The thing that people fail to see during recovery is the fact the person has to want to change. If they don't want to change there is no hope of them getting better because you told them to.
I don't care what kind of addiction it is. The person has to want to get better.
The urge to do whatever they did before will always be there. Going out will be an uphill battle. That's the way it is. They might want to make you happy. Although until they get it in their mind that they want to get better, their is no chance of recovery.
Not always, but a lot of the times with recovery, comes relapse. Slipping back into old habits. Seeing old friends and getting caught up in the fun. Falling into depression, again.
These things happen and it is normal. I'm not saying it is easy. Some people will look at you the same they did when you were in the worst of your addiction. You might lose what friends you have left. But in the end, if you keep fighting and keep wanting to make it. You'll make it.
You have to fight. You have to scratch, crawl, and kick your way through your own personal hell. At the end though, you'll see what you're made of. You probably thought that you would never live through it, but you did.
After it's over, it will be hard. You will have to go back out in public and see the same people. You will find that why you were fighting, the world didn't stop turning. Everyone else went on with their lives. Don't let it scare you.
Always remember: If you need a day, take it. If you need to walk away, walk away.
You have to do what is best for you. That's the bottom line. Realizing no one can save you, but yourself. Your mental and physical health has to come first.
This is excellent, @catherine. I hope it reaches those who are struggling with addiction, and makes life better for them in some way.