I have a close family member who is approaching the 5 yr mark for sobriety and my ex-husband, sadly, still drinks himself silly every day.  My ex was sober for 7 years before falling off, and lord, it has been a terrible spiral.  I had no idea when I met him that he had just begun to drink again.  So sad to see someone change like that.

It is no small accomplishment and I am glad to hear of your success.  I think those that haven't been touched by it, or are in denial about it, don't realize what an ugly thing addiction is.  It robs you of life, love and support, among other things.

I would be happy to attend a "dry" MnG.

Again- Bravo!!  For being both sober and the honesty to talk about it

XO
Melanie

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I've been sober for 14 years and still going strong.

Now here is a funny story that I am sure you will appreciate....

I used to see a gent who enjoyed having a vodka tonic when he visited me. He always brought a small bottle of vodka with him to drink. One time, the store he stopped at didn't have the small bottles, so he picked up a larger one. Not wanting to waste it, he asked if I minded just keeping it for him until his next visit. He is aware of the fact that I am in recovery and would have dumped it in a heartbeat if I had said it would be a problem, but I told him I didn't mind, and I put the bottle in a kitchen cupboard - then promptly forgot all about it.

Now, fast forward a month or two, and I came down with the worst case of flu I can ever remember. I was laid low for a good two weeks before I could function. When the worst of the flu symptoms were just killing me, I did what we all do when we are sick. I called MOM. She came over to take care of me, and went to the kitchen to make me some tea. A moment later she came out of the kitchen with a terrified look on her face, holding the bottle of vodka. My mother is also clean and sober, with 19 years to her credit. I've passed many an hour sitting by her side at AA meetings. And now she is holding a vodka bottle in her hand.

She asked me if I had anything I needed to tell her. I can only imagine the look on my face while I debated which was worse - allowing her to think I had relapsed, or confessing my new avocation to her. I think admitting to my new occupation might have been worse. Maybe. What an ironic dillemma!

I had just moved into my apartment about three months before, so I brushed it off and said it had been there when I moved in, and since I rarely use that cupboard, it slipped my mind to pour it out. To this day, I don't think she quite believed me. LOL

Then there is the other way to do it.   Never start drinking/drugs/smoking at all.  

I am not saying this to brag, just as a way of saying that sometimes being the one who never drinks is better than the one who drinks themselves silly, and has to recover from it.

Hobbyists and Providers in recovery sometimes don't know about each other since we tend to lead secretive lives.  I've run in to folks who would love to have a network of recovery in the hobby- ie fellow providers or hobbyists- since share common issues of a secret life.

Good to see some posting!  Perhaps that'll give those in need someone to contact.

Anyone know of an organized network for providers or hobbyists in 12 step programs?

That's kind of a cute supportive idea.

If my debauchery starts to extend past the weekly frat parties or club, I'll be there.

Katie

I just celebrated my 4th year clean from presciption  meds in February. I would love to meet others in the hobby who are also in recovery.  Part of the problem of the 12 step programs, be it AA or NA is the "spiritual awakening". While I have had mine and feel like a better person because of it, many of the 12 step members would look down on what I do. I am careful when I "get honest" in meetings.  lol

Congrats to all those who never picked up a drink or drug.  Good luck to those who didn't have a choice. I am here for those who need help stopping...

Kari