I have been one of the "recovering" group for decades. My many drug/alcohol addiction have ravaged my life in many ways, ie: multiple overdoses, diverting controlled substances, lying to health providers, (I was good at this), lying to family and friends, going to prison for 2 1/2 years, and a marriage ending of over 40 years. And yet, I came away with a former wife and 5 children who still love me, a job that I love, and I believe my patients love me. I found great friends and someone to love the forum.
Sooo, where I'm I going with this little personal epilogue?
I believe that it's our power, and our power alone,
to make the decision to become and abstain from our addictions. In the throes of using, that power starts to reduce. We may have to be aided for a few days, but once the fog
starts to lift, tbat power returns to me. Regarding support mtgs. I am an atheist. Always new it from when I could question it. I also at intervals, one for about 2 1/2 yrs, I attended a support group. It was really easy on my non-belief side. I didn't use the word God
and didn't say the Lord's prayer. So why did I go? There were a group of 6 or so that are great people that I simply liked. Good, kind, bright, and not bible thumpers! I will use a quote from one of the members. He was a staunch AA supporter and had been clean for over 40 years. His comment one day... "I don't care how anyone gets clean. If they want to get off the booze, and we can help them, we should." That's what I think support groups should be about!!!
How anyone decides to take on their addictions, will be a matter of choices. AND, constantly weighing your own definition of wants and needs.
My personal saga could fill volumes. I won't, but to say this. A therapist that I believe to be one of the best said, " I truly believe if you hadn't found drugs, you would have killed yourself." I hadn't seen the toddler I care for about a week. When I was getting him dressed after his bath, we were laughing a lot over goofy things. He stopped for a few seconds, leaned over and just rested his head on my chest for several seconds, and then gave me a mess of kisses on my cheek. I'm still a bit overwhelmed. As Julie Andrews said, (only using guy), "How lucky can a guy get?"
All may good thoughts to those that want to leave there addictions in the past, bravo to those who found their answers!