Who is important to you in your recovery?

TWSJ

@Dominica ,

This is a great question . I have a lot of folks that are important in my life , but I've kept the "Recovery" part largely to myself outside of this site . That's not to say that I don't tell my friends at social events that I've quit drinking , I just don't lean on anyone for assistance . And that could be a contributing factor to my recent relapse . And during that relapse , I kept my drinking entirely private . Drinking in complete shame .

Even with my wife of 21 years , she knows when I'm sober . And she prays I stay that way . But it isn't a large part of the conversation , unless she suspects that I'm not behaving . Then she has a lot to say about it .

( She's a redhead ).

But , I live in a world where I'm the primary decision maker . At work , at home , and even in my hobbies , friends look to me to take the lead . So face to face interaction on the subject of recovery is something that has alluded me . Coming here is easy though . It seems like you and @DeanD kind of run the joint , and I can just be another guy looking for answers.

But , I do have a good friend who has been sober for some time now . I've never approached the subject with him . But have considered it . In addition to being a guy who could potentially be a mentor in sobriety , he was once a mentor in "Spirituality". I'm going to put some thought into talking to him . But I also don't want to impose on him . Any thoughts or advice ?

DeanD

I guess my situation is a little bit different since I'm probably not technically "in recovery." I have been sober since September of 2008, but that's because I quit drinking to set an example for my son, who was in rehab for heroin addiction. That said, I'd say my wife has been the most important person to me in my sobriety. Especially since she quit drinking the same day I did. (Neither one of us were problem drinkers. We just quit because the family therapist at our son's treatment facility told us to be the change we wanted to see in our son. It was kind of an act of solidarity.)

As far as my recovery from my son's addiction--and as a parent of someone struggling with addiction, you need to work on your own recovery, too--I would again say that my wife is my biggest support person. In addition to her, other family members have helped a lot. And Al-Anon, too.

@TWSJ... I'm glad you think coming here is easy. That's the whole idea. Also, I think you should have a conversation with your sober friend. I doubt if you'd be imposing on him. Most people in sobriety don't mind talking about it with other people...especially friends. It could be a great connection for you. When you feel comfortable, go for it!