This post is a subject I can really relate to & was 1 of the main issues that contributed to poor mental health for me. Depression will cause us to seek escapism & for most people the common go to are substances mainly alcohol as it's readily available everywhere. On 13th July 2026 I will be 5 years sober. Alcohol is a natural depressant that keeps us in a vicious cycle it's the worse form of self medicating for depression. It's not an easy habit to break but once you do you'll start to feel better think with more clarity & make small steps forward to improve a stronger healthier mindset to take back control of your life.

I'm happy to connect with anyone who'd like to speak about alcohol or substance issues & share my own experiences.

Take care of others. Volunteer somewhere?

I was a drug & alcohol addict
Clean since 1990. My wife helped me a lot. God Bless Her. Without her I’d be Dead. Mostly I sleep or paint draw exercises . Depending on how my migraines are. But sometimes I’ll roominate on what’s bothering me like family friends. I get very overwhelmed and headaches come. And I dive under the sheets cold air no noise or light. I retreat. Hope you all are well as can be. Haven’t done anything new or continued Betty yet. Migraines get in the way.
Peace

I grew up in the AA family as well. My dad would go to an AA meeting every Sunday. Do you not like meetings, Nikki?

did my post go through and you saw it? I hit a wrong damned key, the page still showed MDT in the address bar, but it was like looking at a polar bear during a blizzard, just a white screen. I reloaded the page and all I typed disappeared.

I was going on about our dad and brother, both very active alcoholics who are no longer with us (I'm cool with it). I used to take my dad to AA meetings all the time and I've seen first-hand what that kind of addiction can do to a person.

Nikki, look at all you've done and been through of late; you have made amazing strides. I'm not saying shake it off and get living, but I am saying I know you're much stronger inside than to relapse and this, like the damned spiral I'm dealing with, will pass eventually.

I can't imagine how hard it is for you and I wish I could give you a hug. We're all here for you, kiddo; I'm here for you. (Not like I'm some miracle worker, but I have a good ear and a strong titanium shoulder you can lean on. Talk to me.

And as kismet would have it, Peter Gabriel's "Come Talk to Me" just started playing; I've always liked the back-up bagpipes and drums.