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Life seeming worse during abstinence

answered 04:41 PM EST, Thu October 31, 2013
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anonymous anonymous
I thought everything was supposed too get better when I got sober. I have not had a drink in 87 days and now all that I have is being able to see clearly just how bad things are in my life and with my family and not having anything to take the edge off of bad feelings at the end of the day…

Jennifer Hamilton Says...

Jennifer Hamilton J. Hamilton
LCSW, CADC

That is why there is a difference between abstinence and recovery. Abstinence is the step we take before recovery can begin. To be in recovery means we first learn to stop using (early recovery), next we learn techniques to help us cope (middle recovery) and later we put our life back together (late recovery). It is an ongoing process. Facing the damage to our lives and the realities in our lives is what makes it hard to recover. You are on the cusp of the first 90 days which is your first hallmark. You don't say if you are getting or seeking any help. Reach out. Go to counseling or self-help group like AA.

 
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Page last updated Nov 01, 2013

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