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.

Ohhh that’s tough. Honestly, love them from afar and protect yourself. Never lend them money and do not let them walk over or manipulate their way over your boundaries.

It’s so tough, but there’s really not much you can do, I’m sorry you have to go through that.

You've recognised that you come from a family with addictive traits. How are you going to break this cycle with your children? My DH comes from a long line of alcoholics and has a difficult relationship with alcohol himself. It terrifies me now my kids are old enough to drink. I'd be interested to know your thoughts on this.

Has he got support? Does he know other recovering addicts? Connection with people who truly understand has been invaluable to me.

And yes it truly affected everything, it takes time. I hope he knows he’s lucky to have you stand by him and support him. I hope you’re looking after yourself.

Honestly, and this might be the last thing you want to hear, I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s out of my control. I’m scared of that as well but I can’t get to caught up in it or it will ruin what we have today.

I try to teach them good morals and coping mechanisms in every day life. We talk a lot about our mental health and mindfulness and kindness to ourselves and others and implementing boundaries and looking after ourselves.

I just do my best and remember that some things are out of my control.

Yes he’s got a good group of friends around him and goes to weekly meetings, not just drug related but more focussed on mental health. But We thought his mood might have levelled out by now. We’ve taken it day by day.

also a recovering addict myself from many moons ago (opiates) so I suppose I had a deeper level of understanding to be able to stand by him. Well done for kicking the habit OP 😊

Lots of addicts in my family (on one side of family) and also people who have got control of their addiction. What are your thoughts on addiction to less harmful stuff? For example have you found addictive behaviour in areas people wouldn't be worried about - things like exercise or work.

It’s interesting because when people’s addictions are not affecting everyone around them they are obviously seen as far less of a problem, however, this isn’t true for the sufferer.

Addiction to exercise, work or food can be soul and life destroying and people have my sympathy. I would suggest they find people who can uunderstand and try to work through their issues.

Oh I don’t have to. I can walk away at any time. Have pretty much nailed the support without enabling routine. It’s just very sad to observe each time it happens because each time there is more loss. I still have lots of hope that there will be a final time and there will be a steady climb upwards.

i know it will have taken a lot of ongoing strength for you and I am pleased for you and those who love you.

Thank you for saying that, I really appreciate it.

I’m pleased you have found a way to handle things. You’re right, it is sad. I hope he finds his way soon!

No questions. I just want to say how amazing you are, OP. This is the most inspiring and helpful AMA I’ve ever read.

I wish you so much success for the future.

No questions but well done on staying sober-may it last forever

Did you ever cross over into other drugs? Or worry that it was a possibility? Is the need for the fix in moment far greater than the worry about what's in what you're taking?

What do you think of the services available to addicts - needle exchange, testing kits etc? Do you think it encourages addiction or it serves its purpose of making it a safer way to use if someone is going to use.

We carry Naloxone in my work because you never know when it might be needed - and it's scary when it is!!

Well done for getting yourself help and working through it.

I think you're remarkable OP. As someone who doesn't have an addiction but can very easily see how easily a person can be pulled into it, I want to send my best wishes to you.

As Jamie Lee Curtis says "my sobriety is the most important thing that I'm most proud of".

You are strong and sober and I salute you. Every day is a new day, keep taking it one at a time!

I was asking about children as I work with a few children who’s parents are known as it’s and they do suffer and because they are looked after as in houses, fed, clothed there is t much we can offer them in way of support, unless they show behavioral traits.

What’s you opinion on what’s best for these children?

I don't have a question, but well done on your recovery, OP. You're awesome as recovering from an addiction is hard. Be super proud of yourself, be gentle with your past self, and forgive yourself without judgement ❤️

Have you/are you going to tell them that they're likely genetically susceptible to addiction, so they are forewarned?

What industry do you / did you work in? Media, Finance, fashion, the arts or is it a more run of the mill field? The industry I work in cocaine use is rife and those that don’t partake are made to feel the odd ones out.

Congrats on your sobriety!!

Looking back, what do you think was the lowest point of your addiction?

Did you ever break the law? (Dealing, driving under the influence etc). I've seen how easy it can be to go from casual using to much riskier actions.

Did your face show you were using drugs?

You see police mugshots sometimes of wanted people who have bad skin, open sores etc caused by their drug use.

Which industry is this?

I work in Finance (London then New York) and I wouldn't say cocaine use was rife at all.

I really didn’t expect anything like that when I started this, thank you so much.

Thank you!!!

It was always a possibility and I would have done it if it had crossed my path, I was very close a few times. I’m very grateful I didn’t end up on harder drugs.

I think the clean needles are essential. If you’ve gotten to the stage you need this service there’s not really much any can do to encourage or discourage your drug use so making it as safe as possible is important.

Thank you.

No. I don’t want that idea in their head as it may be used as an excuse for their using later in life and a reason as to why they shouldn’t stop or get help.

Also, it could cause unnecessary worry or stress, in my view I would be setting them up for a bad relationship with alcohol.

That’s very kind, thank you ❤️