Four years out of rehab today. Mostly sober since I “graduated”. Sometimes I want to act out and be caught, so I can be punished…because I don’t believe I was punished enough or suffered enough (divorce, losing a house, suicidal thoughts aren’t punishment enough apparently). In a meeting tonight a couple shares brought me right back to when I hit rock bottom, to the pain that I inflicted on others and myself. I need to remind myself every day that I am worthy of love and recovery.

likehelpful
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When you say “act out”, do you mean to pick up a drink? Or is your ‘drug of choice’ something different?

And I need to go to meetings to be reminded of sooo many things. On one hand, I need to be reminded by the still sick and suffering newcomer that I don’t want to go back to that life, and on the other hand, I need to hear the experience, strength, and hope of the old timers (or young timers working a strong program).

Either way, I’m often reminded that my two most powerful tools are gratitude and forgiveness (often for myself). Together they are a super power.

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My drug of choice is very much something different.

I’m grateful that I have safe spaces to share, and for others to share with me in return.

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Glad you’re here. :)

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Related Posts

Any good insights on people towards the COVID-19 vaccine?

from God import pandemic
From China import coronavirus, mortality_rate

covid_19 = pandemic.coronavirus.set_mortality(mortality = 1.)

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My temp contract has been extended. I’m relieved to be able to pay the bills, but after giving 70-80 shots a day, I literally dream about giving vaccines almost every night! Struggling to keep positive about finding a new permanent job - I was laid off at the end of April, have applied to over 60 jobs, had 6 interviews, and no offers. I can’t go back to chain retail - it damn near broke me in my 20’s, and it’s much worse now.

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529 Plan VERSUS Prepaid

We live in Florida and currently have a Freshman in High School and a 16 month old. We hear from our friends and family with college bound children "I wish we would have done Florida PrePaid." After obviously ignoring this for years, we are finally trying to do it before "it's too late" for both children.

Does anyone have recommendations on which plan to go with for each child? I once did the pros and cons on a whiteboard and it seemed like 529 was better.

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There are many common symptoms of Burnout. E.g., Changes in sleeping patterns, negativity, low energy, lack of motivation, not caring about work. The list can go on for a while.

But they all fall under the umbrella of three major symptoms:

1. Exhaustion
2. Cynicism
3. Professional Efficacy

Are you ignoring your symptoms? If not, which one do you have?

Check out @burnoutcoachcarlo on Instagram to learn more.

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How do I start the divorce process? Do I have to get a lawyer? Help...!

Has anyone dealt with coming to terms with an emotionally abusive relationship? I struggle to admit this (because more drastic examples come to mind), but my therapist mentioned that things like yelling/throwing things/blocking me from leaving the room are also abusive traits my ex demonstrated. It makes me feel alienated from myself — like “how could I have allowed myself to be treated like that?”. Also feeling ashamed to tell anyone

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Hi fishes,
Want some feedback for Employees Assistant Program (EAP) by Capgemini which provides facilities to connect with Therapist.
Actually I am going through some tough times(going through a divorce), want to connect to EAP to discuss my mental health issues.
I had connected once and they say that the conversations are strictly confidential.
Just wanted to know do they really keeps stuff confidential or can they inform my Manager regarding the personal conversations.

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For anyone who has a consistent exercise routine can you explain if it has helped you manage your ADHD symptoms and all the different ways it has helped?

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Partners, how have you managed to balance the work, obviously substantial, and your family? I see many with stay-home SO, but wondering if it is possible to prioritize family if your SO has a demanding career

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Book Recommendation:
10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity

This text deals with questions regarding cultural issues of our day such as race, gender, mental/physical health, relativism, origins of science, etc. in a clear and coherent manner from a Biblical worldview. Highly recommended.

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I’m tired of feeling like I have to have relationships with all my coworkers. I get how it’s beneficial to some people, but im here to do a job. Outside of those responsibilities, I shouldn’t be expected to act like your best friend.

likeuplifting

Well I recently told a guy I have been seeing I have HSV-2. We have not yet been physical but it’s been heading that direction. Man I hate this part - waiting to see what his response will be after he researches and talks to his doctor. I’m on daily meds which help reduce transmission risk. You’d think that since HSV-2 affects 20% of Americans and likely a higher % of gay men, there would be less taboo but it’s hardly ever talked about. Anyone else in my shoes? Or had it disclosed to them?

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Yet another friend/colleague got engaged this weekend. It’s become impossible to celebrate people’s relationships. I’m a POC woman and I’ve been single since coming to the US 10 yrs ago. A handful of men have been interested but they were not Christian or back in my country. So many childless, single women in my church and I’m terrified I’ll be them soon. My non-Christian family doesn’t understand why I’ll only date Christians, or the dating scene in big cities, so they put pressure on me

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GF is 32 and I’m 28. She wants kids within 2 years, understandably. I never envisioned having kids that early (more like late 30s), but I like her a lot. Anyone else gone through something similar?

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How is everyone taking time to indulge in Self Care now that most of us are either about to go back to work, or have started back up with students? I’m having mixed feelings of going back on my end and would love to hear how others are feeling too!

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Grind my teeth a lot, have a mouth guard. Looking for other alternatives and apparently Botox is really effective.

Has anyone done this, and can you recommend someone in DC

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Month of weight loss progress got drowned in alcohol and sugar today. What do I do?

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To the people that dump loads of $$$ on mobile or computer games as a way to chill after a crazy day, why do you do it? I am thinking there has to be better way to cope.

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Meanwhile people of color are being disproportionately affected by COVID and of course not being included in vaccine trials.

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Have you ever seen one of your highschool classmates featured in the WSJ? I've seen two in the last two months :/ - I'm 30

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How much does work experience impact your chances for MBA? Currently in a PMO function and the point of getting an MBA is to exit out lol

funny

Why does Stanford GSB ask if any ‘close relatives’ are also applying for the same MBA class? Would a cousin count and should I disclose this information, or will it factor against me?

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What are some natural ways to increase progesterone? I see things online but want to know what actually worked.

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Does anyone know a good trainer in nyc who works with folks with prior injuries (acl/shoulder issues) ?

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No recruiters reaches out to me on LinkedIn. I chalk it to mostly because I’m not in Tech, but what am I doing wrong? How can I make my profile more attractive to recruiters?

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Does the 25X rule take into account long term capital gains tax of 15%? Like if I know I need 40K to survive, do I need $1M, or more to make up for the tax too?

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M1 FAAS salary at EY in office like Atlanta?

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My skin has always been a little dry. I’ve used plain coconut oil on my face for years (as a moisturizer) but recently stopped because my fave would just get red after application. Not itchy but I definitely felt like my skin was reacting. Any suggestions for non-acne related calming face washes or moisturizers?

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Considering dating apps—any insights?

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Hi Y’all - Moving to Dallas soon and looking to buy a house. Wanted to know if Mansfield is a good, safe area with good school districts? Also, how would the commute be to North Dallas? Thanks in advance.

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Hi fishes can you help with perks and benefits of joining maersk at Pune office.
Are there any reimbursement or work from home option available.

Are there any job opportunities for fresher?

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How often does your organization give raises?

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Anybody here at Barclays Corporate Banking in NYC? Need advice and numbers..

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Is it a viable option to make a move from big4 audit to big4 corporate finance division?

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Hi fishes,

I am trying to download my salary certificate from the alumni portal (2016) but the pdf is password protected. I tried entering my employee id but it is not working. Can somebody help me with the password format?
Thanks and miss infy a lot

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What are some good modern/post-pandemic personal finance books you can recommend?

Have you ever cried for joy at work ? A promotion, a deal, something that you worked towards relentlessly, and it all finally falls in place and you break down briefly with sheer joy?

likeuplifting

Booking.com Hi all can anyone refer me for a job in NL. Java angular Kafka developer Vodafone

likeuplifting

Additional Posts in Addiction & Sobriety

How do you know when dependence turns into addiction? Where’s the line?

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Hi. So grateful for this bowl! I’m 16 months sober. Fairly new to ACN just curious what types of challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them?

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Pause. Breathe. Proceed.
⏸ 🌬 ▶️

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Curious to hear others’ stories about the positive changes they experienced (mentally and physically) after they quit drinking....I am thinking about quitting again - mainly to improve my mental and physical state.

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Acceptance is the answer.

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Have been sober for many years but currently relapsed and am in a downward spiral. I’m close to losing my family but I can’t seem to get my head together. Feel like I need a few months out, maybe take some time off work… has anyone done similar and did it help?

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Is there anyone here that’s a creative in advertising, and also in AA? I’m in the midst of the steps, and having a hard time making time for meeting commitments etc. with the time consuming and unpredictable way advertising tends to be. Any suggestions or similar experiences?

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1 week sober! Over the last 12 years (I’m early 30s) I’ve reached this point just a handful of times. Alcohol is deeply intertwined into my social life much like everyone’s is I imagine. Feeling clear minded and energized. Want to stay clean for my own mental and physical health and for the benefit of my wife and children. Just starting this journey so thank you in advance to this community as I’m ready to learn from you all and be a part. Let’s go!

likeuplifting

Has anyone found an online ED support program that’s sliding scale? Working with a therapist hasn’t been enough but a full outpatient or inpatient program is too expensive.

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I’m sober curious. I’m also about to help a new non-alcoholic spirit company with their launch.
I have a question for people in recovery. If a brand were to contend that sobriety is a spectrum, or allow for that to a least be part of the conversation, how does that make you feel? Are other brands doing a good job of being inclusive of people who are truly sober?
(I get that NA drinks / spirits can be triggering for people in recovery)
Thank you.

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Went for a pre-employment drug test yesterday. They never asked me if I was on any medications. I had to ask them and was told "oh yeah, just put any you may think make a difference in this text box." I put Xanax, Flexeril, and gabapentin. All of which are prescribed and used as directed. Now I'm terrified that I should have put ALL my meds, to including my psych meds. I've been sober over 12 years and never touched drugs (just booze) but I'm having a full blown panic attack.

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Five months today fam 🌞 best decision I've ever made.

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likeuplifting

I went to the lease this last weekend. Not one drop of alcohol was had. That was the closest I’ve come to caving. 4 wheelers, killing dinner with big guns, doing manly things in God’s country. Beer is an absolute necessity during these events. Anyhow, I didn’t drink. Proud of myself. Monumental moment for me.

likeuplifting

Has anyone tried using Kratom to help with an addiction to opiates? Does Kratom itself get addictive if you start using it for a while?

likehelpful

If you're looking for inspirational films about addiction I highly recommend The Resurrection of Jake the Snake Roberts. It's a documentary about the wrestler who had about as bad an addiction problem as you can imagine. It goes through his problems, despair, but also shows his road to recovery through platonic love, support, and he finds redemption. It's great for anyone like me that tried and failed to get sober for years. I have over a year now for the first time.

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What's the best way to be supportive of a partner who struggles with addictive tendencies?

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Looking for motivation to get me to my first Alcohol rehab appointment.

Hello to all,
If you need someone to save from addiction we can try.
Just contact me

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I joined a new team and have noticed something off with my Director over the last months (slurring speech, no show to calls or even full days of work). I finally asked a colleague about it today because I’m concerned about my Director. She confirmed that she’s noticed the same over the last few years, but no one ever says anything. In confidence she told me she can often smell alcohol. How can I help? I feel helpless. I’ve already lost someone to addiction and I can’t ignore this. Any advice?

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I left my last job because I didn't appreciate the culture (B4). However, it was probably because I was a terrible employee. However, I do find that my clients love me 10x more than my consulting colleagues. I joined a smaller firm to cover up the problem.

I drink during the day. I know it's the main reason for my ability to be a productive employee. Anyone else deal with this? I'm trying to control it through moderation management, Dharma meetings, therapy, and white knuckling.

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