You have your addiction under control and you are working hard to make sure it stays that way. You have made some positive changes in your life and I’m sure you will agree that there could be many more changes before you are done. Some of the changes you have made may have been difficult ones. Not many people are comfortable with change and you are probably no different. Humans are creatures of habit and habit implies no changes.
Everyone has friends. Some may be new, while others have been around a while and still others have been there for as long as you can remember. You probably have friends from school, work, church and the neighborhood just to name a few. You probably had friends who shared your addiction. They may have been addicted too, or maybe they just allowed you to have your addiction. If that’s the case, this friend, may be no friend at all.
What I would like to propose is that you take a really good look at your friends and ask yourself if they really are your friends. This is not something that can be done collectively. You will need to bring each friend to mind and be honest with yourself about the state of the existing friendship. Does the friend have your best interest at heart? Does the friend tell you when they feel you are making bad choices? Do they encourage you to make the best choices for you? This type of appraisal is most likely going to be hard for you, but if you can work through it you will emerge a stronger, more secure person. Those friends that make the positive cut are truly your friends. The others may be holding you back. Be strong and make the best decision for you. Be honest with them too.
If you have been through an experience like this, please share your thoughts and feelings with us. If you have found something that works better, we want to hear about that too. Don’t forget, A Better Tomorrow is there to help you or someone you know who may be having problems with drugs or alcohol.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
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That's a loaded question for anyone. When you are in trouble, that's when you're true friends are known. Letting go of those who are not true friends is not easy, but is often necessary.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the person I thought was my best friend, turned out to be a threat to my newfound sobriety. I thought we could still make it work, but all he wanted was his drinking buddy back. He kept saying, 'Just have one.' I know that I never have just one. I have severed that tie.
ReplyDeleteThis is a hard but necessary part of staying clean. A friend wants only what's best for you. If they don't, they are not really your friends.
ReplyDeleteAll too often those that we count as friends turn out to be mere acquaintances. It's a hard lesson to learn, but one that most people have had to learn to deal with.
ReplyDeleteI thought they were, but looking back, they clearly were not. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it.
ReplyDelete