I really relate what @PnorkelPW mentioned in terms of my entire identity and social life being wrapped up in my substance use. It was a real struggle for me in the early days realising that a lot of the meaningful connection I thought I had relied on me using or drinking. I knew that I couldn't be a part of that world anymore but at the same time, it was really lonely and hard at times.
I think it's great that you're able to maintain work and training as well, it's something you can build upon and I know for me, even when my external world gets small, having something to be accountable to and to give me some purpose is so so helpful.
I can only share from my own experience and the thing that really aided me more than anything else with this was going to peer groups. Attending 12 step meetings helped me to build a new community around me that was recovery focussed and I was able to build friendships that were much more genuine than any I had before getting into recovery. Being around like minded people who understood what I was going through because they had either been through or were going through it themselves helped to normalise the roller coaster ride that is early recovery for me.
I'm wondering if you've ever tried any support groups before or whenever you've stopped, you've just tried to tackle it alone? I only ask because I tried to stop many times and will power would only get me so far. It was only when I stopped trying to white knuckle it and open myself up to a recovery community that things really changed for me.
It would be great to hear how you're going with it all and if anything you've seen on the forums has landed for you at all?
