Kats.........
I too had trouble with demerol addiction, as well as any other narcotics available. Several major surgeries in less than a years time. Some of the problem falls in our addictive personalities, however, some of the problem also falls within the medical community itself. Most doctors are not trained in the field of addiction and get little schooling about pain control. So, please make sure your medical doctors understand your situation. Be proactive in your medical care. You have to look out for YOU!
As for the job...........it is devastating and disappointing when you loose a job. My sponsor (who pulls no punches) put it best when she told me, "You left no stone unturned looking for your drugs. Perhaps you need to put that energy and creativity into finding another job." Pretty well pissed me off at the time, but she certainly did have a point.
Please surround yourself with others in recovery. People will help you. And, at some point, your family will come around in the healing process.
As Temlin has so wisely said, it is an "unbelievable battle"! But it does and will get better, so please keep your chin up!
REMEMBER: Meeting makers, make it!
Prayerfully yours,
Mackie