Celebrating 3.5 years as a non-drinker thanks to SMART Recovery

[Gentoo]

Hello, my name is gentoo. I just celebrated 3.5 years as a non-drinker thanks to SMART Recovery, particularly SMART Recovery Online.

I drank heavily for decades. I developed physical addiction to alcohol, where if I didn't drink for an hour or two, I got shakes, sweats, anxiety. Then, drinking almost took my life. I had a serious fall when drinking, and it resulted in a traumatic brain injury. In ICU I was given a 50-50 chance to live. This caused pain to my husband and family. Thankfully, I made it. But I had to learn to walk again. And I had destroyed my career.

I attended an outpatient treatment center for alcohol and drugs where we were expected to attend one "outside" recovery meeting per week. We were given the choice of attending 12-step or SMART Recovery. And that's how I learned about SMART.

I didn't want to go to AA because I could not imagine standing up in front of a group and saying "Hi, I'm (real name) and I'm an alcoholic". Although I go to church, I didn't get the concept that just turning over my life to a "higher power" and basically praying when I felt like drinking is the solution because I am "powerless". I got myself into this, and I wanted concrete, practical, science-based, proven information about how I could get myself out - and for good, because another head trauma will almost certainly kill me. And so, I didn't want someone like a "sponsor" telling me what to do, either.

SMART doesn't tell you what to do; instead you are supported by great people in the same boat and pointed in the right direction.

I learned that I am the one who needs to do the work. I needed to read and learn and use the things I learned to quit drinking and stay quit.

SMART Recovery meetings are super-helpful. People share their personal experiences with the SMART tools and how they worked for them. The volunteer meeting Facilitators guide the discussion. What you take and use is your choice. That's why SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. 3.5 years later, without a single drink, I recently became a Facilitator too. The training is very rigorous. And I deepen my commitment to my recovery by helping others the best I can.

The 24/7 support here online is fantastic. There's always someone to talk with and share experiences or ask for support getting through a tough moment without giving in. Lots of meetings online every day. Tons of resources to read, learn and use for success! And good friendships if you'd like that.

SMART was exactly what I needed. I think these SMART principles sum it up, for me:

Successfully recovered people:
1 Have a commitment to sobriety
2 Make a change in lifestyle
3 Prepare and plan for urges

Recovery takes the 3 P's:
Patience
Practice
Persistence

I wish everyone reading this the joy of recovery. It may not seem joyful at all when starting out, but I think you'll agree one day - it is. You can recover your health, relationships, career, and more.

Sincerely,
gentoo

[LMR555]

Hello Gentoo,

Congratulations1.jpg
Thank you for sharing your journey. It is great to share the experience of SMART Recovery and the recovery journey with you!!

Best to you,
Lorrie

[a7u]

Very happy for your success, gentoo!

[Gruntwench]

Gentoo,
We are so lucky to have you!
Gruntwench

[85MonteSS]

Congrats.....

[PunchPressQueen75]

Gentoo

[change_by_day]

Way to go Gentoo!! Very inspiring

[shelly808]

The world is lucky to have you here and well... Congratulations!!!

[garym12]

Thanks gentoo....great read

[JvB]

That is a wonderful accomplishment Gentoo. And thank for sharing your appreciation of penguinology.

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Jonathan

[Gentoo]

Ooh, thanks for sharing that pretty posing Gentoo too, Jonathan!

Gen

[lizzie2013]

Very inspiring Gentoo!

[CalebR]

Gentoo,

It was fantastic reading your post. You speak as someone having experienced directly the devastating consequences of addiction, and has also had the direct experience of the difficult, though ultimately enlightening path of recovery. It is truly inspiring to hear that one who is committed, persistent and does what it takes to remain balanced can succeed in harboring a lasting sobriety.

Good on you and much love!

[emmw]

gentoo, thank you for sharing your experience and success. you have been very inspirational to me, and so supportive of me with my own battles. I hadn't heard your entire story, but i am so glad to have met you, here at smart recovery on line. i'd like to add a 4th "p" though, penguins. you always make me smile. tc, emmw

[Sweetpotato]

Hi Gentoo -
I saw you last evening in the chat room and then read your post here. You are doing great. I have just celebrated 3 years sobriety myself. You are right, it is up to us to make this recovery our own. I haven't done much on SROL for quite sometime, but do know to look when times are tough, or I am scared. I do attend a regular face to face meeting on Sunday nights. Maybe I will keep seeing you here online.

[Gprospects]

Good to get a better idea of your story Gentoo. Congrats on the 3 years and here's to many more. I'm following in your footsteps and hope to get there someday

[dvdneely]

THANK you for sharing your personal story with us. as a newcomer to this, I really found your story encouraging. I look forward to making some lasting friendships here, as well as using this program to better my life and quit drinking for GOOD! blessings to you.

[jude20]

This is great, im loving this forum. Really helps..

[sanbart]

Very encouraging to know that SMART has been working for you for 3.5 years. I'm new around here, and I think I'll stick around. Congratulations, and thanks.

[RoAlvarez]

Congrats on your wonderful recovery!

[snowcookie01]

That's great! I am so thrilled for you! I agree with you about the AA program, and would just like to add that I have been there and it never did offer me any genuine support.

[melliemoo]

You are an inspiration for sure! I hope to be in your shoes in 2.5 more years. Congratulations!!

[Gordon1]

Gentoo,
You are a gem
Got a lot from your story and continue to get a lot from your presence.
Stay well dear person,
Hugh