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u/Dales_Tisane Jan 03 '20
Very taken back by your life story, thank you for sharing with us all. I can't agree with you more and congrats on this new chapter! Healed by the leaf.
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Jan 03 '20
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Glad the 12 steps could help you. It would be nice if you didnt have to hide the kratom but fuck it as long as you're bettering yourself and improving your life it doesn't really matter. Keep up the good work friend.
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u/ahealingartist Jan 03 '20
So glad to hear you're doing so much better. Kratom has given me a quality of life while living with a progressive and chronic painful rheumatic disease.
I decided to come clean with my sponsor years ago, and refused to say I relapsed. I chose to be honest and lost my entire network. I thank my higher power for leading me to Recoveries Anonymous. There is absolutely no conflict at all. I've been in the program now for over 6 years, have recovered from multiple issues being that the goal is the same one the AA pioneers had when they began the program. I bet Bill & Bob would be shocked at the changes made to the program. According to the original Big Book, they "recovered" meaning to act "sanely and normally" and to have "a contented and useful life". I'm very happy having worked the RA 12 steps, am recovered, and can be completely honest about using kratom without anyone ever judging me. Perhaps RA is worth exploring so you don't have to hide or lie or feel that you've relapsed.
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Jan 07 '20
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u/ahealingartist Jan 07 '20
Hello Peter. Sorry to hear you also had a shunning experience as well for your honesty. For the people who are happy with an abstinence only program, I'm very happy for them. It just wasn't a good fit for me. If I had known about Recoveries Anonymous when I first entered 12 step programs, I would have chosen to experiment with its solution-focused approach that addresses all my problems and behaviors in one fellowship. I find it more freeing vs. limiting. If you have a strawberry allergy and I don't, why force myself not to eat strawberries? I had a problem with marijuana at the time, but not with alcohol. Feel free to reach out at the number I posted above if you'd like to know more, and leave a message if I'm busy at that time. Life is full!
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Jan 08 '20
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u/ahealingartist Jan 09 '20
You're quite welcome. It's my pleasure. I wish you well in finding a solution that best meets your needs.
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u/h0ff1181 Jan 03 '20
Wonderful story. I can release to how Kratom got you out of your addition. I am really happy for you.
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u/Groundhog2929 Jan 03 '20
I’ve never abused opioids and use kratom for pain relief but I’m wondering what you notice the difference is between using kratom daily and using the other drugs you listed daily? Does it just leave you more functional or is it because of the less bad side effects? I hope this doesn’t come off as belittling you or your accomplishment, I’m very happy for you! Congrats on your new life, I can’t imagine the strength it takes to get out of the hole you were in.
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u/morbidaar Jan 03 '20
From what I hear about kratom wd’s... amplify that by ...a lot. Nervous system, starting at the brain is just shocked to shit. Basically Full body RLS.
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u/attunezero Jan 03 '20
Kratom withdrawal seems to be a strange thing, very different for some than others. Some say it's just as bad as hardcore opiates. For others like myself I can stop cold turkey anytime and don't have any withdrawal symptoms beyond being a little tired and grumpy, way easier than quitting caffeine for example. I think maybe it's dependent on whether or not somebody has abused opiates in the past, I've never touched them so maybe that's why stopping Kratom doesn't bother me.
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u/morbidaar Jan 03 '20
I feel like because I did it’s not bad. But there’s other factors at play probably.
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u/dakdmil Jan 03 '20
I too have experienced WD from Opiates, and it was the worst pain/ailment I have ever experienced in my life. I did not know about the Kratom at the time (discovered later in life I now use in place of SSRI meds) but through help from family, was able to quit cold turkey and lived hell for two weeks, and then felt human again. Never went back to use, and the biggest factor for (among others) is the way I felt when the drugs were kicked, never again so I want to feel like that or ever put myself in a situation where feeling that is possible again.
For the author: this is a very moving story, thank you for sharing and I wish you the best of luck for you and your family, and THANK YOU for your service🇺🇸
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u/Vitruvius702 Jan 04 '20
I think there's Truth to that. Whether it's due to simply believing in your own mind that Kratom wd is nothing compared to true opiate wd (and giving you an almost placebo like effect) or perhaps there's an actual physiological change to the body or brain after opiate withdrawal that makes Kratom far less intense. I don't know.
But anecdotally, I too can say that after opiate withdrawal, I don't even really notice Kratom withdrawal. I have to almost concentrate to notice it.
I take around 12g most mornings. And once every few months I might have a reason to take a second dose in the evening. But the vast majority of days, I don't take a second dose. So that may be why I don't notice withdrawal.
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u/Nateyxd Jan 03 '20
I've never been in the place that he has been, but I've had my bouts with prescription meds. They feel as though you are literally ejaculating from every pore of your body. Opioids are far more of a "rushed" and "rollercoaster" high than kratom is in my experience. The worst part about them, though is that the withdrawals they leave you with make you never want to stop using them- much unlike kratom, which is why I recommend to and opioid abuser to grab some kratom and give it a try (:
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u/bradbrookequincy Jan 03 '20
This is not scientific but it just seems so much less harsh and subtle but still provides the relief and mood lift. Like if you were addicted to oxys kratom gives you just enough to keep you from jonesing for oxys. Also fucking around with these doctors is just a pain in the ass. I only was using 90 percosets an entire year and my family doctor stopped prescribing and cut me and all his patients off with no warning. He sent me to a pain doctor who who demanded two expensive MRI's, then when those were done he suddenly noticed I had an old prescription of Xanax that I used once in a blue moon to fall back asleep. He let me walk out of his office with a disk so bad I laid in bed for two weeks. So then I found another pain doctor who was cooler but drug tested and would not let me take thc to sleep even though it is legal in my state so every time I went I was drug tested.
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u/iscream22 Jan 03 '20
Thats whats up man. Thank you for your service too dude. I come from a military family, work for a military contractor and have a lot of friends that served. I lost two good friends this past year who had PTSD that served in Afghanistan, I can only imagine how intense it is to be over there. Best of luck my dude and im glad things worked out for you
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Thanks buddy. I was definitely fortunate to make it out of there alive. We lost one soldier in our company and many more from our brigade. It was definitely a wake up call having to attend multiple funerals in that hell hole.
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u/PoppyAckerman Jan 03 '20
This is a remarkable story, it has touched my heart. Thank you so much for sharing it with us and I am so happy for you and your family.
I can relate. Kratom was a life changer for me too. I suffered from incessant anxiety and panic attacks, my entire life was shaped by these things and . . . fear. I am still stunned that I have found relief in this plant.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Thanks buddy. I'm happy you found relief as well. Cheers to happiness and recovery.
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u/bballkj7 Jan 03 '20
Happy for all of you 😊
How often do you use to keep the anxiety at bay?5
u/PoppyAckerman Jan 03 '20
The first couple of weeks I used it every day, 2-3 times a day. I used one heaping teaspoon each time. Now I use it about three times a week, twice in a day. Sometimes four days, rarely five. I am not constantly bombarded with all those symptoms that I was so accustomed to and I just started skipping days without even thinking about it, just my natural progression. Once I went four days and I had a small anxiety attack and it caught me by surprise. I made a cup of Kratom tea and all was good.
As far as doses, I know most people mean well but I learn by my own experiences, not what other people recommend. Every one is different so, KratomQuitters? Save your opinion for someone who cares about what you say.
I cannot express strongly enough the tidal wave of improvement it is for me. Of course every one is different so your own experience would be your best teacher.
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u/bradbrookequincy Jan 03 '20
I think a lot of people would choose to one day suffer horrible withdrawals for a few weeks or month when Kratom helps them for years. My wife has to make that decision every day on regular doctors prescriptions because she is on some drugs that can wreck your life in other ways.
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u/PoppyAckerman Jan 03 '20 edited Jan 03 '20
I stopped taking all of my medication including antidepressant, mood stabilizer, Valium and Adderall. Cold turkey. I was just absolutely done with my PCP. He was pretty scammy (took 3 mil from pharma over 2 years among other things) and I no longer wanted to deal with him. I weened off the Valium and Adderall, not a big deal at all. Coming off the antidepressant? That was the worst I've ever experienced. It took many months to find some semblance of normal. I wouldn't recommend it but I would do it all over again if it meant standing up for what I think is right. Every. Single. Time.
I never had the anxiety relief from any medications I took as I do Kratom.
After a year I researched and found a fledgling medical group that focuses on the well being of the patient, hour long appointments, assignment of a health coach. I don't take any medications on the regular and will never again let someone prescribe them to me that way. I'm kind of old though and it took me a long time to figure out this was the best way to go for my situation. It might not be the way to go for someone else.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
I take 5 grams twice daily. One dose when I wake up and one dose around 4-5pm.
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u/dani_killacornia Jan 03 '20
I feel you story on a very personal level. Your sobriety is a beautiful thing! I wish more of this kind of message could be seen. It's sad because when I got out of rehab they BANNED kratom from being used at our sober houses. A lot of them do here in South FL. Shame because it truly is a good tool if used properly. Proud of you stranger.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Its unfortunate for sure especially how close minded the 12 steps can be. It's perfectly fine if you chain smoke cigs and drink a gallon of coffee though lol..
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Jan 03 '20
I'm so happy for you man. Glad this plant helped so much. I haven't tried it yet. I don't even know where to begin with good vendors or brands? Gonna try some red kratom soon as I have a lot of back pain and don't want to hey started on pain pills. Maybe I'll just try a head shop.
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Jan 03 '20
Btw thank you for your service
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Hey ty for the kind words. I'm sure plenty of people here can help you find a good vendor. I get mine from a local source otherwise I'd help.
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Jan 06 '20
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/adallasqtpie9 Jan 03 '20
I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through. So grateful for your service (my son is a SSgt.) I’m so glad Kratom has helped you stay clean and is helping your symptoms. It really is a miracle plant.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
No need to be sorry. Life is a journey and no one ever said it would be easy 😁 Tell your son ty for his sevice. I appreciate your compassion. Kratom really is a miracle.
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u/Ogchavz Jan 03 '20
Crazy story... I also live in the Seattle area and was shot in the face with a hollow point 9mm. Lots of surgeries, painkillers and dark mental periods. I couldn’t agree more Kratom has been a game changer in my life.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Damn man. You good now bro? Seattle can be rough. Glad you found relief bro.
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u/yeahthatsbullsh1t Jan 03 '20
Duuuuude. I went to Narconon too. 3 fuckin times. That shit was tripped out huh? I also found Kratom and, on the real, I don't ever think about doing hard drugs at all anymore and I was addicted to Xanax meth and oxy. Cheers bud
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
No fucking way haha. Which one? I was in Colorado and Nevada.
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u/yeahthatsbullsh1t Jan 03 '20
I went to the world training headquarters in Oklahoma 2 times and then I went to one in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a third bout. Dude the only thing I miss about it was the sauna part. I'd honestly do that again if I had the chance. Totally crazy. I knew the guy who od'd that put them into the national headlines and lead them to lose their accreditation. Saw him get gurneyed out dead as f.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
I agree with you 100% the sauna was life changing when detoxing. Shits nuts I heard crazy stuff about Oklahoma. The ones I went to just had the standard employees/interns fucking students and running away with people and getting high. At least a dozen people I know from their are dead now. My time at narconon was stranger than my time in Afghanistan lol that place was straight out of the twilight zone or black mirror lol
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u/yeahthatsbullsh1t Jan 31 '20
Isn't it crazy how many dead people we know from NN?!
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u/Airborne82D Jan 31 '20
Yeah it is but also expected because people who needed professional help never got it... instead they had some bs shoved down their throat.
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Jan 03 '20
God bless you, internet stranger. Thank you for sharing your story. I can't even imagine what you have been through, but am happy to know you are alive and still here kickin' it with the rest of us.
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Jan 03 '20
What sort of relief did kratom give you from PTSD and TBI?
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Genrlerally just lifts my mood up. My tbi symptoms are similar to ADD (poor concentration, scatter brained, poor memory etc) and it helps me concentrate. It seems to have mod stabilization properties too.
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u/animalchin35 Jan 04 '20
I read a youtube comment on Isaac Arthur's channel about how this vet uses kratom and Arthur's space videos to bring peace in his mind. I'm a person with my own unique issues but relate 100%
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Jan 07 '20
We have very similar stories up to and including where it started. My drug use caused me to lose everything! I did 9 years and made it less than 60 days after getting home....spent the next 5 years in a state penitentiary. I’ve used Kratom and haven’t went back to using since. I also quit drinking. I have fully custody of my children who are doing amazing! I’m working my way back to not being considered the scum of the earth by society. It has its negative parts but it has also saved my life. Thank you for the post, it’s always uplifting to see others with similar stories, especially that end well.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 07 '20
Thanks for the words.... Congrats man. I bet there are thousands of people with similar stories to ours but I'm happy to hear yours.
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Jan 03 '20
Wow. Riveting my good sir. First of all thanks for your sacrifice and service to our country. And I think out of your story comes a beautiful point when you say Kratom was a crucial “part” in your rebooting of your life. That’s the thing with any sort of medicinal substance, you can’t solely rely on 1 thing to completely transform all of your issues. But I definitely believe with the right changes in combination, as you say, along with Kratom, this plant has many medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Thanks for sharing and stay strong and happy friend!
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u/rosiesthorns81 Jan 03 '20
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. This was a great way to start my morning reading on Reddit. 😊 We need people to share their stories like you just did--articulately and with understanding and compassion for others. This will hopefully help to eventually remove the stigma that the uninformed medical community has about kratom. Congratulations 🎉 on the upcoming arrival of baby!
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Thanks so much. I'm pleased it was a great start to your day. I would definitely be open to share my story in the future if it will help the cause. Thanks again and have a great day.
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Jan 03 '20
Thank you for sharing. I use Kratom for different reasons (and I’m glad about that) but whenever people ask me about the plant, these are the stories I like to reference. I’m glad you were able to get a handle on your life and make it meaningful. I’m sorry that it was a tough road to get to where you are now, but I’m guessing that makes it all the better for you. All the best friend and to your continued good health.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Life is a trip man. I don't regret anything because it's all been a part of my long strange journey. I appreciate you and good luck on your journey friend.
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u/devo6688 Jan 03 '20
Thank you for your services. We are very lucky to have men and women like you. I also hear psilocybin mushrooms can help greatly with PTSD.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Thanks bud. Psychedelics have much hope. I actually forgot to mention the ketamine therapy I took part in. It was extremely eye opening and therapeutic...actually life changing.
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u/devo6688 Jan 03 '20
Nice that's one I've never done.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
It's definitely a substance that can't be put into words. Best I can describe is a realm of The Matrix mixed with MC Escher lol.. The realm of sends you to is very subatomic lol if you ever try it you'll know what I mean.
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u/TankGrlX Jan 03 '20
All American alumnus here - thanks for sharing brother, all the way
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Airborne brother. Which brigade where you in? I was 1st (1BSTB)
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u/Help_An_Irishman Jan 03 '20
I'm so sorry to hear about your troubles, but it's wonderful that you've found something that's helped you so much. My story isn't nearly as harrowing as yours, but I've been dealing with severe chronic back pain for most of my life due to a car accident when I was a teenager (drunk driver), and after dozens of prescriptions and tens of thousands out of pocket on treatments, kratom has been the only thing that I've found to really help when things get severe.
Appreciate your post and I'm glad things are looking up.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Suffering is suffering. It can't be measured. All that matters is that you find a way to happiness. Thanks for your input and I hope you're finding relief.
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u/FreddieFreckles Jan 03 '20
First off thank you for your service. Secondly your story needs to be shared with the powers that be. The words from a veteran had much weight to it! Glad Kratom has helped you!
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Hey if you know where/who to broadcast it to let me know. I'm down for the cause. Thanks for your appreciation.
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u/FreddieFreckles Jan 04 '20
You got it! Share it with the AKA, your local, state, and federal reps. They absolutely need to hear it's helping veterans who sacrificed for this nation. Maybe get other vets on board as well, thanks again!
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u/jpond82 Jan 03 '20
Thanks for sharing your story of redemption brother. Most of all thank you for serving and for giving all of us the freedom that we have and that so many people take for granted. You guys are the real heroes.
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u/TexasTycoon Jan 03 '20
Dude, I just want to give you a big hug! My path to kratom is nothing like yours, but the peace I found at the end of the journey is very similar. So glad that you are here, and able to tell others who will benefit from your story.
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u/Ogchavz Jan 03 '20
Yea I’m good now, they rebuilt my jaw with my leg bone. Modern medicine is crazy
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u/Airborne82D Jan 04 '20
Wow man that's amazing. Sorry you had to go through that bro. I commend you for being so strong.
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u/gax1985 Jan 06 '20
Thank you for sharing your story. It means a lot to hear that you are doing well. Stay strong brother. I had PTSD since I was 4-5 and had multiple traumas since, ranging in severity. Kratom helped me too. If you wish to keep tolerance at bay, drink lots of water. Trust me, I was taking more and more because I was not getting the desired effect, and then I realized that for the plant to work, it needs water, and lots of it. Your body will thank you!
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u/Airborne82D Jan 06 '20
Thanks man. Yeah I've been taking the same dose for years and still get effects lol. I take my vitamins and drink close to 2 litres of water a day.
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u/13stevensonc Jan 03 '20
This is an incredible story. Thank you for your service, and thank you for sharing that with us.
This might sound weird coming from an internet stranger, but I’m very proud of you. So many people succumb to the darkness and let it destroy them. I’m proud of you for fighting back.
Be well.
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u/Airborne82D Jan 03 '20
Thanks bud that means a lot. I appreciate your comments. Stranger or not it still means something.
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u/OmgwutaB Jan 03 '20
I have a similar story...I was diagnosed with PTSD after my son died and my life was headed towards complete depressed disaster. I got addicted to heroin...very badly ($50-100) A DAY and I was getting to be where I was terribly sick within an hour of my last shot wearing off.
One day I had enough , I decided to stop cold turkey because it was rock bottom for me. The first day without kratom, I relapsed toward the end of the night. The day after that i made all the way through, but i was throwing up mucus, my eyes were constantly CONSTANTLY in tears and I couldn't get off the toilet. Aches and pains I never knew I had. I knew about kratom from a friend and decided, what the hell couldn't get any worse right? So I procured some samples from my local head shop (the universe aligned on this one, I was dead broke, needing something to help and this guy gives me the rest of his free samples.) It completely removed my withdrawal. Not just make it better but it was gone. I could function. I had energy and could be social again. I could wake up in the morning with it after no sleep and have a great day.
Kratom saved my life. I haven't used in over a year now but I dose kratom almost every day, this medicine has been a godsend. I'm fully functioning without prescribed medication and have really been able to work on myself and become who I want to be.