Really Happy About These Successes...
15 years no opiates, 6 years no drugs of any kind, and 4 months no alcohol
I recently quit alcohol after noticing it was difficult to stick to the Canadian responsible drinking guidelines, and occasionally I would self-medicate bad moods and double or triple my limit of 2 glasses. I used the Sinclair Method and took Naltrexone before drinking anything for 6 months. It took away the physical pleasure and my desire to add another glass of wine to the one I just had. Quitting, therefore, was much easier because the payoff was not there anymore. Why bother?
Three recent successes I am proud of:
Dinner last week at a wonderful Italian restaurant, where they had almost no choice for nonalcoholic beverages except for sugared soda and tea. I was initially irritated but it passed quickly after I ordered my tea. I had a wonderful meal of Veal Alla Limone (lemon), zucchini parmesan, and ravioli with gorgonzola cream sauce. I did not miss the wine and spent an evening in great company.
Dinner last night was a big bowl of homemade popcorn with butter, and apple cinnamon kombucha that I brewed. Popcorn is my classic bad mood meal when I don't want to cook. Ten years ago, before my first attendance at rehab, it would be bagged junk food cheese popcorn that I would chase down with two or three litres of beer or a bottle and a half of wine. Progress! Homemade kombucha is my favorite go to non-alcoholic beverage.
Last September I had terrible pneumonia that took 6 weeks to clear up. I was not sleeping at all due to a terrible hacking cough. My doctor prescribed cough syrup with opiates then tablets with codeine. I was quite worried as this was my former drug of choice. I reasoned that three years ago I had a similar prescription for bronchitis and used it according to directions. This time I did the same, and was surprised that the prescription relieved my cough without any of the rush I used to get.
I was surprised that the biggest side effect was feelings of sadness triggered by memories of being dope sick. I did not finish the tablets and took the remainder to the pharmacy to be disposed of. I am now confident that I will never misuse opiates again.
I have used the Smart Recovery tools consistently in the past 4 years, attending the occasional online meeting and using the Chat Room as needed. The support has been so helpful to me and I am grateful. Thank-you!
