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NEW - Addiction Support Automated Taglist
by tommy
Last post
 January 3rd
...See more Welcome to the NEW Addiction Support Taglist This thread is an auto-updating list. The list is regularly updated by forum leaders and can be found below. Having issues? Reply below and someone will help you! Why should I join the taglist? ✔ Never miss out on sub-community check-ins, discussions or events ✔ Get tagged and notified by community leaders whenever a new relevant thread has been posted ✔ Become a more active member of the community. What do I need to do? ✅ To add yourself to this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please add me. ❌ To remove yourself from this taglist, press the Post to Thread button below and write the exact words Please remove me. ------------------------- Current taglist as of Dec 2024 (updated by @tommy) @akshi2611 @BeautifulCurse @exuberantTalker9747 @freeman @Helentreat12 @Hobzz @HopefulMamaof4 @ivoryLime3964 @JasonneedsinTx @Jenna @joyfulUs2825 @kindShade3891 @matchamochi07 @Mhmdi @Oceansky93 @peachLime4859 @PFord79 @Property1094 @Rainboho @Ren1478 @Sahilwj @sensiblePine5487 @SerenelyClean @Snowy00 @tommy @tornwillow @xmoonsie16x0
emotionalOrange2737 profile picture
Video game addiction and how I’m coping (terribly)
by emotionalOrange2737
Last post
 2 days ago
...See more I’ve been playing video games since I was 5 (32 years old now). It wasn’t bad at all when I was young but when I was in my junior and senior year of high school, it got worse when I broke up with my first boyfriend, I was devastated. I stopped caring about school work, cut class a lot with a rebound guy I started dating, started smoking, just really acting out and not giving a shit. I constantly played video games while doing all of this. I also used to take $10-15 from my grandma at the time to buy currency for a game I was playing. She caught on and was extremely pissed. From doing all of that I couldn’t graduate on time and had to go into a program to catch up or else I would be left back. Fast forward a bit and here I am at 32 years old, a stay at home mom to two kids, married, still living at home with my mom AND STILL playing video games. I’ve struggled to quit multiple times and without fail, I relapse. I noticed that when I’m playing, I become very negative towards everyone and everything. I don’t want to keep playing anymore but I don’t know what to do. If anyone has heard of Game Quitters, then you know they have a method of quitting by not gaming for 90 days to get your dopamine levels back to normal. I’ve attempted this and the longest I’ve gone without gaming was for 45 days. That was 4 years ago. Should I try the detox again? Not sure what to do anymore.
KaylaBella profile picture
The Journey of Recovery: From Struggle to Strength
by KaylaBella
Last post
 February 9th
...See more “The Journey of Recovery: From Struggle to Strength” Recovery is not a straight path—it’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and resilience. It involves breaking old patterns, building a new foundation, and redefining your relationship with yourself and others. Whether you’re recovering from addiction, trauma, or any life-altering event, the process can be broken into three core stages: early recovery, middle recovery, and late recovery/maintenance. Each stage comes with its own challenges and opportunities for growth. Stage 1: Early Recovery – Laying the Foundation Early recovery is about finding your footing and establishing stability. This is the most vulnerable stage, as you’re breaking old habits, navigating cravings, and beginning to rebuild trust—both with yourself and others. Key Skills for Early Recovery: 1. Building Routines: Creating structure helps to establish a sense of control. Simple actions like setting a daily schedule, maintaining hygiene, and prioritizing sleep are foundational steps toward stability. 2. Finding Support: Whether through support groups, therapy, or trusted friends, having a safe space to express yourself is crucial. Recovery is not a journey you take alone. 3. Creating Safe Environments: Remove triggers and surround yourself with people, places, and activities that align with your goals. Challenges in Early Recovery • Fear of Failure: Many feel overwhelmed by the fear of relapse or making mistakes. • Self-Doubt: After years of negative patterns, it can be hard to trust yourself. • One-Day-at-a-Time Mentality: Focusing on the present can feel daunting, but it’s a necessary step to avoid being overwhelmed. Encouragement “Recovery begins with a single step, and every step forward is a step of courage.” Each day you make progress, you’re proving to yourself that change is possible. Stage 2: Middle Recovery – Building Emotional Resilience In middle recovery, the focus shifts from physical stability to emotional growth. This is the stage where deeper healing happens—acknowledging past mistakes, repairing relationships, and developing new coping strategies. Key Skills for Middle Recovery 1. Practicing Self-Awareness: Take time to understand your emotions, triggers, and patterns. Journaling or therapy can help you explore your inner world and uncover what drives your actions. 2. Managing Emotions: Recovery often brings up difficult emotions like shame, guilt, or anger. Learning to sit with these feelings and respond in healthy ways is transformative. 3. Building Accountability: Honesty with yourself and others fosters trust and strengthens relationships. Being accountable doesn’t mean being perfect—it means showing up with integrity and openness. Challenges in Middle Recovery • Facing the Past: Confronting mistakes or unresolved pain can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential part of moving forward. • Replacing Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Old habits can be hard to break. Finding healthy outlets, like exercise, art, or mindfulness, helps to replace destructive patterns. Encouragement “Healing is a process, and every small victory builds a foundation for the future.” Every time you face a challenge head-on, you’re strengthening your ability to thrive. Stage 3: Late Recovery/Maintenance – Embracing Growth and Purpose In late recovery, the focus is on sustaining progress and continuing to grow. By this stage, you’ve developed tools to navigate challenges and are ready to explore deeper aspects of personal growth, connection, and purpose. Key Skills for Late Recovery 1. Identifying Purpose: Discovering what gives your life meaning can reignite your motivation. Whether it’s contributing to your community, pursuing a passion, or helping others, finding purpose adds depth to your recovery. 2. Maintaining Healthy Boundaries: Protecting your progress means setting and enforcing boundaries with people and situations that might jeopardize your well-being. 3. Fostering Gratitude: Gratitude shifts your focus from what’s lacking to what you have. It’s a powerful tool for maintaining perspective and staying grounded. Challenges in Late Recovery • Complacency: As recovery becomes your new normal, it’s easy to become lax with the habits and practices that helped you grow. • New Life Challenges: Life will continue to bring challenges. The goal is not to eliminate struggle but to approach it with resilience and confidence. Encouragement “Recovery is not the absence of struggle, but the presence of resilience.” By this stage, you’ve proven your ability to adapt, grow, and thrive no matter what comes your way. Barriers to Recovery at Every Stage While each stage has unique challenges, there are common barriers that can arise throughout the recovery journey: 1. Fear of Change or Failure: Fear can be paralyzing, but it’s also a sign that you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. 2. Reluctance to Trust or Accept Help: Recovery requires vulnerability, which can feel uncomfortable. Opening up to others is an act of strength, not weakness. 3. Difficulty Recognizing Progress: It’s easy to focus on how far you still have to go, but don’t forget to celebrate how far you’ve already come. Solutions and Strategies for Recovery Recovery isn’t just about breaking old habits—it’s about building a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling. Here are practical strategies to support your journey: 1. Daily Gratitude Practice Take a few moments each day to reflect on what’s going well, no matter how small. Gratitude rewires your brain to notice the positives, helping you stay motivated and grounded. 2. Create a Support Network Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth. Whether it’s friends, mentors, or support groups, having a community can provide strength when you need it most. 3. Reflect on Past Victories When self-doubt creeps in, look back at what you’ve already overcome. Let your past successes remind you of your resilience and capacity for change. 4. Prioritize Self-Care Recovery is about more than breaking bad habits—it’s about nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Make time for activities that bring you joy and peace. 5. Stay Curious and Open to Growth Every stage of recovery offers new opportunities to learn about yourself and the world around you. Stay open to new experiences, and remember that growth is a lifelong process. A Final Thought on Recovery Recovery is not about perfection—it’s about progress. It’s about showing up for yourself every day, even when it’s hard, and committing to the life you want to create. No matter where you are in your journey, every small step forward is proof of your strength. You have the power to heal, grow, and build a future that feels meaningful and fulfilling. You are resilient. You are capable. And you are worthy of the life you’re working toward. Much love,  Kayla 💕♥️
Aidenmtz2005 profile picture
Addiction recovery journey
by Aidenmtz2005
Last post
 February 3rd
...See more Hello my name is aiden this February 18 will mark my 6 month sobriety I’ve struggled with urges to relapse since the first week and have been looking for new ways to cope with wanting to feel numb again without using an substances
Lostboy09 profile picture
Vaping
by Lostboy09
Last post
 February 2nd
...See more I have been struggling to quit vaping and i wanted to see if anyone would have tips on quitting.
KaylaBella profile picture
Handling Setbacks & Relapse
by KaylaBella
Last post
 February 1st
...See more Handling Setbacks & Relapse Setbacks and relapses are an unfortunate but common part of the recovery journey. These moments can feel discouraging, but they do not define our progress or our worth. Instead, they provide an opportunity to learn, grow, and return stronger in our recovery. This post will focus on how we can handle setbacks with grace, embrace the lessons they bring, and find the strength to rise again. Understanding Setbacks in Recovery: • Recovery is not linear. It’s a journey of progress and setbacks, and a relapse does not mean that you are starting from scratch. Instead, it’s a chance to learn, grow, and get back up stronger. • Discussion: What was your initial reaction when you experienced a setback or relapse? Did you feel discouraged or empowered to keep moving forward? • Practical Tip: When you experience a setback, acknowledge your feelings of disappointment, but avoid letting those feelings define you. One powerful tool in recovery is to create a “relapse action plan.” Write down your thoughts, what you’ve learned, and practical steps you can take to get back on track. • Action Step: Take 10 minutes to journal about the experience. What did you learn? What’s one positive thing you can take away to improve your recovery moving forward? Resilience Bouncing Back from Setbacks: • Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. Just like a muscle that grows stronger after being worked, your ability to bounce back improves each time you do so. • Motivational Quote: “It’s not how many times you fall, but how many times you get back up that counts.” – Anonymous • Reflection: Think of a time in your recovery when you felt like giving up but chose to keep going. What helped you persevere? • Practical Tip: Build a personal resilience toolkit that includes resources like phone numbers of supportive friends, activities that bring you peace, or motivational quotes. Resilience is about proactively preparing to face challenges. • Action Step: Create a resilience box—a collection of items, quotes, or reminders that motivate you to stay strong during tough times. The Importance of Self-Compassion: • During a setback, we’re often hard on ourselves. It’s important to show yourself the same grace you would offer to others in a similar situation. • Practical Exercise: Reflect on how you talk to yourself during a setback. What would it look like if you spoke to yourself with kindness and encouragement? • Practical Tip: Create a self-compassion mantra, such as, “I am doing my best, and that’s enough.” Repeat it when you’re feeling discouraged. • Action Step: Write down a self-compassion mantra and say it aloud whenever you feel frustrated or disappointed in yourself. Building a Support System: •       Recovery is difficult to navigate alone. Building a support system is crucial when dealing with setbacks. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up, encourage you, and hold you accountable • Practical Tip: Create an accountability group or recovery team of trusted individuals who can provide support during tough times. Schedule regular check-ins with them. • Action Step: List three people you trust to support your recovery. Reach out to them and let them know how they can help. Reflecting and Moving Forward: •.      Setbacks are a natural part of recovery, but they do not have to define your future. They are stepping stones for personal growth. • Reflection: What have you learned from past setbacks? How can you use those lessons to strengthen your recovery moving forward? • Practical Tip: Create a list of affirmations or reminders to encourage yourself when setbacks occur. Additional Tips for Handling Setbacks & Relapse: • Don’t Isolate Yourself: Avoid withdrawing from others. Stay connected to your support network, attend meetings, and reach out when you need encouragement. • Reflect, Don’t Dwell: Focus on what you can learn from a setback and move forward. • Set Small Goals: After a setback, focus on small, manageable goals to regain confidence. • Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge small victories, such as reaching out for help or completing a day of sobriety. Setbacks and relapses are a part of recovery, but they do not define us. By showing ourselves compassion, building resilience, and relying on a strong support system, we can move forward stronger than before. This post provides tools and a supportive space to reflect, grow, and thrive despite the challenges. I hope that you guys enjoy the material I have created and please feel free to start a discussion in this thread! 💕 I would love to hear from you guys!  Much love, Kayla 💕 ✨ 
KaylaBella profile picture
Overcoming Fear of Failure💕
by KaylaBella
Last post
 January 26th
...See more Overcoming Fear of Failure:  1/26/2025 Welcome, everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today. Fear of failure is something we’ve all experienced at one time or another. Whether it’s in recovery, relationships, work, or pursuing personal goals, fear can hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. Today, we’re going to break down what this fear looks like, how it affects us, and—most importantly—how we can move forward in spite of it. Let’s approach this with curiosity, openness, and the understanding that every single one of us is capable of growth and resilience. ------------------------- 1. Understanding Fear of Failure Let’s start by unpacking fear of failure. This isn’t just about being afraid to lose or mess up—it’s often much deeper than that. Fear of failure can show up in our lives as self-doubt, procrastination, or avoidance. It can feel like a voice in our heads saying, “What if I’m not good enough?” or “What if I try and fail?” These feelings often stem from internalized pressure to meet expectations—our own or those of others. When we understand how fear of failure shows up in our lives, we can begin to address it. For example, some of us may avoid certain tasks because we’re afraid of not getting them right. Others may feel paralyzed by indecision or experience a sense of discouragement when things don’t go as planned. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward overcoming them. * Let’s discuss: How has the fear of failure affected your progress, whether in recovery or other areas of your life? * Think about your personal patterns when facing fear: Do you avoid tasks, freeze up, or feel overwhelmed? * How do you tell the difference between legitimate concerns and irrational fears that may be holding you back? As we talk about these patterns, remember that you’re not alone in this. Everyone experiences fear of failure—it’s part of being human. But just because it’s common doesn’t mean it has to control us. ------------------------- 2. Shifting Perspective: Failure vs. Setbacks Let’s take a moment to think about how we define failure. Many of us view it as the end of the road, a definitive “you’re not good enough” moment. But what if we started seeing failure differently? What if we saw it as a necessary stepping stone to growth? Failure doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a person. It’s simply a sign that you tried something that didn’t work out the way you expected—and that’s okay. In fact, setbacks are often where we learn the most about ourselves and how to move forward. Reframing failure as a temporary challenge rather than a permanent label can help us face it with less fear. * Let’s discuss: Can anyone share a time when they faced a setback and learned something valuable from it? * How can you remind yourself that failure isn’t a reflection of your worth, but part of the process of growing stronger? * How does viewing failure as a learning opportunity change how you approach challenges? When we shift our mindset, we start to see failure not as something to fear, but as a tool for building resilience and personal growth. ------------------------- 3. Practical Strategies for Overcoming Fear of Failure Now that we’ve talked about understanding and reframing failure, let’s dive into some practical tools and strategies for overcoming it. These strategies aren’t about avoiding failure altogether—that’s impossible. Instead, they’re about managing our reactions to it and building confidence to move forward. One powerful tool is self-compassion. Often, we’re our own harshest critics when we fail. But instead of beating ourselves up, we can practice treating ourselves with kindness and understanding. Think of how you would comfort a friend who’s struggling—then try to offer yourself that same grace. Another strategy is developing a growth mindset. This means focusing on improvement rather than perfection. For example, instead of saying, “I’ll never be good at this,” try saying, “I’m still learning, and that’s okay.” Positive self-talk is another important tool. When fear creeps in, remind yourself: * “This is just part of the process.” * “I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.” * “I don’t have to be perfect to make progress.” * Let’s discuss: How can you practice self-compassion the next time you feel like you’ve failed? * What are some positive affirmations you can say to yourself when fear of failure starts to creep in? * Reflect on past successes—no matter how small. What can they teach you about your ability to keep moving forward? It’s important to remember that overcoming fear of failure doesn’t happen overnight. But by practicing these strategies consistently, we can gradually build confidence and resilience. ------------------------- 4. Building Resilience in the Face of Failure Finally, let’s talk about resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back after setbacks. It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about how we respond to it. Think about someone you admire who’s demonstrated resilience. Maybe it’s a friend, a family member, or even yourself. Resilient people don’t let failure define them—they use it as fuel to keep going. They adapt, learn, and try again. * Let’s discuss: How do you define resilience in your own life? * What are some qualities of resilient people that you’d like to develop in yourself? * Can anyone share a time when they overcame a tough setback? What helped you bounce back? One way to build resilience is by reflecting on the progress you’ve already made. Even if you’ve faced challenges, you’ve made it this far—and that’s something to be proud of. ------------------------- Thank you all for being part of this discussion today. Fear of failure is something we all face, but it doesn’t have to hold us back. By understanding it, reframing it, and using practical strategies to address it, we can move forward with confidence. Remember, failure isn’t the end—it’s just a part of the journey. Much love, Kayla 💕💖
energeticWest1129 profile picture
Nicotine quitting
by energeticWest1129
Last post
 January 26th
...See more I need help with nicotine quitting. Maybe I will just write updates here.  I started vaping about 3 months ago, and started picking up smoking cigarettes over the past 2 weeks. I smoke Esse specifically which is said to be lighter than other types, but over the past 3 days, I smoke like 6 Esse cigarett each time (specially social situations that stress me out lately).... So I need to find a way to quit cold turkey, or cutting down slowly, I really don't know!! 
DaveMcGrath profile picture
Stoic Mindfulness and resilience training
by DaveMcGrath
Last post
 January 26th
...See more Hey gals and guys, I'm what I'd classify as an off and on practicioner of Stoicism. The definition of what constitutes Stoicism can vary wildly depending upon your specific philosophical inclination. Myself, I tend to follow the basics of Stoicism without the allegiance or loyalty to any particular branch of it. Believe me when I say, there are some within the folds of Stoicism who are quite fanatic to their chosen teacher. I pick and choose what I like and what I think fits my circumstances the best. The strongest thing I've gotten from being a Stoic is resillience. The ability to bend without breaking has held me in good stead in a number of bad situations. SO many times in my life, I've found myself feeling like just one more thing will completely break me. Sometimes they have, but then again, sometimes they haven't. Being resillient isn't about being a dam to hold back the waters of a river. It's more like a blade of grass that bends when the wind blows. A specific example of this for me was recently a number of scheduling changes at work. They packed in a dozen or more extra classes to my weekly schedule for three weeks in a row. By focusing on what I could control, which was my response to this, and refusing to get caught up in my anger at the situation, I was able to power through the three weeks without breaking. Teaching 12 extra classes a week on my already busy schedule isn't something I want to do, it devalues the currency so to speak, it lowers the overall quality of the classes. Rather than breaking entirely, I bent a little and accepted that with a few small changes to my teaching style and my routines, I could make it through the 3 week period without having to sacrifice too much quality. Sure I wasn't as up to par as I usually was, but it was far better than I expected. Controlling what is mine to control and focusing on those things got me through that time period. So what's the point of all this? The pdf I will link at the bottom here describes a training course that encourages people to build that resilliencey within themselves. If you are interested, as I know I am, we could do this as a group activity together here on the forums. I'm not proposing we replicate this course in entirity. I don't think its possible to do so as my level of Stoic education isn't quite at the level of the people who put this together. I do think though we can come up something for a 7 cups style group effort that might be beneficial for those who embrace it. http://donaldrobertson.name/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/stoic-week-2015-handbook-stoicism-today.pdf Lemme know here in this thread and we'll get organized on how to proceed. I have some general ideas but would prefer input from other participants.
scarbstar profile picture
Tips to manage cravings.
by scarbstar
Last post
 January 17th
...See more 1. Know that cravings will pass. First, understand that while these urges are strong, they will pass, typically in about 5-30 minutes.  Many addiction specialists urge people to ‘surf the urge’ and accept that these urges will come in waves and take the necessary steps to ward them off. 2. Identify your goals and keep them on hand. Make a list of all the reasons you quit and all the potential negative outcomes that could happen to you if you start using again.  Keep this list handy at all times to remind yourself of your ultimate goal. 3. Be consistent in treatment and therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a commonly used form of psychological treatment for addiction recovery. CBT utilizes techniques to help redirect your focus away from the cravings.   “Counseling, sponsors, group therapy and individual therapy are all key components to help patients stay on track,” adds Dr. Juneja. “It’s important to have trusted sources you can call on when you’re battling thoughts that can hurt your chances of recovery.”  4. Explore new passions. Find other ways to distract your mind, especially when you need to fill some down time. Take up a hobby like:  Sports Cooking Reading Drawing or painting  Dancing Hiking Photography Fishing Puzzles Video games (be mindful that video games and social media can have addictive qualities) Listen to soothing music Meditation (or other meditative practices, i.e. float therapy) Yoga 5. Exercise regularly. It is crucial to get as much exercise as you can, this will stimulate your mind and body, and create routines and structure in your week that help stay on track. Regular aerobic exercise and eating a healthy diet play a large role in helping fight addiction through self-care.  6. Practice meditation and breathing techniques. Throughout the recovery process, it is important to reduce stress, anxiety and encourage a sense of emotional balance. One of the best ways of doing this is practicing simple relaxation techniques to focus on your breathing, taking deep breaths when you are feeling any urges. Meditation also is a wonderful way to feel refreshed and invigorated any time of the day. 7. Identify a trusted support system. Another very helpful tool on the road to successful and long-term recovery is to maintain safe, emotionally supportive relationships. The individuals you are connected to often can play a key role in helping you through any crisis.   Whether it is a friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor, share your concerns with them and let them help support you through your recovery journey. It is important to remember that it often takes many attempts at recovery to achieve success, and managing cravings with coping skills is a foundation of success.  
Stitch626Experiment626 profile picture
Opioid Addict of 10+ yrs Needing Hope/Support
by Stitch626Experiment626
Last post
 January 14th
...See more Hi everyone, I'm not sure where to start. I guess I'm looking for some hope from people? For some support? I fear that I'm never going to find serenity or recovery. My mental health and depression are really bad right now and have been for quite some time. My depression has been at an all time high and my addiction at an all time low. I'm definitely struggling and things have been getting worse for me over the last two months. I had to quit my job back in mid November due to my mental health conditions and my addiction state. I've struggled with addiction since I was a teenager and have been in and out of 3 residential rehabs over the years, the last one in about 2019 I believe. My addiction would fluctuate back and forth between controlled/functioning and severe from then to now. I had a month clean back in say May(?) of last year, then I got a few spots from my dealer and the rest was history for me. Before I knew it I was back to having to use near daily again or else I'd enter extreme withdrawal. A week and a half ago, I checked myself into detox because I was stuck in that cycle where I had to use nearly every day simply to keep myself out of withdrawal. I truly wasn't even using anymore because I wanted to, it was because I had to. If I didn't I would get so sick it truly felt like death by day three. This was taking a substantial burden on my health, body, finances, and relationship. So I decided to go to detox so I could gain control over my addiction again, I knew I wasn't done using but I was ready to make changes to the frequency of my use. I had to. My journey began by initiating this process by going to the hospital ER first (as recommended by detox staff) for assistance. I was discharged to detox, and a few days into it, I began to experience the most horrid abdominal pains that would bring me back to the hospital ER again two more times. (They did little for me really the first time, just bloodwork and maintenence medications then discharge, no imaging/diagnostics) (Total ER=3x) They never did find anything significant in terms of the reason behind my abdominal pain, so they just chalked this off as part of my withdrawal symptoms. In the second visit they did however discover that I had pneomonia in my left lung upon doing a CT scan. Lucky me. Upon discharge from the detox centre, my stupid *** went and picked up, having been white knuckling cravings for that last week. My doc is smoking fentanyl. Now I wasn't even thinking that I would be a) breathing compromised from the pneomonia and  b) that my tolerance level would have dropped in this last week I had spent clean. I figured it took a lot more time than that for your tolerance level to drop. I picked up from my guy, used a small amount in a public bathroom, then went home. Upon being home, I continued to use the same amount as I would have used before detox.... a big no no. (And I should have known this!) I'll mention now that in my 10+ years of using fentanyl, I've never overdosed. I've always been VERY careful about WHO I got it from and HOW I went about using it. But I've never been naiive enough to think that an OD couldn't happen to me, so I kept narcan kits in the house just in case. Well, thank God I did.  I came home that night and used, and I went under. Thank God my girlfriend was home to save me. She came out from the washroom and found me unresponsive, blue and purple, not breathing and with no pulse. I also started to vomit. And aspirate. (How great for my lungs!) She immediately called 911, put me down, started cpr, and narcanned me. After a good amount of cpr she finally got my breath back. Paramedics, fire, and police all arrived and took over my care shortly after. Now I, have zero memory of taking the hit, going down, being down or even getting up - not until I was halfway through packing my bag for having to go back to the hospital (total ER visits in a week now = 4). And idk if I went back under or what, because I remember being rolled out of my building on the stretcher and onto the sidewalk, then nothing until I woke up in the hospital again. The memory gaps scare me...  I feel this tremendous horrible guilt about the burden I've now placed on my girlfriend though, to have to carry this memory and we have to carry it alone too, as there is no one we can talk to in our personal life about me even having an addiction, nevermind overdosing... no one who wouldn't judge harshly. It's a lot for them to have to deal with. It was always their worst fear, and I made it come true. I also feel a lot of gratitude though. That I was home when this happened, that it didn't happen to me in the washroom while I was out. That my girlfriend didn't panic and is trained in cpr and knew exactly what to do. And that whatever God is out there wasn't finished with me yet.  The following morning I was discharged from the hospital but had a follow up doctors appointment with my general practitioner in the afternoon to check my pneomonia. I went to this appointment and had horrible vitals. My 02 levels had dropped to 82 and my heart rate was 133. My doctor whom was concerned for hypoxia, insisted I return to the hospital... so away I went again, now to be ER visits #5. They actually admitted me this time and I remained in the hospital for two more days being treated for the pneomonia and remaining withdrawal. I'll add that during my hospital visits they had started me on oral suboxone and were trying to reach my stabilization dose of this medication. The idea of sublocade was introduced, discussed, and agreed upon. I received the sublocade shot before discharge. Now I'll say that I've always wished I could just magically snap my fingers and make my addiction go away. I've expressed it countless times to my girlfriend in our arugments over my addiction, as I would try to explain how I have a disease and just can't snap out of it no matter how hard I tried. I think I finally got my wish? The sublocade shot has effectively blocked the opioid receptors on my brain - it seems that I can't get a high from using now, as I pathetically tried upon discharge from the hospital. Now the stuff I was using was pretty weak, so there's that little voice in the back of my head that's going "but what if I pick up the better/stronger fentanyl from my other guy instead? Will I get high then?" Oh when, when does the madness end????? But something has changed in me.... Instead of these intense pressure cravings to use that have always been existent and oh so persisting, my brain now goes/asks - "but what's the point in trying?" A rebuttal? How odd. Normally I just give in to those urges and then my mind is made up that I'm using. I had the opportunity to go out today and meet said guy with stronger product if I wanted, but I didn't. I just couldn't be bothered...?? I even went as far as to throw away what remainded of the weak ***! (And I Never! Ever? Threw away drugs before!) but I didn't see the point in keeping it. It wasn't doing anything for me but hurting my body. So now I've done this complete 180 turn from myself, my thoughts, and my cravings. I hate that a part of me still wants (needs?) To test the theory about whether or not the stronger *** will hit my receptors though. I feel like this wondering is going to drive me mental until I know for sure. I'm hoping I can continue to question the point of doing so though. I'm hoping, praying, that I can just say to myself that it probably won't work and there's no point in trying and to just not go down that road. I don't know how far I can get this momentum to go though... but I have to at least try, right? Now I should be feeling a big sense of relief, right? Gratitude too? I finally got what I always wanted, no? To rid myself of my intense cravings, to be free from the chains of addiction once and for all. Yet I'm still numb to it all. I guess it doesn't even feel real that I'm fighting urges and not experiencing them as strongly. I'm still struggling to process what's happening and has happened too. I think I can feel a sense of relief down there somewhere though. But also a lot of remorse. Like I now need to mourn my addiction like the loss of a loved one/dear friend. Our times together weren't all bad, that's for sure. There was plenty of good. And I'm now leaving behind my biggest aid/coping skill/reward system that I've known and ever had. Drugs helped me feel better mentally and emotionally at a young age, and they also gave me a sense of belonging/connection to others that I didn't have prior. Saying goodbye to my addiction is going to be hard... but it should feel good, right? That's just my problem though. I'm not -feeling- much of anything. Emptiness and fear above all else.  I know for sure though that I've been feeling more connected to my higher power and spirituality since being brought back from the dead.. yet everything is such a tangled mess within me still. I don't know what to make of any of it all.  Thank you to anyone who reads this. 
scarbstar profile picture
Introducing Myself.
by scarbstar
Last post
 January 13th
...See more Hi everyone. My name is star and I'm a recovering addict.  I'd just like to introduce myself as your new forum supporter. I have been sober for 2 years and I really am looking forward to getting involved in this community. Not only for you all but for myself as well.  What I'm hoping to gain from the 7cups leadership community is a more active Addiction community. Don't be afraid to post.  Our most lasting and fulfilling achievements are often earned by helping others fulfill theirs. This is also a CHECK IN where's everyone at and introduce yourselves!
automatonic profile picture
Food addiction
by automatonic
Last post
 December 29th, 2024
...See more I struggle with overeating. It's definitely tied to my stress level. It's been worse lately than it's ever been. I'll go to the store and buy a massive pile of junk food. Soda, chips, ramen, cookies, crackers, popcorn, candy, ice cream, etc. I describe it like what a 12 year old would buy if he found a hundred dollars. But when I actually get it home, I'll eat and eat it until I feel sick, then eat some more. And at that point it doesn't even feel good to eat it, but I keep going nonetheless. I'll also overorder fast food and eat it over multiple days. Like buying multiple pizzas or a ton of wings at once. Even if I can manage to not keep snacks, I'll still get really hungry and eat multiple dinners or snack on fiber bars or whatever else is around. There's this mindset that I have to eat it all to get rid of it as fast as I can so I can "start over and be healthy again", but then I just end up going out and buying more. I have bad teeth already, and this doesn't help. Often I don't get good sleep because I've eaten so much that my whole body hurts. I want to lose weight and live a long life, but I keep falling in the same trap over and over. Not sure what to do.

Addiction Support

Please note: bolded grey text is hyperlinked.

Welcome to Addiction Support! We are so pleased that you have stumbled across our little corner of the internet. Our community is here to support you through any recovery and/or pathway from substances to gambling, internet, self-harm, porn addiction, sex addiction, and more. All are welcome to participate whether you are a family member watching a loved one struggling or if you are struggling yourself. Feel free to discuss anything and everything related to addictions.


What are the different forum topics for Addiction Support?

Community Space: A place for you to introduce yourself and take part in our community check-ins.

Games and Icebreakers: A place for you to get to know other community members by participating in fun games!

General Addiction Support: Do you have a question or want to share more about your addiction? Do it here!

Journals: Want to share your story or involve us on your journey to recovery? Do it here!

Loving Those With Addictions: Got a loved one with an addiction? Share your story here!

Sex and Porn Addiction Support: Struggling with a sex and/or porn addiction? Discuss it here!


How can I help?

You can help us by simply responding to threads and sharing your story (if you're comfortable to). Alternatively, you may wish to join us as a Forum Leader. Check out this thread for more information.


Helpful Threads

Taglist: Do you want to stay up to date with our community? Then join our taglist to be notified every time a new discussion or update is posted!


Addiction Support FAQ

Are there any sub-community specific guidelines that we need to adhere to?

All sub-community specific guidelines can be found below and should be followed in addition to the general forum guidelines.


Help... I still have a question! 

You can ask your questions in this thread and someone will respond to you as soon as possible.

Community Guidelines

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We ask each user to live by the guidelines outlined in this thread. Each behavior mentioned will be assigned a behavior point, once a certain number of points are accumulated within 6 months, consequences will be enacted.

Read the 7 Cups Guidelines
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