Surlyredhead

.....this is something I wrote when I had about two years sober, it was mostly intended for other women in recovery, but I think it applies to everyone here.....

.... You know me, I am your Sister, your Niece, your Cousin, your Aunt, your Daughter, an in-law, possibly your wife. My name isn't important, what is important is that we share a common bond. We are spiritually connected by our addiction, just as we are spiritually connected by our recovery. If you don't quite understand that, one day, it will all make perfect sense.
..... I guess what I am trying to say, is that when you are feeling down or confused, when the outside world just isn't making any sense, or it seems like everyone is out to get you.....I understand.
..... When the overwhelming urge to use hits, and you think the only way out is to get so high or drunk that you forget everyone that has hurt you...or you have hurt.....I understand.
..... When you see some of your family members and friends getting a "buzz", and it seems like they are having a good time.....when you start to think "maybe I don't have a problem, maybe I can have just a few" .....then you get that sick feeling deep in your gut, because you know you are just fooling yourself, and if you take just one drink/hit, all is lost....I understand.
..... When you are having a really good day, and eveything is going right...but you feel like it could be a little better if you had a few.....I understand.
..... I understand all this, because I feel it too. Oh, not all of the time, but it will creep up, when I least expect it. I have found, that when I am surround by people who are like me (in recovery) it is easy to pull someone aside, or pick up the phone and tell them how I feel....because when I do, and they say "I understand" I know that they really do!!!
..... I know that no one person's story is better or worse than mine. I know that I am no better or worse than anyone else....and there are people willing to help me in recovery........just for the sake of helping another person in recovery achieve a better life. WOW....sometimes, when I think about that, it really blows my mind!
..... Let me assure you of this.....I DO understand and I DO care, I am here if you need me, all you have to do is ask. Someday, you will be telling a newcomer these things. Until that day comes...I am here for you....and remember, as long as there are people in recovery...we are NEVER alone.

Cathy