My two most prized possessions!

[methMADMAN]

I realize a lot of people here have a problem with the 12 step revovery program and I am not going to address that here. What I can say is it works for me, and it changed my life for the better. It has worked for millions of others who were honest enought, open minded enough, and willing enough. I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired. Now I have hope, a host of great friends who actually care, and I am happier than I have ever been. December 8th 2007 was the date of my one year birthday.

Why are they my most prized possesions? Because everything good in my life is founded on being clean and sober. Take away that and I'd piss it all away in a heartbeat like I have so many times before....

[dogzz]

Congratulations on your one year birthday madman. figured I'd just call ya that and leave the meth off, since it aint part of your life anymore . How we get to that clean life isnt important, as long as we do search to find what works, and work it. That feeling of hope, real friends, and happiness is a damn good feelin isn't it?

[methMADMAN]

Yeah it really is, and thanks.

[sweetsugar]

Absolutley brilliant, congrats! its great to here such positiveness

Swiss is currently beating herself up over a very small relapse but is still wiothout a doubt she is determind to stay clean, just feels like shes back to sq 1....

Merry Christmas!

[sweetsugar]

Btw - how much is this 12 step program? The first swiss heard of it was when joined to forum!

[methMADMAN]

Originally Posted by sweetsugar

Btw - how much is this 12 step program? The first swiss heard of it was when joined to forum!

Do you mean how much money? It's free of course. It's called Narcotics Anonymous, and also Alcoholics Anonymous.

[methMADMAN]

And please do not beat yourself up about a relapse. You're and addict, and it happens, and it's normal for someone like you Beating yourself up about it helps no one. Some people around here seem to think the 12 step program teaches that we aren't resposible for using, or what we do in our addiction, and that is a misconception. The 12 step program teaches that we are absoltely responsible for everything we do. We are also very much in control of our use once we know the truth about addiction and once we seek help. What we are not resposible for is the disease of addiction. What we are not in control of us our reaction to drugs/alcohol when we get high. That is what is "unmanagebale".

[runfrom MURDER]

Hi methMADMAN. I thought you got banned or something.

SWIM now only does ice probably once or twice every couple weeks, and is feeling better about it this time.

[sweetsugar]

Swiss thought the 12 step program had to be paid for, she obviously needs to do a bit of research on it and consider it a possiblity

[beentheredonethatagain]

The only requirment for membership in AA or NA is a desire to stay clean.

Not all members have a bad taste for the program of recovery from the 12 steps of AA or NA, I used to have a 24 hour chip along with one for 6 yrs.

I made a sober desision to give them back, but I learned so very much from those many many meetings, I am not the same as I was back before my first meeting, It saved me from a early end.

Relapse is a part of recovery , for most . I know many who have a lot of clean time now but didnt get it right away, they did a couple of trials here and there and then got a foundation , a sponser, and worked the steps and traditions, got into service , took the message inside hospitals and institutions, and then is when they finally understood the phrase " You cant keep it, unless you give it away" "one day at a time"

[thewomaninagreenhat]

It has worked for millions of others who were honest enought, open minded enough, and willing enough.

So if someone doesnt use a 12 step program, they arent honest enough or open minded enough or willing enough????

How about, they are strong enough to do it without a bunch balogna.

[methMADMAN]

Whatever works, is the lesson.

[hippie_lain]

congrats methmadman! Its great to see your enjoying your new life. Im acually starting the 12 step program this week and i have good hopes for it. Ive been clean for a long time but i do relasp on acohol here and there.

[Fight Club]

Congratulations on earning "the coveted bronze medallion". Still working on mine. I've got an inspiring collection of 30, 60, 90 day and 6 month coins, however!

FC

[cyndi]

I guess this will be my first post. Congratulations on your birthday!!! Keep the good work up.