"Opiate addiction, recovery"

I found drugs at 13 and used them continuously until I reached 45. I had no understanding of addiction and the consequences my actions and choices. I saw drugs as a way to block out my anxiety and feelings of low self worth. I thought they allowed me to be the person I always wanted to be, in fact they stunted my development, they were short term solutions to long term problems. I eventually found what I thought I was looking for at 23... Heroin. It took my feelings away and blocked my pain and I continued to abuse for the next 22 years, powerless to stop.

I have kept this part of my story short

As I know there are people out there who have similar experience and I don't think it's helpful to run over old ground.

When I made the decision to change my life I was incredibly fortunate to find C. G. L. I really mean that!

C. G. L supported me in early recovery and have continued to do so until this day.. 32 months clean now. They helped me understand that yesterday was history, tomorrow is a mystery and that today is the most important part of living.

Don't get me wrong, recovery or discovery as I like to call it doesn't come for free. In my experience just because you stop using doesn't mean that life suddenly becomes wonderful. You have to work at it, don't take it for granted and don't be complacent or the voice or demon that used to manage our thoughts and behaviours will most likely rise again.

I regularly attend S. M. A. R. T meetings as a way to focus on life and to learn to make better decisions. I meet people regularly who are still in the madness and some who are just starting out on the journey I have been taking myself. This has a dual benefit for me as I can take stock of my situation. I get to see where I came from and more importantly where I have got to.

Now I have the ability to live life on life's terms, good or bad!

I have shared this experience as I hope someone else might be able to CHANGE, put the work in to GROW as a person and eventually to LIVE Life without the use of drugs.

It really works if you work your plan, at the very least it has for me.

Again I would like to thank C. G. L and everyone else for the support that has helped me trust and believe I'm myself, bless.