Can’t tell anyone in real life

[Catchmeifyoucam]

I’m actually shaking a bit writing this because I’m so scared of the comments to come but I need to tell someone because I can’t tell anyone in real life.
for the last 10 years I’ve been addicted to opioids, taking uncountable amounts every day & spending upto £1k a month on tablets from the black market.
im FINALLY clean; did it all by myself by weaning off slowly and im so proud of myself. None of my friends and family know and from the outside looking in I don’t think you would have guessed.
I just feel so amazing, I have so much more energy, I’m not in as much pain anymore and life just feels more colourful as cliche as that sounds. I’m just so proud of myself that I beat this horrible addiction that’s had such a hold on me for a decade. I’m so scared I’ll relapse but I’m determined. Thanks for reading if you got this far!!

CONGRATULATIONS OP. Enjoy the rest of your life! You deserve it.

That's incredible! Absolutely amazing work, OP! I can't imagine how hard that must have been, but to succeed at overcoming an addiction alone means you can do pretty much anything you set your mind to.

Well done OP, that is a huge achievement. Treat yourself to something nice.

Well that is certainly an achievement. Please never slip back however shit things appear!

Wow, that must have been so hard. I am in awe of anyone who can pull themselves of out any kind of addiction. You must be so proud of yourself.

If ever you are struggling, come back, re-read the responses, I have! they are all so encouraging and remind yourself of how you feel right now, how far you have come and, just keep on keeping on! It's a huge, huge achievement.

What an amazing thread to start the day off for everyone.

What an achievement - inspiring to read.

Very well done - and have a fabulous holiday.

Agreed! To do it by yourself with sheer willpower and determination to be a better person is truly admirable.

This is the sort of power that gives people the ability to lift cars off of injured people, etc!

I agree with other posters though in that you should always consider seeking some external support even as a way to keep you focused and on the right path.

What are you planning on doing with your newfound freedom, and presumably extra money you now have? I hope you're planning on doing something fun and exciting with your family?

Women are awesome! Go you OP.

Incredible! A massive congratulations to you

Well done!

OP you are absolutely inspirational, to go through this alone? Wow! May you and your little ones finally get to enjoy the life you deserve, have the most wonderful time at Centre Parcs... and beyond. Well done you.

Well done . Keep going and never look back. Your life will always be more colourful , cheerful and healthy on this path and you can forever be the best version of yourself and always be proud of you done it and kept it up. You will save so much money and be able to do so many great things with it. Your life can be amazing from now on , all the best

This is an absolutely incredible achievement, and you should be so, so proud of yourself. Overcoming addiction, especially on your own, takes immense strength, resilience, and determination. I can't begin to imagine how tough the journey has been, but you've done it, and that’s no mean feat. You deserve every bit of pride and joy you're feeling right now.

Here’s a huge virtual medal from a stranger who is truly impressed and happy for you! Wishing you continued strength and happiness—life is only going to get brighter from here. Stay proud and keep going!

Your courage is nothing short of phenomenal and I applaud you.

A few years ago I suffered a devastating spinal injury. I was in hospital for three weeks and I came out carrying a bag of medication the trauma ward had given me - including oral morphine and codeine. Of course, taking any medication without carefully reading the leaflet that comes with it is unwise. But I received no briefings at all about how hideously addictive this stuff was, and how care needed to be taken in medicating the pain and after effects of the fracture.

It would have been so easy to continue medicating during those early, painful days. But having gone through what I had, the last thing I needed was a presciption medication addiction. After two weeks I dumped the remaining drugs at the local pharmacy, after which I controlled the pain with normal over-the-counter meds. It's a good thing I did because I'm still suffering pain almost three years later and am having to have all the metalwork in my back removed.

My reason for sharing this is to show just how easy it would be to become addicted to this stuff, and how little regulation there is over it once a patient has been discharged from hospital. Unfortunately I've had too much exposure to others' addictions for comfort, but it has taught me to be extremely cautious and this has saved me from sharing your fate. It could so easily have happened to me.

Celebrate your freedom! You deserve it.

NB. If you fear relapse, Narcotics Anonymous are amazing.

Well done! You have done the hardest part, and now have your life back. This mumsnetter sends you big hugs and 🎉💐

That is so impressive - massive massive congratulations!!

Congratulations! That's an amazing achievement.

What an amazing achievement. You should be so proud.

Well done!

@Catchmeifyoucam well done and congratulations! What an amazing thing you have achieved.

Now its time to be practical. Let your GP know. They need to know you have this addiction in case of emergencies down the line.

The addiction center in your brain has been activated and there may be times you slip up and use again. Don't let those times knock you back. Seek out help though Narcotics Anon or similar and try to self educate yourself on the addiction cycle.

I know a person who was a life long alcoholic and they are now sober 15 years but they had to redirect their addiction to other things like collecting earrings or clothes and eating certain foods to satisfy the addiction cycle.

Sometimes you can't break out completely but can redirect and that is okay.

Make sure you get professional help and advice next. You're done the hardest part alone but you don't have to be alone for the rest.

Oh wow! Huge, huge well done - that’s a massive achievement 💐

Having suffered trying to give up smoking (!) I can only guess at what you have been going through. I am so pleased to hear your success story and you have every right to be proud. You have been clean for a week, and you can do it for another week, and another week, forever.
What an achievement. Have a wonderful life that you can now appreciate. 💐

Amazing you have been incredibly strong. Keep it up, you brilliant person.

Well done op. An amazing achievement. Keep going one day at a time. Hope you find some help out there that is right for you. 💐

Wow OP that is amazing, you have been incredibly brave tackling the problem, and also sharing with us here - I am so proud of you