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ADDICTION IS NEVER CURED
REPOST by Troutnut 1.
Date Unknown
Almost 21 years ago I finally stopped drinking and smoking. I kept my sickarette quit for about 3 months when I threw it away, but, I kept my newfound sobriety, and I did manage my final sickarette quit on 2/28/2001 (18.5 years ago for those that aren’t good at math).
But the disease of addiction is never cured.
According to the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Version 5” (the gold standard mental disorders text for the medical and physiatrics profession) the best we can do is to be in “sustained remission”.
Luckily for me, I have been in remission for nearly two decades. One year after I got sober I got a good job that required me to travel all over the state of Montana with 7 other people. Two of us were sober, and 6 were wild drinkers. At 45 years old I still had thoughts when I traveled that I was “home alone”, even when my home was a hotel room. The persistent idea that I could have “just one”. And that nobody would know.
Now at 66 years old, that thought still occurs to me once in a while. Especially when Mrs. Troutnut is gone or I am traveling. The difference today is that I am fully aware that I was born with a brain that wants me dead. And I’ve learned not to listen to it. But it is amusing! Like a bad TV show.
The other difference is that I have established a gigantic pair of support systems. Quitnet and AA. So I’m never really “home alone”. I am so very grateful for my sobriety and smobriety.
I can’t imagine ever doing anything to jeopardize my quits. But statistically, I’m still not in the clear. Believe it or not, 21 years sober is still a relative newcomer in my AA groups. Most of my friends there have far longer. There is NO expiration date on addictions of any kind. Sustained remission requires eternal vigilance for most of us. Yes, it gets far, far easier. And even fun! But never turn your back on it.
It is perfectly OK, and even medically advised, to continue coming here for the rest of your life if you wish.
Your friend in Montana
Troutnut1-dennis