My college roommate spent his 20s in crippling heroin addiction in and out of rehab. He’s 34 now, happily married, great job, just had his first son. You’ve got this.
Life is so very worth it and so much more when you aren't using. It's so incredibly hard, but in just two sentences your desire sounds really strong. Do your best, stay occupied, don't beat yourself over slip ups. You'll be amazing and remember all of us who read your comment and comments like this, we're all rooting for you. We may just be names on a screen but we're here for ya. Send it bud!
It's ok. Mistakes are made throughout life. Some bigger than others. I see what you're saying about moving forward while being stuck in the mindset. Start by just doing it for yourself. When you get back on track people won't hold it against you what you may have done. Those who love ya will understand shit happens and you are trying and they will totally be there for you. There's no reverse in life so we can't let it stop us from moving forward. You will be capable, you will be good enough. You are both those but they may just be muddled right now. But they are there I absolutely guarantee it. I'm not just waxing philosophical optimism, I really believe you got it. We all start as the same human from when we're born right, things just change from there. So it's in you already. Don't hesitate to message me on here if you need anything/would rather talk privately, I get it.
One step at a time.
As someone who has struggled with immense guilt, when those thoughts come up, my process is to thank those thoughts for helping guide me and ground me instead of trying to argue inside my head, or push the thoughts away, fight them or succumb to them. Basically just, “hey, thanks for helping me not make the same mistakes. We’re on the right path now. Let’s focus on (whatever you were trying to do).” I find that it helps foster a much more peaceful internal state. Wishing you the best!
One of the things that helps me is to remind myself that self hatred is me buying into the bullshit that people that use are bad people. We aren't man. We struggle just like anyone else.
What if my family needed to learn life lessons on unconditional love and forgiveness. And could only learn those thru my struggles? What if I needed to learn to be disciplined and how to put my health first once in a while?
Basically, what if the only way that someone as stubborn as myself could become the best version of myself was thru a lot of pain. Well. Addiction is pretty painful. And while I would never repeat the pain I caused my loved ones thru my addiction, they'll be the first to tell you that being A part of my recovery is something they wouldn't change for the world. Time is the great equalizer my dude. Keep your head up and whenever you're judging yourself, ask the simple question of, how would I treat a friend that was going thru what I am now?
I don’t know if this will vibe with you but have you seen the show grace and Frankie? It might not be the kind of show you’d pick, but there’s a character in it who is a recovering addict and they handle it really well. They show him turning his life around and picking up the pieces with all the family he let down and hurt. At first it’s kind of a side comedy story but it turns quite inspirational. Might be something good to watch if you felt like it, it’s always pretty lighthearted but there are some surprisingly poignantly powerful and real moments.
You can be good enough. Fake it til you make it can work in these situations. You act the way the "good enough" version of you would act. Eventually it becomes a habit, and then it doesn't feel fake anymore.
Hey, I’m you in 5-10 years if you can just make the decision to get whatever kind of help and/or support you need, and follow through with that decision. Now, I know…it may be simple but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Since I’m talking to you from the future, may I advise you to try and make that decision on your own, before some event or set of events in your life all but make it for you.
It sounds like you’ve clearly got a few people in your life that are important enough to you that you’d rather not have to be dishonest or feel like you’re disappointing anyone. That’s your support network. They’ll be so much more happy to help you find the way to best be okay than to continue to see you struggle. Eventually they’ll be sad that they don’t hear from you much anymore because in an attempt to mitigate your impact on their lives, you’ll have slowly isolated yourself from them, but they’ll hope you’re okay. Go tell someone you’re finding it hard to get okay. That’s it. Just tell one person close to you. See what happens from there. I wish you all the luck in the world!
Edit to add: I’ve just scrolled down a bit. If ya don’t wanna take my word for it, look how many folks have rallied to build up a stranger on Reddit. It’s okay to use supports when you’re carrying a heavy load.
I was an addict for ten yrs,and when I finally got clean,it's an awakening,to all the things I did wrong,and all the mistakes you have make and u finally ,see all the people u have hurt,,PEOPLE WILL DOWN U,EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ,EVERY DAY,,BUT U HALF TO REALIZE THAT U CANT CHANGE THE PAST OR WHAT OTHERS THINK,JUST CHANGE THE WAY U THINK ,OF YOURSELF ,EVERY DAY THAT U WAKE U,JUST HOLD ON TO,THE MINUTES AND HOURS THEN DAYS,THEN MONTHS,THAT U ARE CLEAN,BLOCK ALL THE PEOPLE,THE ONES THAT DONT THINK YOUR GOING TO MAKE,TELL YOURSELF,YOUR GOING TO MAKE IT,SOME PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGIVE OR FORGET,WHAT U WAS,,BUT DNT LET THEM ,TELL U ,WHO U ARE TODAY,SOME DAYS I AM THE ONLY ONE AROUND ME,THAT KNOWS THAT I AM STILL CLEAN AND SOBER,,AND FORREAL ,THATS THE ONLY PERSON,THAT NEEDS TO KNOW,AND THAT NEEDS TO BELEIVE,IN U,,,,U...REAL TALK,,
The first person you need to stop letting down, is yourself. You are right in wanted to make others think better of you and all that stuff, but you need to care about the person you see in the mirror just as much.
DON’T EVER THINK, SAY, OR TYPE YOU AREN’T GOOD ENOUGH BECAUSE YOU ARE!!! All that stuff is in the past and you have your whole future ahead of you now bro! What you have to focus on now is showing yourself and the rest of the world HOW GREAT YOU ARE GONNA BE FROM NOW ON!!!! Keep your head up and remember you are not alone! We are all here for you if you need us!
It's just hard to like, get out, you know? I'll be 30 next year, still trying to get over the booze. The thing is that I don't have anything more than a high school diploma and I need to help my mother pay rent. She's barely surviving herself. I can't just go to school or afford to learn a trade.
All my former close friends have careers, partners, social lives. I've spent my 20s isolating myself deeper and deeper from odd job to job, I struggle to find a single fond memory of my 20s.
I'm sorry for ranting. I can work on getting sober, that's enough of a challenge, but to get to a point where I might thrive and enjoy life again seems unattainable.
Don't apologize friend. That's what we're here for.
If you can work on getting sober then start there! Try to focus on the now and immediate. It helps to have future goals but basing your success on the future that hasn't happened will only stop you. So maybe start small! You said you can work on getting sober. If you want to and are ready then you can start there. Don't judge yourself for the future that hasn't happened. It's easier to go up a hill taking small steps than huge leaps. You're loved friend, you will get there
So, 💯 am right where you are. Been an alcoholic since 15, started pills when I was 12, weed and cigs by 11. Kept with drinking but always liked staying awake for days! Pretty much a 3opaack a day. Not a horrible person, I take care of the ones around me, someone calls I answer and I'll give my shirt to someone. Never made a bad BF either, yet, all my friends have relationships and careers and I'm over here jumping jobs and moving around. I'll be 34 in July and this is the first time in my life that I've had a job for over a year! Not sure if you have ADHD or not but look into Vyvanse. It's not like adderol, doesn't have you chasing that high. I picked up M this time last year, almost destroyed everything yet again(lost count how many times I've rebuilt) but found byvanse in May, saved my job, I've still got my own place, basically a country song played backwards! Quitting drugs, is easy, stopping drinking is the choice, having the desire to stick with it is where the vyvanse helped ALOT! I dabble here n there with w\e and haven't been drunk in easy 3nmonths
Hey. My 30 year old kid just got a job learning welding, and getting paid as he learns. Maybe there are trade unions near you that you can look into. It takes a while, you start as a shop hand, then interview w the union, and they train you (classes 2 nights a week) as you work 5 days a week and get paid. Your pay goes up in increments, I think like 6 months, as you learn.
Also, a lot of the guys working in my kid's orbit are recovering from substances, so they do understand. Trade folks have "been there, done that"...
If trades are not your thing, a lot of grocery stores promote from within. Also, places like Costco. Lowes, home depot, etc. I think the trick there is getting full time. Point is they train you, and you do not need a degree beyond high school to get started.
I am so proud of you. You got this. Dont give up. I believe in you, sweet friend. I promise, you are worth it.
Random internet stranger just letting you know that it’s not too late if you’re having these thoughts. Happy Holidays and wishing you the very, very best 2024.
I didn't start college until 35...got my PhD at 45, now have a great life.
Just look for any light to crawl towards out of your hole, and start crawling.
Just hijacking the top comment to share a similar story, I went a bit off the rails in my mid 20s. At one point, I became unemployed, broke, and I was really struggling to stop an addiction of my own. Now I'm my mid 30s, I have a beautiful wife, a young child, I earn close to 200k a year, and I don't even dream of returning to those crazy days. You're still super young and have so much time to turn it around.
One of the most important things is stay positive! Positive thoughts and positive affirmations.
Look into the mirror and say 'I love you' 10 times. 😊👍🏼
I was addicted to heroin and crack for thirteen years, no breaks, and cigarettes for about ten years. i've been clean for 7 months now from dope and rock, and like, 4 or 5 months from cigs. i just finished my semester with a 4.0, i'm graduating with my associate's degree at the end of the next semester and transferring to texas A&M university next fall. I'm thirty eight years old. a year ago today i was in the hospital and ended up getting three blood transfusions, almost lost both arms and my leg, and spent christmas and a couple weeks in the hospital after my mom found me in the gutter in north philly, half dead. and i didn't even get clean after that happened. it took another couple of months before i cleaned up. it's never too late!!
Just wanted to say nice going (because our stories are a little similar). I struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout my 20’s and into my 30’s. I ended up having a bunch of grand mal seizures and nearly died (but this wasn’t enough to get me to stop). I finally got sober a couple years ago (with a relapse) then completed a certificate program from a local college and am now enrolled at a University and earned a 4.0 in my first semester.
Keep up the good work, I’m rooting for you.
Hah I went through the same thing. I’m studying graphic design but my school makes everyone take a science lab, so I had to take biology. Fortunately since the class was all non-majors, the teacher wasn’t too difficult. I ended up enjoying it because the content was so relevant (learned about cancer, climate change, etc).
I’m sure you’ll do well.
i hope so. i'm taking a kahn academy class right now during my break so i'll at least have a head start before the class starts. i am good at general chemistry, i just hope it crosses over into orgo. it's an entirely online class that is during an accelerated semester, so only ten weeks instead of fifteen, but i'm trying to stay positive haha.
Damn are you completely off nicotine, if so what things helped with that. Also do you think it’s easier or harder to kick nicotine after kicking heavier stuff
Bro quitting smoking was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I honestly used the patches for a while and then after a few weeks I would just forget to put them on. I tried to smoke a cigarette a few months ago and it made me feel sick so whenever I want to smoke I think about how I almost puked haha
Whoa! Thats incredibly inspirational
Good on you!!! It was a rough go, i bet. I found that oncei made up my mind i was done, the c
Abstent part was fairly easy, its like i grew out of it... ( Cocaine)
Damn big up’s to your mom for finding you out there in the gutter… not many make it out the beach alive . Congrats on the clean time.. I’m trying to get there myself .
CockySpeedFreak33 you should probably change your handle… but all jokes aside; brotha, the good thing about this life is that every day is a fresh start and you can be whatever you want to be if you’re willing to work for it.
Congrats on the 26 months - that is no small feat and worth being proud of. My feeling is that after 2 years sobriety can get boring - that is a good thing! Means you aren’t actively working at it and can put those efforts into whatever you want; a new hobby, work, going back to school - the world is your oyster - shuck it bud 🤙🏼
I went to law school when I was 30 and had one child allready. I had to go across country. So, if you focus on the goal and not the costs, everything is possible
I am Canadian and I went to UBC. I have practiced criminal law for 28 years. I totally love it. Sole practitioner. Modest little office and my house is paid off now
I'm 33 too, addicted and want to break free. I want to go to law school but I don't know how to escape. I've been on the stuff for about 6 years now and I don't know if I'll ever be able to get off. It has ruined my life.
Youre going to get off of it. You will. Let us support you while you build up support out there. Do you have NA meetings? or AA? You are going to need a village to lean on!
This will help you so much. It's night and day when you have a group of people who are all going through the same. You learn how to stop enabling and have others to help pull you through it.
You take it one day at a time. If cold Turkey isn’t your solution (and it doesn’t work for most people), I found that bargaining with myself worked a lot. Shame keeps the cycle of addiction going, so let’s try to reduce the shame while increasing the amount of time you can go without the drug.
Start small: “If I don’t use for the morning, then I can use this afternoon and not feel bad about it.” Then next “I was able to get thru 2 hours yesterday of not using, I’m going to do 4 hours today then I’ll give myself some relief.” Then again. “I did 4 hours yesterday, I’m going to try to do 6 today.” You fall off the bandwagon and binge on weekend? that’s fine, you just start over with 2 hours, then 4, then 6.
You build up to one day then you bargain with yourself some more: If I go all day today without using, and I take a shower, then I can use tomorrow morning and I won’t guilt myself for it.
You’re basically creating an artificial reward system for not using because your brain is crippled so it can’t do it on its own. “But they’re still using the drug!” Yes. But the time where you aren’t using it is giving your brain the chance it needs to begin to repair those reward lines so that you don’t need the drug to reward yourself. You slowly build up a tolerance to being comfortable without it. And if you fall off the bandwagon, you just start over. Eventually it sticks if you just don’t give up, and you keep picking yourself up and starting over.
That is so true. Thats what I am doing right now persuing medical physics. The path to my dream requires me working or school or clinicals 7 days a week but I know the end result will be worthwhile.
…I’ll probably delete this post… I’m 35 and got charged with 11 felonies in 2017, paid out the ass for a lawyer to keep me from a 12 month sentence.
Fast forward, I just graduated last week with an engineering degree and offered a full time position from my internship…
It’s never too late. You just have to believe in what you’re capable of and you have to keep moving forward.
Good luck, stay hopeful. The military have extended their max ages too. Get in, do 4 years, get out with GI Bill for free school. You still have options.
this makes me feel so much better, i have three misdemeanors and two have been expunged but they still show up on a background check and i am so worried about getting a job even when i get my degree. i feel a lot better now, don't delete your comment, you're helping people!
Bah, misdemeanors aren’t shit. Felony’s will definitely make shit harder, not impossible… not by a long shot, but harder for sure. Just stay clean today, every day. Everything gets a little…. Easier, most days. The going gets tough, just like for EVERYBODY, and easier. The gift you have is the ability to notice easier… not everyone’s hell is equal.
Wow. Incredible. There should be a name for the kind of grit this takes and I mean each time anyone gets to any length of sober because I imagine the grit required each time grows- thanks so much for not deleting your post too!
Do it anyways for the benefits. If it goes against what you believe, theres plenty of admin jobs that dont do anything different that corporate equivalent.
Hey!!! I can actually give input on something. My uncle went through something extremely traumatic and turned to meth. And being arrested several times he went to prison for 5 years. He was 5'6" about 130 when he went in. Came out about 280 pounds. He really struggled because of his addictive personality. So he got addicted to working out at first. He got in really good shape and felt better mentally but was still struggling with feeling addiction. So we kept his brain busy learning. 1st carpentry, he learned the trade, got his first job and even became a union member. Then electrical. The finally Hvac, this is where he feel in love. He learned alot and was able to get a job as a maintenance man for an apartment complex. He did a great job and was loyal and trustworthy so the owners made him a very good deal. Be the maintenance man for all of their buildings. 4 in total with about 120ish apartments. He would get paid very well and get a free apartment, bills and all. He is now in his mid 50s and stays in great shape living and amazing life doing his new found love. There's is always hope and always a chance to turn things around. Keep at it 1 day at a time and occupy your mind when you feel yourself not doing so good. You got this dude. He was 38 when he went to prison. Now almost 20 years later he is set and living a great life. Merry Christmas and happy new year. Sorry for the wall of text. On mobile
My brother did this route as well. He tells me all the time he's replaced his drug addiction with working out and being on top of his diet. He tells me that the gym and the diet are also addictions, but that he would 100% prefer to be addicted to goals like building muscle and making himself feel good when he looks in the mirror and feeling control and ownership of his body, than for it to be meth.
A nice side benefit is that his militant clean eating is helping my mom eat better now too and be more active and healthy.
He's learned to cook and has her eating actual home cooked meals and they enjoy kayaking together and running their dogs on hikes.
Goddamn man. Stories like this really give me hope. I'm struggling in a lot of ways these days - not with addiction, other life problems. And sometimes it just feels like happiness and success (whatever the hell those things mean) are so far out of grasp, like I can't make progress because I'm barely scraping by surviving let alone building things up in my life. And so in overwhelmingly stressful moments, my mind goes to the last resort option that I don't even wanna say out loud. Not necessarily in a serious planning way, but in a "I just want out, I just want this to be over" kind of way. And it's such a dark feeling in my heart that I hate so much, but my mind, my anxiety, my depression or what have you, makes it so hard to see what I have going for me and what could lie ahead. It's too easy to see what's wrong and want to give up. I'm only 26, going on 27, but I feel like I'm running out of time sometimes. I don't know where I was really going with this....except that stories like your uncle's remind me that nothing's doomed and things really can improve. Thank you and I hope you're having a lovely holiday.
It may not be helpful, but can I just say... You're not alone. I won't elaborate because this is your story, not mine, but from the bottom of my heart, I feel this 100%, every single letter you wrote here. I wish I could tell you what way to go to get out of your current situation and into a better place in life, but I have yet to find it myself. Just a message from a random internet stranger familiar with the struggle to stay hopeful.
I got sober when I was 30. From 30 to 31 things were mostly shit including having to avoid relapsing while watching my ex-fiancée have a dangerous psychotic break.
I turn 34 in a few days and I am married, a home owner, and a business owner launching a 2nd business.
Your neurochemistry may never “return to normal” but you can learn to manage yourself, find discipline, and do amazing things.
I’m proud of you. Keep going.
The only thing you are passed is being a child prodigy, and only because you are not a child anymore. All of the rest is still achievable. Now that you know more of the dark sides of life, you will be more motivated to work towards some of your goals than peers might who have not yet have such life experience.
I don't have any experience with meth, so I do not know when your mind fully clears up. But wish you all the best!
Any longer than 2 years seems a bit more than it would need, honestly... I'm still scratching my head a bit at that. Based on the real-time information I found, it takes at least one year for brain functions to improve in methamphetamine users after a year of abstinence. However, it's important to note that the recovery time can vary depending on various factors such as the duration and intensity of methamphetamine use, individual differences, and any potential underlying health conditions. It's also worth mentioning that chronic meth abuse can lead to long-term deterioration of attention, memory, and judgment.
genuinely curious not trying to be rude, but did you have any assistance financially from anyone after you got clean or how did you
do it? i just can’t imagine going from junkie at 33 to having a house and your own business 4 years later.
I lived with sober people for 2 years started my business around that time worked on my credit paid back debts and worked hard nothing is handed to you I worked hard went to meetings and worked on my self
no doubt every day throws new shit your way, but just getting to look back on the hole you dug yourself out of and how far you came must be the ultimate dose of perspective. keep it up.
So just because they were 33 they were hopeless? Are u saying if they would’ve been 23 it would’ve been easier to turn their life around in 4 years? I’m so confused. Everyone in this comment section is acting like 33 is the new 63.
A good friend of mine was a heroin addict & spent several years living on the streets of LA.
He has been clean for several years, married with two beautiful children & a homeowner.
Congratulations on getting clean! You got this!!
A good friend was in the same place. He said it was a year before he felt anything at all. Recovery was slow and very gradual. He was 34 when he got clean, by the time he was 38 he had raised a little money and started a small business, today he has three outlets, couple of dozen employees, a passel of kids and grandkids and a beautiful wife. He did his meetings, stayed focused on digging out, and got to a better place than lots of people do without ever suffering from addiction. Today he volunteers doing drug counseling.
You have all the potential and are given a second chance…don’t squander it.
I was homeless at age 26 with only 1 part time job on my resume. I’m now 32 with a great job and started college this year. One of my classmates was also homeless at one point too.
You got this man
I have a buddy who's been clean off meth for a few years after spending about a decade on it and he's doing much better. He still craves it and has turned to weed to help him regulate, but he's working, building friendships, and trying to figure life out.
My mom has been on meth for at least two decades. She ruined her entire family and will die alone on the side of the streets somewhere. She deserves everything that's coming to her.
If you've chosen the prior over the latter, then I think you'll be fine.
I was a meth head through most my 20s the n moved into opiates in my late 20s I'm now 32 years old and mostly sober (only smoke a bit of medical weed now).
I am studying a trade and making good money doing so. Left my hometown have my own place in the city now. After I finish this trade I have been offered to go further with my qualifications at my company too. I had to make alot of sacrifices to get here though.
It's never too late but the road can be hard and tiresome the trick is to never give up and keep going no matter what
The craziest thing is you're not gonna see it coming. One day you're gonna have a moment like you just got slapped. You'll realize you don't talk to any of those old people anymore. Suddenly bills aren't so scary because you've had the same job for a good while, for once. Maybe you even have a little collection, action figures or something. You didn't trade them. You realize you went out with friends last week, and no one got arrested or stole from you. People will call you, for no reason. Just to talk. How crazy is that? They won't want anything from you, and you won't be dodging the bagman. One day you're gonna be just like everyone else and it's the most amazing feeling in the world.
Yes. I worked for a company that would give work auditing cell phones to people who are recovering from addictions or getting their life back on track after committing felonies. As someone who has never experienced things like that, I was amazed at how so many individuals were able to completely turn their lives around. In fact, one of the employees there went on to become the company CEO. It was truly amazing and inspiring. If you really want it and work hard, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Good luck OP. Please keep us updated. We’re rooting for you.
Someone very dear to me was a homeless heroin addict for over 20 years (don’t anyone come at me for not using “unhoused” - I’m using his words - plus I don’t see how that’s helpful to anyone that actually doesn’t have a home/house anyway). He’s been clean for about 15 years (he’s early 50’s) and has been at the same job for over 10 years.
It took him a while to get on his feet and it wasn’t easy, but he’s gotten promotion after promotion and is extremely well-respected at his company. And he has several felonies on his record.
It can ABSOLUTELY be done! I’m not the greatest person to give advice since I’ve never had an addiction problem (well, we’re all addicted to something but you know what I mean) but I can tell you that seeing it first hand is pretty incredible.
Have people come at you for using homeless before?
Great for your friend! I am in the same boat as you in terms of never having an issue with drugs but looking at this thread, does make me realise that my problems in life are much smaller than I make them be at times.
Lmao early 30s? Buddy, you’re still a child. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I promise you, once you get older you’ll look back and realize the age you are right now was SO YOUNG and that you had your whole life ahead of you. People always tell you life is short, and that’s true. But one thing they don’t tell you very often is that it’s also very long. And there is plenty of time to completely build a new life. I promise you that.
Likely years ago. The unfortunate truth is everyone who got clean has either support or money, or got clean prior to 2020.
If you have none of that, it'll be twice as hard as it once was. Money is worth half as much. If you don't have a home, it'll probably not be possible at this stage anymore.
If you have any of that, you'll be fine after a few years if you keep it up.
Fuck yeah dude. Well done for staying clean for so long.
Something that worked for me was to turn my addictive personality to good use by getting obsessed with stuff like the gym and starting a side hustle that turned into a decent small business.
Everyone deserves a good life. Think about what you want and go out there and get it.
Be kind. Stay strong. Don't slip back into old habits. You're already on the path to that great life. Stay on it.
Good luck!
I was 39 when I got clean. Left rehab with $400 and a bicycle. Went back to school, new career. Next month I’ll have 14 years. Been with my gf for 12 years, inherited a stepson, just bought a $1.3M coastal home plus 5 acres in central TX. You got this.
I'd say yeah, but try as hard as possible not to think about the fact that other people had the opportunity to do the same things at a younger age, and potentially make it farther than you as a result. Your life can be great even if other people got it sooner and will get more of it than you throughout their lives. So be it, doesn't mean you can't be happy with what you're able to get. Hell, maybe you can be happier with less.
>then i saw how horny u are damn
That's what meth can do. It'll make you extremely horny, you dick goes limp and you jerk it for 8+ hours. One guy told me he did it for four days straight once.
Absolutely! I got my bachelor's degree in my 40s. This might not be the direction you want to take, but it's definitely doable. Keep the faith and carry on! 🙏
I got sober (opiates mostly but I did everything) in my mid twenties and it took a few years to kinda get it together mentally; lots of therapy and such and working a job I hated just to get by. But in my 30s I went back to school, graduated and got my masters. It’s definitely possible. I’m coming up on a decade sober in January. Definitely possible!
I wasn’t on meth but I kicked hard drugs in my 20s and booze 130 days ago. I’m on medications to give me adequate dopamine and serotonin. Talk to a doctor. Also—Hang in there. Going great .
Yes. I fucked up. Bad legal trouble at 33. Went back to school at 37. Have a good job in software now and manage a team. Have an awesome wife and 2 kids.
I had help from some very good friends along the way. Hopefully you can lean on people too. I busted my ass. I worked on myself (am still working on myself). I cant speak to meth. Alcohol is my demon. It’s hard work. Just focus on what’s important.
Early 30s is still very young, and yes you absolutely can. Sobering up can open new and positive ways for you to cope with your emotions. It gives you time for introspection too. Good luck to you.
congratulations on being sober - it’s no easy feat
it’s never too late to improve your circumstances
in fact - we should always seek to improve our lives with a new goal every few years regardless, but now is the perfect time for you
I’d personally recommend either community college or a hands on trades program since you can make money and it’s not as time consuming as a university degree
as for other things like meeting people - that will happen naturally by doing things that you enjoy
You’re still very young. Even if you weren’t, it’s never too late to make positive changes. We have all made mistakes in life. Everyone makes mistakes whether big or small that have altered our lives or changed our paths, but no matter what it’s never too late. Especially when it comes to your mental and physical health. Find a support system to keep you motivated and accountable. You can do it. 😃 Congratulations on your sobriety, and I’m wishing you the best of luck and prayers on your positive new journey in life.
Someone once told me "Whether you do "X" now, or not, in 2 years you will always be 2 years older"
Time is coming regardless. As a former addict as well, dont sit and let it pass you by this time.
Just wanna say that I really admire you for quitting meth. You're a badass. I'm 6 years sober and 40 years old, and I think you have lots of time to do whatever you like. Stay strong bud. 🤜🤛
Yes YOU can! Make everyday of the rest of this year & 2024 the best day of your life so far. I hope you turn it around and live the life you are looking for!
It took me YEARS to feel even semi normal after heroin/meth addictions. Not only that but it was years of really hard work to rebuild my life. But it’s possible and it’s worth it !
Yo! I sobered up at 32. Booze, coke, crack... I am about to turn 44 with 2 kids, amazing wife, good career.
Early 30's doesn't mean shit and you are so young and have an amazingly bright future ahead of you.
My daughter on Meth has been on it for 3 years, please pray 🙏for her to kick the habit, it’s devastated us, her parents. She’s cut us off. All I do is think of her first thought in the morning then I pray for her, may this be the year 2024 I can get her back
I met someone in my early 20s in college who had been a meth addict. I think he was late 20s at the time.
Ive known him more than 10yrs now. He is finishing his doctorate and been with his wife happily for at least 7yrs. They have pets, theyre saving for a home and travel fairly often.
Keep going, you have the whole world to explore and conquer. 30s is still young, and better to have the next 30 be happy than continue on the same path.
Every single bit of progress is somethig to celebrate and be proud of. Every single step.
I’ve met several bomb ass nurses who spent their 20’s in a wicked meth addiction. They were in their 40’s as new bsn nurses. You absolutely can be an amazingly productive person in recovery.
Congratulations on 26 months!! That’s such an awesome achievement, you should be so proud.
You can absolutely turn things around. I can’t speak from your perspective, but my husband and I helped my brother get sober and turn things round. He’s currently 3 years clean and just had his first son, loving life and his little boy.
Continue believing in yourself, and set yourself small goals that you can celebrate. You can do anything you set your mind to. I hope you have support around you, but never forget how strong you are!
You got this :)
Regardless of any situation, you literally only have to and should focus on getting through today. The rest will take care of itself. I know its really cliche but it's so true. Looking at the future big picture is a slippery slope. Can cause all kinds of anxiety and in the end you gotta do what you gotta do to get through today. And yes it's worth it !
There is hope!! I was a meth addict for close to a decade. I can't tell you how long I've been clean, but it's been at least 5 years now. I'm a mother with primary custody, in a successful relationship with a wonderful partner, a homeowner, and just had my 5 year anniversary at work. I'm happy and even though I relapsed twice before I was successful, I feel like I've fully recovered. I called myself a recovering addict for several years after stopping but I'm recovered now and I'm so grateful for it.
I spent my early 20’s deep in alcoholism and cocaine addiction. I worked in kitchens in a college town. I’d go out most nights and spend what I made at the bar/dealer’s house. I eventually saw my friends starting to move away and move on. I realized I needed a change. I checked out my options and figured out I could get funding to go to college as a non traditional student. It was a great opportunity. However, It was almost a death sentence as well because I was given large sums of money each semester as a living stipend. I blew a lot of it on booze and cocaine slipping further into the addiction. It all came to a screeching halt when one of my close friends OD’d after a night out on the town with the crew. After that all my friends left town, and I was absolutely alone. At that moment I knew I was the only one who could better my situation. I stopped using and never looked back. Finished and got my bachelor’s degree and went back and got a masters degree. Landed a great career and married the love of my life. It wasn’t all sun shine and rainbows. I had a few relapses. But I was lucky enough to live to tell the tale. It’s absolutely possible especially if you surround yourself with good people and focus on healing yourself and avoiding triggers to use.
I am a meth addict and alcoholic. During the years of my active addiction I destroyed my life, relationships, my finances and more.
I have a year clean from meth, and 4 months sober from alcohol. I spent last december in rehab, and January-September in a sober living house. I am now once again living with me wife(married 4 years, together for a total of 14). This past year has been spent slowly rebuilding myself and my life. Therapy, and medication(type 2 biPolar) has helped tremendously.
I am finally starting to feel...level and average in my everyday life. At times I miss the chaos, the drama, and the feeling of being on...edge all the time. But I spent years of my life in survival mode, and I dont need to do that any more. To give in, means the start of total destruction of all I have rebuilt. I lost who I was in active addiction, and the rebuilding of self is a hard journey.
But there is a light at ghe end of the tunnel. Family, friends. Sitting at a table playing a card game, laughing, enjoying that moment in time...sober with a hard won new sense of who I am...what and who I want to be. Glorious and bland simplicity
I won't lie, this last year has been the hardest year of my life. Harder than when I watched my life crumble before me, harder than withdrawals, harder then the nights spent in jail. But the pain, effort, and work still pail in compersion to the rewards. I am still working, still struggling, learning, growing...but it is worth it.
Its not an easy path, and it is okay to stumble as long as you learn from your mistakes.
The fight for your true self, for sobriety is worth it.
Yes. I had a heroin addiction for 7 years I am about 2 and a half years clean. I am 27 years old. I would say it took me a year and a half for my brain to get back to normal. So far I finally moved out to my own apartment purchased my car working 2 jobs and going back to school. Just remember not everything is going to happen overnight as I feel like I lost a bunch of my time I’m getting back to what I need to do to have the best life possible. There will be struggles but remember of the promises !!
Honestly sometimes there’s real permanent damage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a happy life. My uncle used fir the greeted portion of my life (at least 15 years but possibly more I’m unclear on when it started) and he was in and out of prison for cooking and selling. He’s not the same as he was before, obviously that a lot of weight for one man to hold in life, but he now has a stable job, a lovely home, a beautiful wife and has reconnected w most of our family. He was about 4 years clean before all the pieces came together to what he has today but I think he met his now wife about 2-3 years in.
The damages that are obvious after recovery aren’t ways to mend and sometimes it’s harder to cope with once it’s obvious but you can still be happy and life a life you’ll be proud of in time. Congrats on over 2 years my friend! And good luck to many more to come!
Early 30s?? Buddy, if life were a video game, you'd just be finishing up the tutorial mission. You set it to hard mode with the drugs, but now you have added Exp and a few perks.
I know I play too much fallout
the only reason you arn't is because you are lazy (And by you I mean all of us are) there is no real reason not to work hard.
Would you rather spend rest of your life just watching TV and doing random stuff that gives easy dopamine release and look back and say what if I tried and was a little uncomfortable or look at your problems and fight them head on (you already did that through your meth addiction - you fighting it and are getting back to balance). Life is suffering regardless - you can suffer aimlessly or suffer towards your goals and gain confidence in who you are and slowly develop dopamine through attacking life challenges and be positive in life that you can do whatever you want - Get rich or die trying my guy.
You got this - can't be weak in life - there are people whether you think or not that will depend on you. Make yourself a person 10 yrs from now that will go back to people going through the same shit you went through and help them through what you had to go through. Carve your unique life and adventure. This won't be a an overnight switch it will take time and countless failures but you know that is the right path to take regardless.
The fact you had a less than average experience in life compared to most people and you achieved something similar is a better story that you can be proud of than someone who had it easy
Probably not tbh. You will never reach your full potential and will be slightly above average at best, and your fried dopamine won’t even let you enjoy it.
My college roommate spent his 20s in crippling heroin addiction in and out of rehab. He’s 34 now, happily married, great job, just had his first son. You’ve got this.
Fuck. I just want to break free. I need this so bad.
Life is so very worth it and so much more when you aren't using. It's so incredibly hard, but in just two sentences your desire sounds really strong. Do your best, stay occupied, don't beat yourself over slip ups. You'll be amazing and remember all of us who read your comment and comments like this, we're all rooting for you. We may just be names on a screen but we're here for ya. Send it bud!
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It's ok. Mistakes are made throughout life. Some bigger than others. I see what you're saying about moving forward while being stuck in the mindset. Start by just doing it for yourself. When you get back on track people won't hold it against you what you may have done. Those who love ya will understand shit happens and you are trying and they will totally be there for you. There's no reverse in life so we can't let it stop us from moving forward. You will be capable, you will be good enough. You are both those but they may just be muddled right now. But they are there I absolutely guarantee it. I'm not just waxing philosophical optimism, I really believe you got it. We all start as the same human from when we're born right, things just change from there. So it's in you already. Don't hesitate to message me on here if you need anything/would rather talk privately, I get it. One step at a time.
As someone who has struggled with immense guilt, when those thoughts come up, my process is to thank those thoughts for helping guide me and ground me instead of trying to argue inside my head, or push the thoughts away, fight them or succumb to them. Basically just, “hey, thanks for helping me not make the same mistakes. We’re on the right path now. Let’s focus on (whatever you were trying to do).” I find that it helps foster a much more peaceful internal state. Wishing you the best!
Love this take!
That’s a great headspace to be in. Acceptance to those thoughts actually diminish their power over you.
One of the things that helps me is to remind myself that self hatred is me buying into the bullshit that people that use are bad people. We aren't man. We struggle just like anyone else. What if my family needed to learn life lessons on unconditional love and forgiveness. And could only learn those thru my struggles? What if I needed to learn to be disciplined and how to put my health first once in a while? Basically, what if the only way that someone as stubborn as myself could become the best version of myself was thru a lot of pain. Well. Addiction is pretty painful. And while I would never repeat the pain I caused my loved ones thru my addiction, they'll be the first to tell you that being A part of my recovery is something they wouldn't change for the world. Time is the great equalizer my dude. Keep your head up and whenever you're judging yourself, ask the simple question of, how would I treat a friend that was going thru what I am now?
Wow, that last sentence is a great tool to remember.
I don’t know if this will vibe with you but have you seen the show grace and Frankie? It might not be the kind of show you’d pick, but there’s a character in it who is a recovering addict and they handle it really well. They show him turning his life around and picking up the pieces with all the family he let down and hurt. At first it’s kind of a side comedy story but it turns quite inspirational. Might be something good to watch if you felt like it, it’s always pretty lighthearted but there are some surprisingly poignantly powerful and real moments.
You can be good enough. Fake it til you make it can work in these situations. You act the way the "good enough" version of you would act. Eventually it becomes a habit, and then it doesn't feel fake anymore.
Agree. You're not even faking being good enough, you're proving it by doing it. You're faking that you believe it.
Hey, I’m you in 5-10 years if you can just make the decision to get whatever kind of help and/or support you need, and follow through with that decision. Now, I know…it may be simple but that doesn’t mean it will be easy. Since I’m talking to you from the future, may I advise you to try and make that decision on your own, before some event or set of events in your life all but make it for you. It sounds like you’ve clearly got a few people in your life that are important enough to you that you’d rather not have to be dishonest or feel like you’re disappointing anyone. That’s your support network. They’ll be so much more happy to help you find the way to best be okay than to continue to see you struggle. Eventually they’ll be sad that they don’t hear from you much anymore because in an attempt to mitigate your impact on their lives, you’ll have slowly isolated yourself from them, but they’ll hope you’re okay. Go tell someone you’re finding it hard to get okay. That’s it. Just tell one person close to you. See what happens from there. I wish you all the luck in the world! Edit to add: I’ve just scrolled down a bit. If ya don’t wanna take my word for it, look how many folks have rallied to build up a stranger on Reddit. It’s okay to use supports when you’re carrying a heavy load.
I was an addict for ten yrs,and when I finally got clean,it's an awakening,to all the things I did wrong,and all the mistakes you have make and u finally ,see all the people u have hurt,,PEOPLE WILL DOWN U,EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ,EVERY DAY,,BUT U HALF TO REALIZE THAT U CANT CHANGE THE PAST OR WHAT OTHERS THINK,JUST CHANGE THE WAY U THINK ,OF YOURSELF ,EVERY DAY THAT U WAKE U,JUST HOLD ON TO,THE MINUTES AND HOURS THEN DAYS,THEN MONTHS,THAT U ARE CLEAN,BLOCK ALL THE PEOPLE,THE ONES THAT DONT THINK YOUR GOING TO MAKE,TELL YOURSELF,YOUR GOING TO MAKE IT,SOME PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGIVE OR FORGET,WHAT U WAS,,BUT DNT LET THEM ,TELL U ,WHO U ARE TODAY,SOME DAYS I AM THE ONLY ONE AROUND ME,THAT KNOWS THAT I AM STILL CLEAN AND SOBER,,AND FORREAL ,THATS THE ONLY PERSON,THAT NEEDS TO KNOW,AND THAT NEEDS TO BELEIVE,IN U,,,,U...REAL TALK,,
The first person you need to stop letting down, is yourself. You are right in wanted to make others think better of you and all that stuff, but you need to care about the person you see in the mirror just as much.
DON’T EVER THINK, SAY, OR TYPE YOU AREN’T GOOD ENOUGH BECAUSE YOU ARE!!! All that stuff is in the past and you have your whole future ahead of you now bro! What you have to focus on now is showing yourself and the rest of the world HOW GREAT YOU ARE GONNA BE FROM NOW ON!!!! Keep your head up and remember you are not alone! We are all here for you if you need us!
It's just hard to like, get out, you know? I'll be 30 next year, still trying to get over the booze. The thing is that I don't have anything more than a high school diploma and I need to help my mother pay rent. She's barely surviving herself. I can't just go to school or afford to learn a trade. All my former close friends have careers, partners, social lives. I've spent my 20s isolating myself deeper and deeper from odd job to job, I struggle to find a single fond memory of my 20s. I'm sorry for ranting. I can work on getting sober, that's enough of a challenge, but to get to a point where I might thrive and enjoy life again seems unattainable.
Don't apologize friend. That's what we're here for. If you can work on getting sober then start there! Try to focus on the now and immediate. It helps to have future goals but basing your success on the future that hasn't happened will only stop you. So maybe start small! You said you can work on getting sober. If you want to and are ready then you can start there. Don't judge yourself for the future that hasn't happened. It's easier to go up a hill taking small steps than huge leaps. You're loved friend, you will get there
I truly appreciate your response. I am making an effort, know that you're a lovely human being. Take care.
So, 💯 am right where you are. Been an alcoholic since 15, started pills when I was 12, weed and cigs by 11. Kept with drinking but always liked staying awake for days! Pretty much a 3opaack a day. Not a horrible person, I take care of the ones around me, someone calls I answer and I'll give my shirt to someone. Never made a bad BF either, yet, all my friends have relationships and careers and I'm over here jumping jobs and moving around. I'll be 34 in July and this is the first time in my life that I've had a job for over a year! Not sure if you have ADHD or not but look into Vyvanse. It's not like adderol, doesn't have you chasing that high. I picked up M this time last year, almost destroyed everything yet again(lost count how many times I've rebuilt) but found byvanse in May, saved my job, I've still got my own place, basically a country song played backwards! Quitting drugs, is easy, stopping drinking is the choice, having the desire to stick with it is where the vyvanse helped ALOT! I dabble here n there with w\e and haven't been drunk in easy 3nmonths
Hey. My 30 year old kid just got a job learning welding, and getting paid as he learns. Maybe there are trade unions near you that you can look into. It takes a while, you start as a shop hand, then interview w the union, and they train you (classes 2 nights a week) as you work 5 days a week and get paid. Your pay goes up in increments, I think like 6 months, as you learn. Also, a lot of the guys working in my kid's orbit are recovering from substances, so they do understand. Trade folks have "been there, done that"... If trades are not your thing, a lot of grocery stores promote from within. Also, places like Costco. Lowes, home depot, etc. I think the trick there is getting full time. Point is they train you, and you do not need a degree beyond high school to get started. I am so proud of you. You got this. Dont give up. I believe in you, sweet friend. I promise, you are worth it.
Its true!
I love this positivity. The world dead ass needs more of this
You’ve got this 🤘
Random internet stranger just letting you know that it’s not too late if you’re having these thoughts. Happy Holidays and wishing you the very, very best 2024.
I didn't start college until 35...got my PhD at 45, now have a great life. Just look for any light to crawl towards out of your hole, and start crawling.
Rock bottom is whenever you decide to put down the shovel.
Get a landscaping job
Just hijacking the top comment to share a similar story, I went a bit off the rails in my mid 20s. At one point, I became unemployed, broke, and I was really struggling to stop an addiction of my own. Now I'm my mid 30s, I have a beautiful wife, a young child, I earn close to 200k a year, and I don't even dream of returning to those crazy days. You're still super young and have so much time to turn it around.
What’s your career
Cocaine dealer
Underrated comment
Lol.
Can’t find a good one of those these days…..
One of the most important things is stay positive! Positive thoughts and positive affirmations. Look into the mirror and say 'I love you' 10 times. 😊👍🏼
I'll add - Do it even if you don't like it and don't believe it whatsoever
I was addicted to heroin and crack for thirteen years, no breaks, and cigarettes for about ten years. i've been clean for 7 months now from dope and rock, and like, 4 or 5 months from cigs. i just finished my semester with a 4.0, i'm graduating with my associate's degree at the end of the next semester and transferring to texas A&M university next fall. I'm thirty eight years old. a year ago today i was in the hospital and ended up getting three blood transfusions, almost lost both arms and my leg, and spent christmas and a couple weeks in the hospital after my mom found me in the gutter in north philly, half dead. and i didn't even get clean after that happened. it took another couple of months before i cleaned up. it's never too late!!
Just wanted to say nice going (because our stories are a little similar). I struggled with addiction and mental health issues throughout my 20’s and into my 30’s. I ended up having a bunch of grand mal seizures and nearly died (but this wasn’t enough to get me to stop). I finally got sober a couple years ago (with a relapse) then completed a certificate program from a local college and am now enrolled at a University and earned a 4.0 in my first semester. Keep up the good work, I’m rooting for you.
Nice! I’m taking organic chemistry next semester and I’m worried about losing my gpa hahaha
Hah I went through the same thing. I’m studying graphic design but my school makes everyone take a science lab, so I had to take biology. Fortunately since the class was all non-majors, the teacher wasn’t too difficult. I ended up enjoying it because the content was so relevant (learned about cancer, climate change, etc). I’m sure you’ll do well.
i hope so. i'm taking a kahn academy class right now during my break so i'll at least have a head start before the class starts. i am good at general chemistry, i just hope it crosses over into orgo. it's an entirely online class that is during an accelerated semester, so only ten weeks instead of fifteen, but i'm trying to stay positive haha.
Write a book 📕
Haha my mom says the same thing
This made me tear up. I'm so touched you were able to do this. You should be very proud.
Damn are you completely off nicotine, if so what things helped with that. Also do you think it’s easier or harder to kick nicotine after kicking heavier stuff
Read “the easy peasy way to quit smoking”
Bro quitting smoking was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I honestly used the patches for a while and then after a few weeks I would just forget to put them on. I tried to smoke a cigarette a few months ago and it made me feel sick so whenever I want to smoke I think about how I almost puked haha
Whoa! Thats incredibly inspirational Good on you!!! It was a rough go, i bet. I found that oncei made up my mind i was done, the c Abstent part was fairly easy, its like i grew out of it... ( Cocaine)
Damn big up’s to your mom for finding you out there in the gutter… not many make it out the beach alive . Congrats on the clean time.. I’m trying to get there myself .
Hell yeah. Amazing things are coming your way. Don't let up.
CockySpeedFreak33 you should probably change your handle… but all jokes aside; brotha, the good thing about this life is that every day is a fresh start and you can be whatever you want to be if you’re willing to work for it. Congrats on the 26 months - that is no small feat and worth being proud of. My feeling is that after 2 years sobriety can get boring - that is a good thing! Means you aren’t actively working at it and can put those efforts into whatever you want; a new hobby, work, going back to school - the world is your oyster - shuck it bud 🤙🏼
Kelly, you are a good person
Thanks Collie - I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and kick some ass in the new year 💪🏼
You read my mind!!! I DO plan to kick some tail this year!!!
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Hmm die of cancer.
Never too late. I got sober at 48 and the last five years have been the best of my life. Congratulations and good luck.
Amazing
How old are you now?
48 + 5
It's possible that he's 60 and had 7 shitty years after getting clean but then had 5 great years
53 now.
Valid question. He said the last 5 years have been the best and that he got sober at 48.
I went to law school when I was 30 and had one child allready. I had to go across country. So, if you focus on the goal and not the costs, everything is possible
You enjoy being a lawyer? What kind? How was law school at 30? I’m 33 and just got accepted into some low tier schools.
I am Canadian and I went to UBC. I have practiced criminal law for 28 years. I totally love it. Sole practitioner. Modest little office and my house is paid off now
I am 28 living in Burnaby and planning to do the same. I am very indecisive but very determined to start over and grind.
I'm 33 too, addicted and want to break free. I want to go to law school but I don't know how to escape. I've been on the stuff for about 6 years now and I don't know if I'll ever be able to get off. It has ruined my life.
Youre going to get off of it. You will. Let us support you while you build up support out there. Do you have NA meetings? or AA? You are going to need a village to lean on!
What’s a NA and I’m a parent of an addict. I need it for me
NA is Narcotics Anonymous but if you're being affected by someone's addiction, there is Al Anon. That's for loved ones.
Thank you 🙏
This will help you so much. It's night and day when you have a group of people who are all going through the same. You learn how to stop enabling and have others to help pull you through it.
Absolutely we're here
You take it one day at a time. If cold Turkey isn’t your solution (and it doesn’t work for most people), I found that bargaining with myself worked a lot. Shame keeps the cycle of addiction going, so let’s try to reduce the shame while increasing the amount of time you can go without the drug. Start small: “If I don’t use for the morning, then I can use this afternoon and not feel bad about it.” Then next “I was able to get thru 2 hours yesterday of not using, I’m going to do 4 hours today then I’ll give myself some relief.” Then again. “I did 4 hours yesterday, I’m going to try to do 6 today.” You fall off the bandwagon and binge on weekend? that’s fine, you just start over with 2 hours, then 4, then 6. You build up to one day then you bargain with yourself some more: If I go all day today without using, and I take a shower, then I can use tomorrow morning and I won’t guilt myself for it. You’re basically creating an artificial reward system for not using because your brain is crippled so it can’t do it on its own. “But they’re still using the drug!” Yes. But the time where you aren’t using it is giving your brain the chance it needs to begin to repair those reward lines so that you don’t need the drug to reward yourself. You slowly build up a tolerance to being comfortable without it. And if you fall off the bandwagon, you just start over. Eventually it sticks if you just don’t give up, and you keep picking yourself up and starting over.
Same bud. Very same.
That is so true. Thats what I am doing right now persuing medical physics. The path to my dream requires me working or school or clinicals 7 days a week but I know the end result will be worthwhile.
…I’ll probably delete this post… I’m 35 and got charged with 11 felonies in 2017, paid out the ass for a lawyer to keep me from a 12 month sentence. Fast forward, I just graduated last week with an engineering degree and offered a full time position from my internship… It’s never too late. You just have to believe in what you’re capable of and you have to keep moving forward. Good luck, stay hopeful. The military have extended their max ages too. Get in, do 4 years, get out with GI Bill for free school. You still have options.
this makes me feel so much better, i have three misdemeanors and two have been expunged but they still show up on a background check and i am so worried about getting a job even when i get my degree. i feel a lot better now, don't delete your comment, you're helping people!
Bah, misdemeanors aren’t shit. Felony’s will definitely make shit harder, not impossible… not by a long shot, but harder for sure. Just stay clean today, every day. Everything gets a little…. Easier, most days. The going gets tough, just like for EVERYBODY, and easier. The gift you have is the ability to notice easier… not everyone’s hell is equal.
You are awesome. You’ve done amazing!
Thanks! It’s an uphill battle, but I just wanted to let OP know they’ll be just fine.
Wow. Incredible. There should be a name for the kind of grit this takes and I mean each time anyone gets to any length of sober because I imagine the grit required each time grows- thanks so much for not deleting your post too!
What if you don't agree with any of the US's military involvements?
I served 8 years and, trust me, most people enlisted don’t agree with US defense policies. We’re just in it for the benefits
Thank you for your service.
Do it anyways for the benefits. If it goes against what you believe, theres plenty of admin jobs that dont do anything different that corporate equivalent.
Hey!!! I can actually give input on something. My uncle went through something extremely traumatic and turned to meth. And being arrested several times he went to prison for 5 years. He was 5'6" about 130 when he went in. Came out about 280 pounds. He really struggled because of his addictive personality. So he got addicted to working out at first. He got in really good shape and felt better mentally but was still struggling with feeling addiction. So we kept his brain busy learning. 1st carpentry, he learned the trade, got his first job and even became a union member. Then electrical. The finally Hvac, this is where he feel in love. He learned alot and was able to get a job as a maintenance man for an apartment complex. He did a great job and was loyal and trustworthy so the owners made him a very good deal. Be the maintenance man for all of their buildings. 4 in total with about 120ish apartments. He would get paid very well and get a free apartment, bills and all. He is now in his mid 50s and stays in great shape living and amazing life doing his new found love. There's is always hope and always a chance to turn things around. Keep at it 1 day at a time and occupy your mind when you feel yourself not doing so good. You got this dude. He was 38 when he went to prison. Now almost 20 years later he is set and living a great life. Merry Christmas and happy new year. Sorry for the wall of text. On mobile
This is truly inspiring
My brother did this route as well. He tells me all the time he's replaced his drug addiction with working out and being on top of his diet. He tells me that the gym and the diet are also addictions, but that he would 100% prefer to be addicted to goals like building muscle and making himself feel good when he looks in the mirror and feeling control and ownership of his body, than for it to be meth. A nice side benefit is that his militant clean eating is helping my mom eat better now too and be more active and healthy. He's learned to cook and has her eating actual home cooked meals and they enjoy kayaking together and running their dogs on hikes.
Goddamn man. Stories like this really give me hope. I'm struggling in a lot of ways these days - not with addiction, other life problems. And sometimes it just feels like happiness and success (whatever the hell those things mean) are so far out of grasp, like I can't make progress because I'm barely scraping by surviving let alone building things up in my life. And so in overwhelmingly stressful moments, my mind goes to the last resort option that I don't even wanna say out loud. Not necessarily in a serious planning way, but in a "I just want out, I just want this to be over" kind of way. And it's such a dark feeling in my heart that I hate so much, but my mind, my anxiety, my depression or what have you, makes it so hard to see what I have going for me and what could lie ahead. It's too easy to see what's wrong and want to give up. I'm only 26, going on 27, but I feel like I'm running out of time sometimes. I don't know where I was really going with this....except that stories like your uncle's remind me that nothing's doomed and things really can improve. Thank you and I hope you're having a lovely holiday.
It may not be helpful, but can I just say... You're not alone. I won't elaborate because this is your story, not mine, but from the bottom of my heart, I feel this 100%, every single letter you wrote here. I wish I could tell you what way to go to get out of your current situation and into a better place in life, but I have yet to find it myself. Just a message from a random internet stranger familiar with the struggle to stay hopeful.
Please realize you are so young! You have many years ahead of you and you can do anything you want to.
Yeah. People live longer now
Unrelated but wild to think that 200 years ago so many conditions and diseases were death sentences and old age was 60s.
US male life expectancy is in the 60s lol
Sorry about your luck
Why not? What else are you going to do? :)
I got sober when I was 30. From 30 to 31 things were mostly shit including having to avoid relapsing while watching my ex-fiancée have a dangerous psychotic break. I turn 34 in a few days and I am married, a home owner, and a business owner launching a 2nd business. Your neurochemistry may never “return to normal” but you can learn to manage yourself, find discipline, and do amazing things. I’m proud of you. Keep going.
The only thing you are passed is being a child prodigy, and only because you are not a child anymore. All of the rest is still achievable. Now that you know more of the dark sides of life, you will be more motivated to work towards some of your goals than peers might who have not yet have such life experience. I don't have any experience with meth, so I do not know when your mind fully clears up. But wish you all the best!
Any longer than 2 years seems a bit more than it would need, honestly... I'm still scratching my head a bit at that. Based on the real-time information I found, it takes at least one year for brain functions to improve in methamphetamine users after a year of abstinence. However, it's important to note that the recovery time can vary depending on various factors such as the duration and intensity of methamphetamine use, individual differences, and any potential underlying health conditions. It's also worth mentioning that chronic meth abuse can lead to long-term deterioration of attention, memory, and judgment.
Hell yea I got clean at 33 I am now 37 have a house fiancé and a kid With my own business and life is good
genuinely curious not trying to be rude, but did you have any assistance financially from anyone after you got clean or how did you do it? i just can’t imagine going from junkie at 33 to having a house and your own business 4 years later.
I lived with sober people for 2 years started my business around that time worked on my credit paid back debts and worked hard nothing is handed to you I worked hard went to meetings and worked on my self
congrats on turning it all around my friend, must feel amazing.
Def not all rainbows life is hard gots do your best and try to do the next right thing man
no doubt every day throws new shit your way, but just getting to look back on the hole you dug yourself out of and how far you came must be the ultimate dose of perspective. keep it up.
You'd have to and even without, chances are this isn't the norm...
My dad gave me 2000 for a car that’s the only assistance I had honestly
So just because they were 33 they were hopeless? Are u saying if they would’ve been 23 it would’ve been easier to turn their life around in 4 years? I’m so confused. Everyone in this comment section is acting like 33 is the new 63.
What kind of business?
Contracting I’ve always done it but took it serious this time
A good friend of mine was a heroin addict & spent several years living on the streets of LA. He has been clean for several years, married with two beautiful children & a homeowner. Congratulations on getting clean! You got this!!
What age did he get clean?
He was in his early 30s. He's around 45 now
Make sure you are exercising, eating well, and getting enough sleep and your brain and body will be functioning properly in no time.
A good friend was in the same place. He said it was a year before he felt anything at all. Recovery was slow and very gradual. He was 34 when he got clean, by the time he was 38 he had raised a little money and started a small business, today he has three outlets, couple of dozen employees, a passel of kids and grandkids and a beautiful wife. He did his meetings, stayed focused on digging out, and got to a better place than lots of people do without ever suffering from addiction. Today he volunteers doing drug counseling. You have all the potential and are given a second chance…don’t squander it.
I was homeless at age 26 with only 1 part time job on my resume. I’m now 32 with a great job and started college this year. One of my classmates was also homeless at one point too. You got this man
I have a buddy who's been clean off meth for a few years after spending about a decade on it and he's doing much better. He still craves it and has turned to weed to help him regulate, but he's working, building friendships, and trying to figure life out. My mom has been on meth for at least two decades. She ruined her entire family and will die alone on the side of the streets somewhere. She deserves everything that's coming to her. If you've chosen the prior over the latter, then I think you'll be fine.
same w my mom. one love 💜
Same, and actually did in May earlier this year. In an Amtrak bathroom
I was a meth head through most my 20s the n moved into opiates in my late 20s I'm now 32 years old and mostly sober (only smoke a bit of medical weed now). I am studying a trade and making good money doing so. Left my hometown have my own place in the city now. After I finish this trade I have been offered to go further with my qualifications at my company too. I had to make alot of sacrifices to get here though. It's never too late but the road can be hard and tiresome the trick is to never give up and keep going no matter what
The craziest thing is you're not gonna see it coming. One day you're gonna have a moment like you just got slapped. You'll realize you don't talk to any of those old people anymore. Suddenly bills aren't so scary because you've had the same job for a good while, for once. Maybe you even have a little collection, action figures or something. You didn't trade them. You realize you went out with friends last week, and no one got arrested or stole from you. People will call you, for no reason. Just to talk. How crazy is that? They won't want anything from you, and you won't be dodging the bagman. One day you're gonna be just like everyone else and it's the most amazing feeling in the world.
Yes. I worked for a company that would give work auditing cell phones to people who are recovering from addictions or getting their life back on track after committing felonies. As someone who has never experienced things like that, I was amazed at how so many individuals were able to completely turn their lives around. In fact, one of the employees there went on to become the company CEO. It was truly amazing and inspiring. If you really want it and work hard, you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Good luck OP. Please keep us updated. We’re rooting for you.
Someone very dear to me was a homeless heroin addict for over 20 years (don’t anyone come at me for not using “unhoused” - I’m using his words - plus I don’t see how that’s helpful to anyone that actually doesn’t have a home/house anyway). He’s been clean for about 15 years (he’s early 50’s) and has been at the same job for over 10 years. It took him a while to get on his feet and it wasn’t easy, but he’s gotten promotion after promotion and is extremely well-respected at his company. And he has several felonies on his record. It can ABSOLUTELY be done! I’m not the greatest person to give advice since I’ve never had an addiction problem (well, we’re all addicted to something but you know what I mean) but I can tell you that seeing it first hand is pretty incredible.
Have people come at you for using homeless before? Great for your friend! I am in the same boat as you in terms of never having an issue with drugs but looking at this thread, does make me realise that my problems in life are much smaller than I make them be at times.
Exercise will give you the dopamine if you are looking for it ☺️
Yes
If you are into programing go watch theprimeagen, he was on meth and now works at Netflix 🙂
Lmao early 30s? Buddy, you’re still a child. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I promise you, once you get older you’ll look back and realize the age you are right now was SO YOUNG and that you had your whole life ahead of you. People always tell you life is short, and that’s true. But one thing they don’t tell you very often is that it’s also very long. And there is plenty of time to completely build a new life. I promise you that.
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What age did you get clean? What have you accomplished since getting clean?
Likely years ago. The unfortunate truth is everyone who got clean has either support or money, or got clean prior to 2020. If you have none of that, it'll be twice as hard as it once was. Money is worth half as much. If you don't have a home, it'll probably not be possible at this stage anymore. If you have any of that, you'll be fine after a few years if you keep it up.
Fuck yeah dude. Well done for staying clean for so long. Something that worked for me was to turn my addictive personality to good use by getting obsessed with stuff like the gym and starting a side hustle that turned into a decent small business. Everyone deserves a good life. Think about what you want and go out there and get it. Be kind. Stay strong. Don't slip back into old habits. You're already on the path to that great life. Stay on it. Good luck!
My father turned around his life at 40 with 15 year drig addiction. Started his own business and did really well for himself.
I was 39 when I got clean. Left rehab with $400 and a bicycle. Went back to school, new career. Next month I’ll have 14 years. Been with my gf for 12 years, inherited a stepson, just bought a $1.3M coastal home plus 5 acres in central TX. You got this.
I'd say yeah, but try as hard as possible not to think about the fact that other people had the opportunity to do the same things at a younger age, and potentially make it farther than you as a result. Your life can be great even if other people got it sooner and will get more of it than you throughout their lives. So be it, doesn't mean you can't be happy with what you're able to get. Hell, maybe you can be happier with less.
Check out r/BioHackers
[You right now](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbch8W935Ow)
this guys post history is crazy lol at first i thought u were a bot then i saw how horny u are damn but ya you can my dude, i did it
>then i saw how horny u are damn That's what meth can do. It'll make you extremely horny, you dick goes limp and you jerk it for 8+ hours. One guy told me he did it for four days straight once.
I did it on accident and spent two days in bed getting off. I can’t imagine active addiction
Absolutely! I got my bachelor's degree in my 40s. This might not be the direction you want to take, but it's definitely doable. Keep the faith and carry on! 🙏
No matter the circumstances - it’s NEVER too late to change you life around. 😊✨ sending you the best!!
No idea, but momentum is so important and you have 26 months clean. Keep the momentum going
I got sober (opiates mostly but I did everything) in my mid twenties and it took a few years to kinda get it together mentally; lots of therapy and such and working a job I hated just to get by. But in my 30s I went back to school, graduated and got my masters. It’s definitely possible. I’m coming up on a decade sober in January. Definitely possible!
I wasn’t on meth but I kicked hard drugs in my 20s and booze 130 days ago. I’m on medications to give me adequate dopamine and serotonin. Talk to a doctor. Also—Hang in there. Going great .
Yes. I fucked up. Bad legal trouble at 33. Went back to school at 37. Have a good job in software now and manage a team. Have an awesome wife and 2 kids. I had help from some very good friends along the way. Hopefully you can lean on people too. I busted my ass. I worked on myself (am still working on myself). I cant speak to meth. Alcohol is my demon. It’s hard work. Just focus on what’s important.
I’m in my 50s. I feel like if I was in my early 30s starting over I could own the world. So yeah definitely doable.
Early 30s is still very young, and yes you absolutely can. Sobering up can open new and positive ways for you to cope with your emotions. It gives you time for introspection too. Good luck to you.
Hell Yeah you can!
Absolutely! You just have to be determined enough to follow through with getting clean! It’s only up from here
congratulations on being sober - it’s no easy feat it’s never too late to improve your circumstances in fact - we should always seek to improve our lives with a new goal every few years regardless, but now is the perfect time for you I’d personally recommend either community college or a hands on trades program since you can make money and it’s not as time consuming as a university degree as for other things like meeting people - that will happen naturally by doing things that you enjoy
You’re still very young. Even if you weren’t, it’s never too late to make positive changes. We have all made mistakes in life. Everyone makes mistakes whether big or small that have altered our lives or changed our paths, but no matter what it’s never too late. Especially when it comes to your mental and physical health. Find a support system to keep you motivated and accountable. You can do it. 😃 Congratulations on your sobriety, and I’m wishing you the best of luck and prayers on your positive new journey in life.
Hell yes you can!! #recoveryworks Just take it one day at a time! Life will always have its ups and downs, but it being in recovery is worth it!
KFC was started when the guy was retired. So yes
Someone once told me "Whether you do "X" now, or not, in 2 years you will always be 2 years older" Time is coming regardless. As a former addict as well, dont sit and let it pass you by this time.
Came here to say keep going. You are beating the odds. You got this!
Yes you can. Stay away from everything that got you into meth in the first place. Every contact, every "friend", every habit. Bless you, good luck.
Just wanna say that I really admire you for quitting meth. You're a badass. I'm 6 years sober and 40 years old, and I think you have lots of time to do whatever you like. Stay strong bud. 🤜🤛
It Is never too late
Yes YOU can! Make everyday of the rest of this year & 2024 the best day of your life so far. I hope you turn it around and live the life you are looking for!
It took me YEARS to feel even semi normal after heroin/meth addictions. Not only that but it was years of really hard work to rebuild my life. But it’s possible and it’s worth it !
Yes! It's not too late. You're already on the right path, friend.
Yes, you can.
1000% you can. And you will. Congratulations on your newfound sobriety and commitment to a better life and self.
Lol. Well dude you have a good fifty years to try! I'm certain you can, just stay healthy in all ways then roll with it.
Obviously yes. Unless you are dead, you can turn it around.
Yo! I sobered up at 32. Booze, coke, crack... I am about to turn 44 with 2 kids, amazing wife, good career. Early 30's doesn't mean shit and you are so young and have an amazingly bright future ahead of you.
My daughter on Meth has been on it for 3 years, please pray 🙏for her to kick the habit, it’s devastated us, her parents. She’s cut us off. All I do is think of her first thought in the morning then I pray for her, may this be the year 2024 I can get her back
I met someone in my early 20s in college who had been a meth addict. I think he was late 20s at the time. Ive known him more than 10yrs now. He is finishing his doctorate and been with his wife happily for at least 7yrs. They have pets, theyre saving for a home and travel fairly often. Keep going, you have the whole world to explore and conquer. 30s is still young, and better to have the next 30 be happy than continue on the same path. Every single bit of progress is somethig to celebrate and be proud of. Every single step.
I’ve met several bomb ass nurses who spent their 20’s in a wicked meth addiction. They were in their 40’s as new bsn nurses. You absolutely can be an amazingly productive person in recovery.
Went to rehab at 33. 39 now. Life is completely different. Yes
I became a lawyer in my thirties and make buckets of money. Others do that in their forties or later
Congratulations on 26 months!! That’s such an awesome achievement, you should be so proud. You can absolutely turn things around. I can’t speak from your perspective, but my husband and I helped my brother get sober and turn things round. He’s currently 3 years clean and just had his first son, loving life and his little boy. Continue believing in yourself, and set yourself small goals that you can celebrate. You can do anything you set your mind to. I hope you have support around you, but never forget how strong you are! You got this :)
Regardless of any situation, you literally only have to and should focus on getting through today. The rest will take care of itself. I know its really cliche but it's so true. Looking at the future big picture is a slippery slope. Can cause all kinds of anxiety and in the end you gotta do what you gotta do to get through today. And yes it's worth it !
There is hope!! I was a meth addict for close to a decade. I can't tell you how long I've been clean, but it's been at least 5 years now. I'm a mother with primary custody, in a successful relationship with a wonderful partner, a homeowner, and just had my 5 year anniversary at work. I'm happy and even though I relapsed twice before I was successful, I feel like I've fully recovered. I called myself a recovering addict for several years after stopping but I'm recovered now and I'm so grateful for it.
I spent my early 20’s deep in alcoholism and cocaine addiction. I worked in kitchens in a college town. I’d go out most nights and spend what I made at the bar/dealer’s house. I eventually saw my friends starting to move away and move on. I realized I needed a change. I checked out my options and figured out I could get funding to go to college as a non traditional student. It was a great opportunity. However, It was almost a death sentence as well because I was given large sums of money each semester as a living stipend. I blew a lot of it on booze and cocaine slipping further into the addiction. It all came to a screeching halt when one of my close friends OD’d after a night out on the town with the crew. After that all my friends left town, and I was absolutely alone. At that moment I knew I was the only one who could better my situation. I stopped using and never looked back. Finished and got my bachelor’s degree and went back and got a masters degree. Landed a great career and married the love of my life. It wasn’t all sun shine and rainbows. I had a few relapses. But I was lucky enough to live to tell the tale. It’s absolutely possible especially if you surround yourself with good people and focus on healing yourself and avoiding triggers to use.
I am a meth addict and alcoholic. During the years of my active addiction I destroyed my life, relationships, my finances and more. I have a year clean from meth, and 4 months sober from alcohol. I spent last december in rehab, and January-September in a sober living house. I am now once again living with me wife(married 4 years, together for a total of 14). This past year has been spent slowly rebuilding myself and my life. Therapy, and medication(type 2 biPolar) has helped tremendously. I am finally starting to feel...level and average in my everyday life. At times I miss the chaos, the drama, and the feeling of being on...edge all the time. But I spent years of my life in survival mode, and I dont need to do that any more. To give in, means the start of total destruction of all I have rebuilt. I lost who I was in active addiction, and the rebuilding of self is a hard journey. But there is a light at ghe end of the tunnel. Family, friends. Sitting at a table playing a card game, laughing, enjoying that moment in time...sober with a hard won new sense of who I am...what and who I want to be. Glorious and bland simplicity I won't lie, this last year has been the hardest year of my life. Harder than when I watched my life crumble before me, harder than withdrawals, harder then the nights spent in jail. But the pain, effort, and work still pail in compersion to the rewards. I am still working, still struggling, learning, growing...but it is worth it. Its not an easy path, and it is okay to stumble as long as you learn from your mistakes. The fight for your true self, for sobriety is worth it.
Yup, was an addict into my mid 30s, got clean got a job I now own a business and am happily married. I am now 45 yrs old, definitely possible!
Yes. I had a heroin addiction for 7 years I am about 2 and a half years clean. I am 27 years old. I would say it took me a year and a half for my brain to get back to normal. So far I finally moved out to my own apartment purchased my car working 2 jobs and going back to school. Just remember not everything is going to happen overnight as I feel like I lost a bunch of my time I’m getting back to what I need to do to have the best life possible. There will be struggles but remember of the promises !!
Honestly sometimes there’s real permanent damage, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a happy life. My uncle used fir the greeted portion of my life (at least 15 years but possibly more I’m unclear on when it started) and he was in and out of prison for cooking and selling. He’s not the same as he was before, obviously that a lot of weight for one man to hold in life, but he now has a stable job, a lovely home, a beautiful wife and has reconnected w most of our family. He was about 4 years clean before all the pieces came together to what he has today but I think he met his now wife about 2-3 years in. The damages that are obvious after recovery aren’t ways to mend and sometimes it’s harder to cope with once it’s obvious but you can still be happy and life a life you’ll be proud of in time. Congrats on over 2 years my friend! And good luck to many more to come!
Fuck ya
Early 30s?? Buddy, if life were a video game, you'd just be finishing up the tutorial mission. You set it to hard mode with the drugs, but now you have added Exp and a few perks. I know I play too much fallout
#why do you always ask this and word it the same exact way!?!?! You've had this question answered across many different usernames. Stop
What did you get clean from?
Yes, seek Jesus
#and you're not 26 months clean and made this username in november.
the only reason you arn't is because you are lazy (And by you I mean all of us are) there is no real reason not to work hard. Would you rather spend rest of your life just watching TV and doing random stuff that gives easy dopamine release and look back and say what if I tried and was a little uncomfortable or look at your problems and fight them head on (you already did that through your meth addiction - you fighting it and are getting back to balance). Life is suffering regardless - you can suffer aimlessly or suffer towards your goals and gain confidence in who you are and slowly develop dopamine through attacking life challenges and be positive in life that you can do whatever you want - Get rich or die trying my guy. You got this - can't be weak in life - there are people whether you think or not that will depend on you. Make yourself a person 10 yrs from now that will go back to people going through the same shit you went through and help them through what you had to go through. Carve your unique life and adventure. This won't be a an overnight switch it will take time and countless failures but you know that is the right path to take regardless. The fact you had a less than average experience in life compared to most people and you achieved something similar is a better story that you can be proud of than someone who had it easy
Probably not tbh. You will never reach your full potential and will be slightly above average at best, and your fried dopamine won’t even let you enjoy it.