Enjoying my new life without drugs and alcohol

I was born in a suburb of Atlanta Georgia. I was diagnosed with pretty severe ADD which made school hard. I drank and smoked weed in high school and it seemed to help me which sounds strange now. I went to several rehabs in my early 20's. I blamed it on my ADD and depression, instead of seeing that I was self medicating and going overboard.

I used Heroin for 3 weeks and overdosed twice. The Doctors told me I was a few minutes away from dying. I remember my mom's face when she visited me in the hospital. She really didn't understand any of this. My parents did not drink - except special occasions. This was a new low.

I got sober soon after I turned 30. I wanted to marry my girlfriend of 5 years but she was very worried about my drug and alcohol problem. I could get sober for a short while but I never had a real recovery program in my life. I don't why I was ready this time but I was out of options completely. I also was suffering from other health problems. I couldn't handle anything going the way I was.

Since coming into a sober residence, I've been able to put my recovery first. I know my family and girlfriend want the best for me. I miss them very much, but I am already starting to see my life get better. Even my ADD has gotten better. I am not on any medications because I have no insurance but I'm trying to get some. But aside from some sleep issues, I feel really good.

I am going to celebrate 30 days sober soon and I'm very grateful for it. I have a lot of help with my recovery support group in and out of my residence. I have a good job. It's not the job of my dreams but that's ok. It has given me responsibility and keeps me busy.

I'm trying to look to far ahead. I know I want what recovered people here have. I know they are a lot happier than I was when I got here. That is what I have kept my eye on. I have a sponsor and attend meetings every day. I smile more and I allow myself to have fun. I never thought I could have fun without drugs and alcohol. I'm now finding that I have more fun and for longer periods. That is one of the gifts of this program for me and recovery as a whole.

I pray every morning and every night. I know I'm led by my higher power. I'm still trying to understand it all, but my sponsor has told me I don't need to understand all of it. Just believing is good enough.

Joseph R
Macon, GA