wasted years

[BAZ85022]

can anyone share their story of making a comeback after years of substance abuse and depression? I feel like I’ve wasted much of my life. And now trying to bounce back. One recent job sent me spiraling back, but I’m determined to keep positive.

[Agora1]

Hi BAZ, Time has a way in going by whether wasted or not. It happens, however by

staying positive and moving forward,, we can pick up where we left off for a better reason.

It's when we stay stuck, we lose. We can't go back but we can learn from our experiences

of the past so that we can proceed forward with self confidence and self esteem.

Stay determined, stay positive and stay focused on your goal. Never give up. This is

your life, your decisions and your path. Make the most of it while you can xx

[kenster1]

I took drugs regular for a few years everything bar the real hard stuff.Back in 2009 I was meeting up with a friend from another part of the UK as we planned climbing a mountain and other things we hadn`t seen each other for 12 years or so and I`d just come off a complete weekend bender.I had some weed with me but didn`t tell her as the days went on I realised how much time I wasted doing drugs and decided there and then it was no more for me too many years gone I couldn`t get back.Ever since then I smoked weed once took cocaine once apart from that never looked back I found it easy and never sought help but obviously most people need support of some kind more so if it`s hard drugs. you can do it always believe you can by any means.

[Charlie-mg]

I haven’t suffered from depression, but I have suffered from panic attacks and a 15+ years addiction to fentanyl. It was prescribed to me following a back surgery but the doctor continued to give it to me long after the pain was gone. I became physically and psychologically dependent on it and developed a dangerously high tolerance level. I had to enroll in an outpatient methadone treatment program which took an additional three years to finally be drug free.

I was considered a high-functioning addict and very few people in my life even knew about it. I can definitely understand the feeling of wasted time. But the thing is, there is no going back. It is what it is. I’d like to think that in some small way the recovery process made me a stronger person. I try not to let it define me as I was somehow able to continue my life, my career, and raising my kids while suffering in silence. I do consider myself lucky to be alive today so that helps me stay optimistic about the future. It’s something I don’t talk about very often but I saw your post and wanted to share. It takes a lot of willpower and dedication as well as working with drug counselors who know what they’re talking about, most of whom have been through it.

Keep your head up and stay focused on your goals. If I can get through it and see hope for a positive future, you can too. Don’t compare the past with the future. Best of luck to you.

[beachSurf12]

I have major anxiety, depressive disorder, PTSD. I am a recovering Crystal Meth Addict. I'm in an abusive marriage. I am rediscovering myself and the hubby is still doing drugs he's been an addict for 30 years. I finally made a good decision, if by Aug. 1st he's still not clean I'm moving out and taking our dog. He has no clue. I'm just done with it. Once best friends, best marriage then meth destroyed us. Ughhhh I have been isolated and had a lot of trauma over the last few years. But I'm choosing me. Then my head stops me in my tracks and negative self thoughts and everything try to make me doubt I can do anything.

[BAZ85022 in reply to beachSurf12]

Once u get in a good environment u will get stronger. Especially feeling isolated in a negative environment. It’s better to be alone if u just get a hotel room at first. I mean, if ur not sure where to move. Then u can focus on u and improving yourself and your life. There are positive days ahead and positive, healthy people to be around. 👍