First post here!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2023
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3
First post here!
Hello from Australia! So I am a 33 year old single mum and I have struggled with various addictions on and off over the last 7-8 years but prescription pills of any kind that would give me any high is what I was mostly into... I started to struggle again after I left DV in 2021 and didn't get trauma counseling so I started to self medicate and it has gotten to a point I even lost my job last week. I'm so scared of my ex finding out.. the day I lost my job I made doctors appointments, psychiatrist appointments, and I am being assessed for a local program next week, 19/05/2023 is the last time I took anything but I can't shake the guilt and shame and the loneliness I'm feeling surrounding this, and I love my kids and would never want to lose them for this.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2023
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Posts: 3
Originally Posted by Dee74 
Hi and welcome Squatch - always nice to see another Aussie 
This is a really great group of people, here to help, support, and understand.
It really does make a difference
D
This is a really great group of people, here to help, support, and understand.
It really does make a difference
D
Thank you so much!
Member
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Florida
Posts: 6,421
Glad you found us Squatch! My experience was with alcohol, but the ideal was the same as to self medication to cope with the negative emotions, but the reality was that the alcohol just made them much worse, and a continuous effect over a long period of time compounded the effect. Positivity only became possible when I quit.
My experience was with alcohol, but the ideal was the same as to self medication to cope with the negative emotions, but the reality was that the alcohol just made them much worse, and a continuous effect over a long period of time compounded the effect. Positivity only became possible when I quit.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 5,169
Addiction can be a lonely place indeed, and recovery can be even lonelier when you know what you need to do, but have nowhere to turn for support. I hope you qualify for that local program you spoke of, but whether you are accepted or not, don't leave any stone un-turned. Check out as many resources as you can, and find something in each of them that is useful.
We are glad you are here, and hope we can play a part in your recovery.
We are glad you are here, and hope we can play a part in your recovery.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 527
I could not stay clean and sober till I fully committed to the recovery program of Alcoholics Anonymous. In AA's basic text, the Big Book, we are told that:
"No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear."
I encourage you to keep an open mind about the possibility that you, like me, may need AA to stay clean and sober.
"No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear."
I encourage you to keep an open mind about the possibility that you, like me, may need AA to stay clean and sober.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
novips speaks of AA, but there is also NA, which is the narcotics anonymous arm of AA.
It's worth looking up some online meetings, they were really helpful to me in early sobriety. There are also a lot of podcasts, you may like. Try "This Naked Mind," to start. They're short and inspiring. The owner, Annie Grace has a book by the same name. Lots of YouTube AA videos too.
Stick around. You can kick this. You're safe, the DV is your past, not your present. I'm also a survivor of DV. You will thrive if you want it.
It's worth looking up some online meetings, they were really helpful to me in early sobriety. There are also a lot of podcasts, you may like. Try "This Naked Mind," to start. They're short and inspiring. The owner, Annie Grace has a book by the same name. Lots of YouTube AA videos too.
Stick around. You can kick this. You're safe, the DV is your past, not your present. I'm also a survivor of DV. You will thrive if you want it.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,560
Welcome to you, Squatch! So happy to have you with us.
I hope being here & sharing your thoughts will help with the loneliness. I felt the same way when I found SR years ago. I've never really left this wonderful place where I feel so welcome & at home.
You can get free & go on to have a wonderful life. Keep talking to us.
I hope being here & sharing your thoughts will help with the loneliness. I felt the same way when I found SR years ago. I've never really left this wonderful place where I feel so welcome & at home.
You can get free & go on to have a wonderful life. Keep talking to us.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 115
Hi Squatch, welcome welcome. Im a mom of two kids as well and I understand those feelings of wanting to do better for them but feeling stuck/too busy and exhausted to get the help you need to be that better version of yourself. I found though that in the end it just plainly wasnt sustainable, and sounds like you are in that phase too.
i will say, as Im sire youve heard, it gets easier! Or maybe we get stronger and it makes us easier. But facing the demons does put them to bed. Don't let guilt of the past (my therapist called it shame mountain) keep you from achieving your goals. For now focus on today and tomorrow. And keep posting!!!!
i will say, as Im sire youve heard, it gets easier! Or maybe we get stronger and it makes us easier. But facing the demons does put them to bed. Don't let guilt of the past (my therapist called it shame mountain) keep you from achieving your goals. For now focus on today and tomorrow. And keep posting!!!!
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Oxnard (The Nard), CA, USA.
Posts: 13,941
to SR Squatch.Self-Care and Wellness Retreat (Purplrks3647)
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,496
Squatch, you are not alone. We are here for you.
The guilt and shame you speak of are significant. It's important to know that you need to be sober, but it's also important to not be bogged down in the guilt and shame. I found that those feelings would lead me right back to drinking again. Try to begin to forgive yourself and move forward.
The guilt and shame you speak of are significant. It's important to know that you need to be sober, but it's also important to not be bogged down in the guilt and shame. I found that those feelings would lead me right back to drinking again. Try to begin to forgive yourself and move forward.
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