Hi All,
I just wanted to give an update. I just hit my 6 month mark on May 10th and I am feeling awesome. :) I was sober with some slips for 4.5 years prior to my final moderation test trial a year ago. I know this was my last test trial for moderation because I tried it for 6 months and I really tried hard to do this, but it was extremely challenging. I was training for a triathlon and marathon during this time period of "moderation". I thought I could be like the other "healthy" athletes in my group who seemed to have control. I figured I could keep on exercising and just drink 1-3 drinks tops on occasion. I was successful a few times, but as time went on I kept returning to previous drinking habits and then I started craving drugs again. I started smoking pot again on occasion. Suddenly before I knew it, my relationship took a nose dive and I was snorting cocaine again. This only happened twice thank GOD and I ended up quitting on Nov. 10th, 2015. I have not had a drink or drug since. I am grateful to be where I am at today and I am so fortunate to have the Smart tools. The first 2 months were so hard. I still have cravings and urges now and then, but nothing like in the beginning. I facilitated my first face to face Smart meeting last week - something I have wanted to do since I did the training in 2013. I know this was my last shot at drinking. I know I am done forever and I am so thankful I don't have to suffer anymore. Life is good today and in August I will complete another Half Ironman triathlon. I am very excited.
I just wanted to give hope to anyone struggling. This program really works if you apply the tools and do the work. I have some other really good books I've found that have been extremely helpful as well, but it is a combination of smart and these books which have helped me get to this place of no longer wanting to drink and do drugs.
So thank you Smart Recovery for all the help and I pray I get to help others get better in the future!
Cheers to 6 months!
