I’m in recovery from cocaine and alcohol addiction ask me anything.

[AMAthistimeroud]

DPs watching a boring film and I’m a little bored so thought I’d go for this.

I appreciate other people views/opinions on addiction but I won’t engage in any posters being abusive and/or rude.

Thank you!

I stopped with the help of a 12 step programme and I continue with that today.

There were times we both used together until he’d had enough before I had enough. He was worried and upset that’s all I can say, it was an awful time for him.

Well done OP. I care very deeply for someone who can’t fully control it and every time he makes a particular choice loses more. It’s terribly sad. Well done for being able to choose everything else and continuing to do so.

Yes, eating problems.

I did for a while yes, I can now see old friends that don’t have drug problems.

Thanks very much, do you (or did you) also see any doctors or psychologists / therapists ?

I’m going to be honest, that surprises me. I know many people who remove themselves from an addict’s sphere of influence, particularly if there are children who might be dragged into addiction ‘for a laugh’.

And how do you cope when you go to an event with alcohol?

Thank you.

I’m so sorry you have to go through that.

The advice I can offer is to not be afraid to put boundaries in and stick to them. Also, never give them money, addicts can be very manipulative. Don’t be made to feel guilty for not helping them out of the consequences of their addiction, imo the quicker an addict loses everything, the more likely they are to finally ask for help - not always, but sometimes.

Honestly fine. It used to be so hard. I actually find it so interesting now to watch people use alcohol normally, it really highlights to me how abnormal my drinking was.

I want none of it - I risk my life when I drink, I have no desire to do that and I definitely don’t miss the hangovers.

Where did you find that sort of money every week? Did you have a job?

I’ve never met anyone who’s been dragged into addiction ‘for a laugh’ so I’m afraid I can talk on that.

However my family and friends love me. Knew me before my addiction and after it and as I’ve said further up the thread I work very hard each day to be the best version on myself for them and show up every single day. I try to make amends every day and will do until the day I die.

The people who saw me through my addiction and who still see me now are proud of me and love me. I’m a totally different person to the one I was on drugs.

I did have a job and I won’t elaborate on what in case it’s outing.

I could never find that money now, I can’t even explain it, it’s baffling even to myself.

Is there anything you wish your loved ones had done when you were addicted?

No. There’s nothing they could have done.

To the loved ones of addicts I would say the only thing you can do is try and protect yourself. Stick to your boundaries and remember they are responsible for the consequences of their addict - try not to be manipulated into helping them out of things or knocking down your boundaries.

Do you have children?

Yes, I do have children. They were too young to understand what was happening. I’m not foolish enough however to think they haven’t been affected by things.

They are to young still to go into details about things and me fully apologise to them. They know I don’t drink.

I will, however, take full accountability and apologise to them when or if they ever need or want to talk about it.

Out of respect for them (because I’m capable of that these days) I won’t go into to much detail about them if you don’t mind.

What does £500 a week translate to cocaine wise? Like how many grams is that?

Were you doing it every day or just weekends?

Do you have any problems with your nose now?

Did you ever commit crime to obtain money for cocaine?

It depends on where you’re getting your cocaine, what it’s cut, how pure it is etc. But it’s a lot of cocaine.

It wasn’t every day but it wasn’t just weekends. No, I have no problems with my nose.

Not that I can recall. I committed crimes in that time obviously but I don’t recall doing so for money.

Do you remember having good times while taking coke? How do you know you won't be tempted again.

1000 a week is alot of money, did you ever find yourself in risky situations to fund this? Could anything catch up with you?

@AMAthistimeroud I’m trying to support someone in that situation (not professionally, just a colleague/friend). Do you have any advice on how best to support him?

Yeah for sure, in the early days. And the first couple hours of a binge in the later years.

I don’t know that for certain, it really is one day at a time.

Yes I was in risky situations around dangerous people.

No, nothing could catch up to me these days, I’ve faced everything.

How have you managed with your moods? Did withdrawing/recovering affect your ability to feel and experience emotions, happiness for example?

my partner is a recovering addict and is about 21 months down the line now, and he has struggled with pretty bad depression ever since he quit which has been really difficult. He has his ok weeks, but he has felt quite empty a lot of the time