i started using when i was 13 and went pretty hard till i was 28 and stumbled into recovery. i haven't done it perfect (recovery) i have done the long clean time and relapsed thing, which is very humbling. i been all over the map with it all. now at 20 years of being here and with all the mistakes and ect. i tell people the most important thing Ive learned in recovery is "just for today" i ask my higher power for help and guidance and strength to do what is necessary when i get up, i am a Big believer in keeping it simple. my mornings are spent in getting centred for the day. to me its basic, either i take the time to do my reading and praying or i let my disease run my day...when the disease runs the day it sucks big time...the addict in me is always waiting for its chance. like they say we all live with a deadly disease that is waiting in a corner doing push-ups while we do our recovery thing....it never "goes away" . today i am grateful to be a recovering addict. i wouldnt have it any other way and it took a long time to feel like that. there are many miraculous adventures in recovery that i feel so grateful for. there IS another side to the darkness and pain, and its beautiful beyond discription. please give yourself the chance, all that is required is willingness and ask your higher power for help. bless you all and love ya.......................cindy