Recovery Advocates of Thousand Oaks, CA is very happy to present writing from our staff members as well as from current and previous clients. Here is an entry from a client who went through our treatment program some time ago and wishes to share about his experience with staying sober when all you really want to do is drink and/or use…
I used to be the type of alcoholic and addict that could not stop. Once I started there was no off switch. There is a saying in sobriety called 1 drink is too many and 1000 drinks is never enough. This I can absolutely relate to. When I started using drugs I liked them so much I just wanted more and more. I was not happy when I didn’t have any. I was miserable and wanted to stop this horrid way of living, but I was so sucked into the lifestyle I could not stop. At this point I had basically lost everything and wanted a new way of life. I got sober and learned how to stay sober through a 12 step group. I now have been sober for almost 4 1/2 years. I also got sober at a very young age since my drug use started at a very young age. Anyways now that I have been sober I have found ways to cope with living a sober lifestyle.
The other day I took 3 sober friends with me and went to magic mountain. It was extremely hot, but we had a great time. I also like watching new movies and working out at the gym. The gym has become a very important part of my life and my sobriety. I want to be as healthy as possible. Drugs and alcohol will only put me at a disadvantage. So now it is easy to think I can have 1 drink at a bar, but I know I cannot only have one. Since I know I cannot only have 1 drink which in reality would be around 8 drinks, I chose not to drink anymore. When I drink I lose control of my life and it becomes very unmanageable. This is why I stay sober no matter what.