I know I should be grateful to even be breathing, but I am having a hard time getting past the depression. I know drinking will not make me feel better. Right now, I don't have the desire to drink. As low as I'm feeling, I know drinking will make me feel lower, which is scary.

Life used to be so easy. Now its a daily struggle

(((Northland))) - I'm sorry the anti-d's caused more problems. Is therapy an option?

FWIW, it took me quite a while to make that first, very short, gratitude list.

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

I currently see an addictions counselor once a week, and have been seeing a counselor for anxiety/depression, but I only see her once every few weeks because she's so busy.

None of us have a crystal ball, so we cant tell you what might or might not happen. All I can say is do what is right and you will have a life beyond your wildest dreams.

If I were you, I'd immurse myself in AA.

I'd contact MADD or some drunk driving entity and volunteer my butt off.

This is going to take action and a lot of it, in my opinion.

You'll get better and it'll show in all aspects of your life (specifically in all future careers).

A friend of mine killed a guy driving in a blackout, did a year for it, and drank for another year or two before doing the AA stuff.

When sober he completed a nursing degree and wanted to go on to become Nurse/Anethetesiologist but the conviction was in the way of his licensing. He was about 4 years then, and went back to the same court and judge that put him away for the killing and the judge reversed it and cleared his record.

He said it was incredible to stand in the same spot as before. And have what was going on for him in sobreity to compare with what was going on with him drinking.

He's over 20yrs sober now, wildly successful and has a quality life.

My Son was a little drunken crimminal, but got sober 9yrs ago at 20, obtained his 4yr university degree and is finishing one of the finest law schools next May. The judge cleared his slate too, so he could study law.

Could happen for you if you work to deserve it.

If I was in this position I would go to school to be a drug/alcohol counselor..something that your experience might even be an advantage.

For every person I know that has their dream job I know 5 that couldn't get a job in what they went to school for and do something else, even without a criminal record.

Things don't work that way over here. It's a hard and long process to get a pardon for past criminal activity.

I've thought about being a counselor for at risk youth, but I don't know if I'd be any good at it.

Can you elaborate on the second part of what you said?I don't know what you're trying to say

"Things don't work that way over here. It's a hard and long process to get a pardon for past criminal activity."

My Son's internship was done in a non-profit legal center that specialized in cleaning up criminal records for people who turned themselves around, and had some track record of living well. All work was without charge to the people he represented. He was asked to open a similar operation in a neighboring town and maintain oversight of volunteer staffing from a smaller legal college.

Looks like you may have something similar here.

Clear your Criminal Restrictions | National Pardon Centre

Wouldn't suggest you get anyone involved on your behalf until you're 3 years away from your last drink. And have something to bring to the court that indicates you're on a different path.

Sometimes it's a question of finding the right med, North. I'd talk to your Dr/Therapist about it - at least examine your options.

D

I'm not all that familiar with the mining industry, but my bet is that there are a lot of different career paths, which may have different requirements. Some doors may be more open to you than others in the beginning, but with time and effort, even some of the tougher doors may well open up to you as you establish a reputation for being competent, knowledgeable and reliable.

If you're only willing to pursue that which is a sure thing, you won't get anywhere. Life, and careers, are full of risks. Some will pay off, some may not. I can't imagine that a degree in mining engineering would be worthless so long as you have addressed your alcohol problem.

I work in the legal system (here in the US) and I've seen people overcome all kinds of obstacles even with a criminal background--IF they are motivated to do it.