hi folks. im not working the steps, though I am an addict in recovery. I just felt like this might be a place where people were experiencing similar problems to mine: dealing with repurcussions of felony and eviction. I have a class c felony from 8 years ago, when I fell out in a mcdonalds bathroom, woke up at 3am left alone in the now closed restaurant, and helped myself to a mcflurry and vcr on the way out. I also have an eviction from 4 years ago for non-payment of rent. I have been doing well in recovery since the eviction, and have been building positive attitudes and working toward rebuilding and resuming a lot of the emotional growth and responsibility that you pretty much abandon when you get into heavy use at an early stage of adult life. The problem Im having is always having to explain myself, and still getting blown off. I doesn't make me angry that I get blown off by prospective landlords, employers, at least not always, it just frustrates me that I dont know what to do/how to proceed with these obstacles on my record. I've been told everything (regarding eviction) from find private landlords (that Ive been forward about my past with) to get used to the idea of renting rooms or being homeless. Jobs are another issue, as well as getting grants/financial aid for schooling. There is also the issue of these past roadblocks constantly rekindling shame/guilt since finding apartments/jobs is going to be something I do a lot in life. Im lucky enough at the moment to have an apartment (my landlord didnt ask) and an ok job. But I'm at the point where i need to find a larger place, and would like to start thinking about a more career oriented job, and my past is getting me down. In the past I might feel like I didn't deserve these things, How do any of us dealing with these obstacles work with them?
in all the years of recovery ive yet to hear someone come in with a great credit rating and crime free back ground. i deal with this stuff by working the steps. i worked up from less of nothing to a nice home, ect. it took awhile. had to work those freakin steps hard. recovery means getting a good sponsor and workin the steps.
I understand what your saying john and galeon, and I respect your hard work. I guess my original post was of a more practical nature, and maybe not appropriate for this forum.
I was told when I came into the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous that I had a problem with ME; it wasn't about the dope, that was but a symptom. I was told that if I worked the steps AND lived them in my daily life, using the spiritual principles found within each, that my life would get better.
I also heard alot, work the steps or die m*f*r....because without having a daily living program, I would eventually use again.
As far as what happened in the past, we make our amends for those actions. We all have consequences from our using; it's what we do about them that matters today. Take action a day at a time....make no excuses for our behavior; there is no excuse. If I am still making excuses today for what I did, then my recovery is probably sucking.
I own it and I take care of it. As far as the felony things go, can't you have them wiped from your record after like 7 years or something? Takes an attorney and all that....
All just suggestions, give this program a chance by working the steps brother :) Hugs and Love, your sister Glora
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Just For Today....I will have faith in someone in NA who believes in me and wants to help me in my recovery.
i feel the same way i can't seem to get a job or should i say a good job because of my felony let alone get an apartment or even be on the lease all know is that i didn't give up on getting my drug s i wil not give up on my own place or geting a career oriented job i do know that it takes time and just like i waited on the dope man i ca wait on my goals i do however have to work for them frst of all by staying clean no matter what doors will open
Hey, sounds like you are doing pretty good. We all have the same problems with an embarassing past. I have found that alot of people respect me for what I have gone through and come back from. I tell them the truth when asked. I tell them how much we have suffered to get back to a non using state. Most people have supported me in my recovery.
In Recovery Kenh
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God is the only one you can depend on in recovery.
