with a different substance and the fluidity of taking pills, much like taking oral steroids , this all ties into the motion of ur last addiction…. I always hope that any addicts can break the chain of addiction, its never easy, but thru hard work and rewiring the brain it can be done…

There are places u can go that military vets use that use shock therapy treatment on their brains that may also aide in changing the chemical constructs if the brain….called MeRT

What is MeRT? Magnetic Resonance Therapy — Brain Treatment Center — MeRT for PTSD, TBI, Depression, Autism, Sports Recovery.

MeRT is a non-invasive treatment for various neurological conditions including Autism, Depression, PTSD, Concussions and more. MeRT utilizes repetitive TMS, however MeRT customizes treatment protocols for each patient based on their imaging and diagnostics.

braintreatmentcenter.com

Understanding Addiction Transfer

Learn what addiction transfer is, how to spot the signs early, and what steps you can take to stop one habit from replacing another during recovery.

www.springboardrecovery.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jbswole40]

So i read this the other day and IT should speak to anyone who has been or is an addict because what people cant see is that most on these people on the forums are trading one addiction for another ( steroids especially if u have had any addiction that had anything to do with needles)
Its called addiction transfer, and it is real. Much like smokers, the fluidity of the motion of u moving ur arm to making a smoking gesture, the fluidity of using a needle, yet filling the syringe with a different substance and the fluidity of taking pills, much like taking oral steroids , this all ties into the motion of ur last addiction…. I always hope that any addicts can break the chain of addiction, its never easy, but thru hard work and rewiring the brain it can be done…

There are places u can go that military vets use that use shock therapy treatment on their brains that may also aide in changing the chemical constructs if the brain….called MeRT

What is MeRT? Magnetic Resonance Therapy — Brain Treatment Center — MeRT for PTSD, TBI, Depression, Autism, Sports Recovery.

MeRT is a non-invasive treatment for various neurological conditions including Autism, Depression, PTSD, Concussions and more. MeRT utilizes repetitive TMS, however MeRT customizes treatment protocols for each patient based on their imaging and diagnostics.

braintreatmentcenter.com

Understanding Addiction Transfer

Learn what addiction transfer is, how to spot the signs early, and what steps you can take to stop one habit from replacing another during recovery.

www.springboardrecovery.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

While I kinda agree with you,that is a touchy subject...an addiction can be with anything not just chemicals,ie eating ,sex etc..
Anything used responsibly and in moderation can be not dangerous or harmful..
Not debating you,there are good habits & bad habits...I have been transferring habits all my life,as im sure most do.yes some worst than others..
At the end of the day we all make our own choices and decide what's feasible for our lives.

 

[AR-15]

I can’t say I’ve ever been a drug addict per day even though I’ve taken more

While I kinda agree with you,that is a touchy subject...an addiction can be with anything not just chemicals,ie eating ,sex etc..
Anything used responsibly and in moderation can be not dangerous or harmful..
Not debating you,there are good habits & bad habits...I have been transferring habits all my life,as im sure most do.yes some worst than others..
At the end of the day we all make our own choices and decide what's feasible for our lives.

Yeah I’ve never been a drug addict per se but I’m still a raging addict. I’ve taken more pain meds in my life then most addicts that was just never my thing. My main addiction is sex. Most think that’s just some guy that’s overly horney but that’s definitely not the case. I’m just like an alcoholic. One drink and I’m off to the races. Once I start any type of sexual activity I literally can’t stop. I’ve fucked and beat off for days until I was literally bloody and raw without the ability to shut it down. I’ve rubbed my dick so raw before that I had to seek medical attention. That’s real. Kinda makes sex not so fun. I come from a deranged family of addicts though. One thing I’ve came to realize is that addiction is without a doubt an actual disease. Some people are just wired that way. We are powerless against our addictions without help. Help comes in many forms. I encourage everyone to take on their addiction head on until you own it. It can be done but like mentioned above. You can’t finally gain control over addiction until you are 100% ready. You have to make the hard choice not to live that way and then stick to your plan and beat it.

 

[Jbswole40]

You can’t finally gain control over addiction until you are 100% ready. You have to make the hard choice not to live that way and then stick to your plan and beat it.
^^^^^this is true..all the rehabs and help aa/na doesn't matter..it's got to come from within.

 

[zionoir626]

I can’t say I’ve ever been a drug addict per day even though I’ve taken more

Yeah I’ve never been a drug addict per se but I’m still a raging addict. I’ve taken more pain meds in my life then most addicts that was just never my thing. My main addiction is sex. Most think that’s just some guy that’s overly horney but that’s definitely not the case. I’m just like an alcoholic. One drink and I’m off to the races. Once I start any type of sexual activity I literally can’t stop. I’ve fucked and beat off for days until I was literally bloody and raw without the ability to shut it down. I’ve rubbed my dick so raw before that I had to seek medical attention. That’s real. Kinda makes sex not so fun. I come from a deranged family of addicts though. One thing I’ve came to realize is that addiction is without a doubt an actual disease. Some people are just wired that way. We are powerless against our addictions without help. Help comes in many forms. I encourage everyone to take on their addiction head on until you own it. It can be done but like mentioned above. You can’t finally gain control over addiction until you are 100% ready. You have to make the hard choice not to live that way and then stick to your plan and beat it.

Brother...
I'm so glad to hear you're doing Better...
Had some of us really worried...
You're a strong SOB...You better remember Me down the Road...
There's strength in pulling together.. Fighting Life's Battles..
You came out on Top... Damn.. Good for You..
Some of us.. Just Won't..
Z...

 

[AR-15]

Brother...
I'm so glad to hear you're doing Better...
Had some of us really worried...
You're a strong SOB...You better remember Me down the Road...
There's strength in pulling together.. Fighting Life's Battles..
You came out on Top... Damn.. Good for You..
Some of us.. Just Won't..
Z...

Thanks Z. I don’t want to clog up this thread with shit about me but I was pretty fucked up. Bleed a ton. Blood levels were fucking waaaay off par. Regardless I’m on the mend and they regulated my meds. All good.

 

[zionoir626]

Thanks Z. I don’t want to clog up this thread with shit about me but I was pretty fucked up. Bleed a ton. Blood levels were fucking waaaay off par. Regardless I’m on the mend and they regulated my meds. All good.

Screw That Noise..!!
Damn Glad you're doing Better...
What between the.."what do I take on the First Cycle"..and Newbie Tren user's...
Internal Bleeding is a silent killer... Best Beware..All..
Z...

 

[Multislacking]

I can’t say I’ve ever been a drug addict per day even though I’ve taken more

Yeah I’ve never been a drug addict per se but I’m still a raging addict. I’ve taken more pain meds in my life then most addicts that was just never my thing. My main addiction is sex. Most think that’s just some guy that’s overly horney but that’s definitely not the case. I’m just like an alcoholic. One drink and I’m off to the races. Once I start any type of sexual activity I literally can’t stop. I’ve fucked and beat off for days until I was literally bloody and raw without the ability to shut it down. I’ve rubbed my dick so raw before that I had to seek medical attention. That’s real. Kinda makes sex not so fun. I come from a deranged family of addicts though. One thing I’ve came to realize is that addiction is without a doubt an actual disease. Some people are just wired that way. We are powerless against our addictions without help. Help comes in many forms. I encourage everyone to take on their addiction head on until you own it. It can be done but like mentioned above. You can’t finally gain control over addiction until you are 100% ready. You have to make the hard choice not to live that way and then stick to your plan and beat it.

Good to hear you finally beat your addiction.

 

[Jbswole40]

Good to hear you finally beat your addiction.

Rim shot

 

[zionoir626]

I'm Not sure if anyone really Ever Says...Beat IT ..
It leaves scars,wounds that are Hard Not only to Heal..but forget..
For the few it strengthens.. It kills a thousand Easy..
I have a Nice in Jacksonville that's on Heroin..
She's coming back with me when I go in Summer.. that's what Family does..
Who..or what kind of a Man would I be too turn her Away..??
Well,that ain't Me..
Z...

 

[lucashenry]

Sorry to hear man.
On a positive note, you are in a good place. Most of us on this forum are addicts or former addicts.
I will say a prayer for you bc honestly besides having Kids (which thank God saved me), the only other thing that saved me was my spirituality with God.

I know that is not everyones answer here.

My best friend is in Rehab for literally like the 30th time. Hes out in California now. He literally lives there and he has now for probably 5 years. Every time he leaves, he relapses immediately with pain meds and alcohol.

Its a very sad thing to watch but I am happy hes sober and in the program all year, even though I haven't seen the kid for well over 2 years now.
We talk all the time

He's like a SEVERE addict.

I feel like there are levels to it treatment centers for addiction. I'm lucky that I haven't touched substances in many years. I think talking about it with like minded people helps.

Let us know what we can do.

Hello. I'm currently exploring options for addiction treatment centers and would appreciate your input. What factors should I consider when choosing a facility? Are there specific features or programs that have made a difference in your recovery or the recovery of someone you know? I'm particularly interested in understanding the benefits of different types of therapies, such as inpatient vs. outpatient, and any advice on finding a center with a supportive environment. Any personal experiences or recommendations would be greatly valued. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[GrindingGray]

Hello. I'm currently exploring options for addiction treatment centers and would appreciate your input. What factors should I consider when choosing a facility? Are there specific features or programs that have made a difference in your recovery or the recovery of someone you know? I'm particularly interested in understanding the benefits of different types of therapies, such as inpatient vs. outpatient, and any advice on finding a center with a supportive environment. Any personal experiences or recommendations would be greatly valued. Thanks in advance for your help!

Some of this depends on what you can afford, if you are looking for something faith based, what you are addicted to, etc. I got off opiates using suboxone and not going into a facility but some people might need counseling or group support.

 

[Devil1]

Been an alcoholic and drug addict my whole life. I have slipped many times and spun off. A few years ago I gave up “heavy” drinking and stuck to pot and a low dose of benzos.. gave up pot 6 weeks ago and benzos 3 weeks ago. 42 years old next month and I was about to screw up a job offer once again. I’m done, no more crutch’s or excuses. 3 weeks 100% clean and sober and I know this is for me, no way I’m going back.

 

[AR-15]

Been an alcoholic and drug addict my whole life. I have slipped many times and spun off. A few years ago I gave up “heavy” drinking and stuck to pot and a low dose of benzos.. gave up pot 6 weeks ago and benzos 3 weeks ago. 42 years old next month and I was about to screw up a job offer once again. I’m done, no more crutch’s or excuses. 3 weeks 100% clean and sober and I know this is for me, no way I’m going back.

Congrats dude. I was never a drug addict or alcoholic but I sure have lived and been around a ton of them. One thing they all say once they kick their demons for good is that Life is so much better sober. Hope you mean what you just said and you can say the same thing.

 

[Jbswole40]

We

Been an alcoholic and drug addict my whole life. I have slipped many times and spun off. A few years ago I gave up “heavy” drinking and stuck to pot and a low dose of benzos.. gave up pot 6 weeks ago and benzos 3 weeks ago. 42 years old next month and I was about to screw up a job offer once again. I’m done, no more crutch’s or excuses. 3 weeks 100% clean and sober and I know this is for me, no way I’m going back.

Have alot in common bro..stay strong..been over 3yrs for me,I forget how long exactly..

 

[chadmack282]

Been an alcoholic and drug addict my whole life. I have slipped many times and spun off. A few years ago I gave up “heavy” drinking and stuck to pot and a low dose of benzos.. gave up pot 6 weeks ago and benzos 3 weeks ago. 42 years old next month and I was about to screw up a job offer once again. I’m done, no more crutch’s or excuses. 3 weeks 100% clean and sober and I know this is for me, no way I’m going back.

Its in your hands, 1 day at a time & on the bad days u may need to go hour to hour!
If I can do it so can U, u just have to want it or need it bad enough !!

 

[Anadrolburrito]

Keep it going bro, progress not perfection. I was a high functioning addict sabotaging and torpedoing my life time after time. Couldn’t stand the thought of my own succces. Used heavily for 18 years. I am 36 and celebrated 4 years sober last week.


Still a giant asshole and fucked up but free from the chains of addiction.

 

[AdillaKlara]

Been an alcoholic and drug addict my whole life. I have slipped many times and spun off. A few years ago I gave up “heavy” drinking and stuck to pot and a low dose of benzos.. gave up pot 6 weeks ago and benzos 3 weeks ago. 42 years old next month and I was about to screw up a job offer once again. I’m done, no more crutch’s or excuses. 3 weeks 100% clean and sober and I know this is for me, no way I’m going back.

It takes a lot of strength to make those changes. I’ve had my own battles with unhealthy habits, and it’s amazing how freeing it can feel when you finally decide enough is enough. A few years back, I realized I was using caffeine and late nights as a crutch to get through the day. I set a goal to cut back and felt so much better when I did.Staying clean is tough, but it sounds like you’ve got the right mindset. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, checking out resources during recovery from addiction can really help. They can offer support and strategies to keep you on track.

 

[christiantt]

When I decided to quit that lifestyle..... I had to walk away from most of my life-long friends. It was hard and sad, but a few of them are now in a grave because they chose to stay in that lifestyle. No regrets.

Yes, absolutely.
Friendships and addictions can enable each other, 100%. It hurts. Those friends aren't necessarily bad, can be/were great people and you share wonderful memories with them.......but once fueling the addictions is a bonding agent in the friendship......you must walk away for your own wellness, and theirs.
Very refreshing and much hope in the responses here.....a-lot of wisdom

 

[Devil1]

It takes a lot of strength to make those changes. I’ve had my own battles with unhealthy habits, and it’s amazing how freeing it can feel when you finally decide enough is enough. A few years back, I realized I was using caffeine and late nights as a crutch to get through the day. I set a goal to cut back and felt so much better when I did.Staying clean is tough, but it sounds like you’ve got the right mindset. If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, checking out resources during recovery from addiction can really help. They can offer support and strategies to keep you on track.

Caffeine was a huge problem for me but we just don’t pay it enough attention. I went cold turkey then slowly brought it back. I can drink a cup of coffee in the am and a small sugar free Red Bull if I want in the afternoon. Non stim pwo also. Way less anxiety these days.

 

[Syntha Claus]

The op is addicted to being a turd.

What I have learned about addiction is that it runs in spectrums.
Some are addicted to the drugs, some to the routine and some to the culture. Some all of the above.
I have been addicted to opiates a couple of times and quit on my own. Once cold turkey. Very stupid.
Once with the help of my wife after coming clean to her. I was sick of hiding it.
I have known many guys who were addicted, got clean, but loved the ritual, hanging out with junkies and the whole enchilada. Fell right back in.

I am an extremely stubborn and tenacious guy. Kicking was hard for me but going to happen.
I think for others, one must work within their psyche and mental/physical parameters.
It is no different than training, dieting and the positive “addictions” we often discuss here.

But in any case, a person has to truly want it or success will be elusive if not impossible.
And the incidence of relapse very high.

 

[Androgenocide]

What’s up hope everyone is doing well. So for years I have been dealing with my demons of addiction. And it’s definitely A daily battle for me. These addiction demons I fight with are one of the main reasons I back slide all the time from reaching my goals in the gym with building my mass and strength. Who else on here has dealt with this or still is dealing with this? I would love some feed back and help? Thank you

I was addicted to heroin for about 4 years. Now I’m a full time gym asshole. You can defeat your demons. I wish you the best.

 

[GG_Allin]

Yes, absolutely.
Friendships and addictions can enable each other, 100%. It hurts. Those friends aren't necessarily bad, can be/were great people and you share wonderful memories with them.......but once fueling the addictions is a bonding agent in the friendship......you must walk away for your own wellness, and theirs.
Very refreshing and much hope in the responses here.....a-lot of wisdom

Friends were definitely a big stumbling block for me. Definitely not the only one, but a dangerous one for sure. On the flip side, I think having good friends with the right kind of focus on life can definitely help. They won't be able to help you if you won't help yourself, but they can help you keep your mind off whatever your substance is, if you're already committed to leaving it behind. What's funny is that programs like AA didn't really do much for me, even when I tried following the steps and getting a sponsor and all that. If I wanted to get fucked up, I would block them and ghost them in a heartbeat. Plus, constantly talking about drugs and alcohol, even the destructive parts, just made me want to do it again. Not saying that it's not a good program, just wasn't right for me.

What actually helped me the most was getting new hobbies to occupy myself and making new friends around that. That way I was able to keep myself busy and have good people around me, and I could focus on something else without having anyone bring up drugs or alcohol. But when it comes to battling addiction, try everything you can...AA/NA, new hobbies, church (if that's your thing). Keep trying until you find something that works.

 

[Syntha Claus]

One of the things I have come to see is that any addicted person, whether it be drugs or food, will see any attempt at help, empowerment or anything that shows them you care, as personal attacks, only gets you removed from their circle.

They see you as either someone bugging, judging or in disgust with them. They then either makes excuses, jokes or anything to deflect, and eventually remove you from their social group, falling deeper into the group of destructive behavior folks.

 

[DaddyTrump88]

What’s up hope everyone is doing well. So for years I have been dealing with my demons of addiction. And it’s definitely A daily battle for me. These addiction demons I fight with are one of the main reasons I back slide all the time from reaching my goals in the gym with building my mass and strength. Who else on here has dealt with this or still is dealing with this? I would love some feed back and help? Thank you

I'm late to this post.. however.

I have 5.5 years clean from opiates and everything besides prescribed testosterone.

Absolutely rocked it for 16 years before getting and staying clean.

It gets better my dude. I promise. It did take about a full year to 18 months before my head and emotions regulated themselves to where I didn't feel like a walking sack of fecal matter.

Please be careful with PED's and realize they can lead down a dark road with anyone that has a propensity for addiction

I didn't STAY sober until I moved outta state away from everyone and everything that put me in those situations. I can't imagine ever going back. I refuse.

Now I have a full time job as a public safety officer for my local campus, full time dad x5 and for the first time in my lifetime..I'm an adult in more ways than just an age number value.

Please. Please message me if you need anything. Even just to rant, anything.

You ALWAYS have a door open here brother.

We DO fucking recover. Don't be too hard on yourself.. we didn't get like this overnight, and the recovery process is the same way.

You always have another possible relapse.. but do you have another recovery in you?

 

[Neysanson]

I’ve been through something similar and what helped me most was staying busy with training, cutting ties with certain people, and talking openly with someone I trusted when the cravings hit hard.

 

[MBW212]

Yup them little green monsters came out and doctors were giving them away like candy. Them oxy 80s put my whole town where I grew up at the Jersey shore out , I talking a town with really no crime turned that place upside down, then the dope game moved in heavy, I got my door kicked in 3 times by police… a guy I know lost his leg, he fell asleep on his leg and they cut it off, now I got 2 felonies on my jacket and somehow I got job at usps , can’t get a job anywhere because of my record but apparently usps don’t give a shit

 

[NobodyKnowsMe]

My own addiction is with sugar. I fucking crave that shit from sun up to sun down most days. Being on a strict diet of bodybuilding centered food has helped me. But the cravings dont go away. I’ve heard some say once they switched to whole foods and dropped sugar for long enough their taste buds and cravings no longer wanted sugar. For me, it’s not that easy. I’ll always crave it and it’s just something I’ve owned and though when I binge on some I hate myself in the moment, but know it’s a passing moment of weakness and I’ll come back.