Its interesting to note and this is based on my personal experience, I was a very big masmid when I was a bucher in yeshiva and later as a kollel guy, but I still had a problem with my eyes and with mast..., Only later when I went to work and I was not learning as much did my actions get much worse. I always said to myself that even though I was still lusting in yeshiva it was definitely holding me back from doing much worse,

tiger wrote on 08 May 2017 01:36:

tiger -Is Limud Hatora a part of your sobriety program? 

Its definitely a part as it has kept my  mind occupied, but I mean really learning,like no time to think about anything but Torah, unfortunately I don't have that anymore

tiger wrote on 08 May 2017 13:52:

Why set the bar so high? "Really learning" only means zero batalah or intrusive thoughts? I believe someone could be really learning even if they're a bit distracted. 

One of my chasidishe friends once told me:"you guys have a problem. When your not in full time learning, you all feel real guilty. Not me. My rebbe said, time to work and I'm working."
There is some truth to that.
My friend - be koveya itim. Durim that time have quality learning. As well, have a few interesting topics in your mind that you can ponder when not working or learning.
Your still can be very much an eved Hashem.

The Chasam sofer writes that this explains the juxtaposition between 'vayisu meihar Hashem ' - like a child runnin' away from school with the next passage of 'hisavu taayvah' - and the Jewish people desired.

There is more (much more, and even a deeper understandin' of the heart's desire for Torah and the other desires), but I will leave it for now and conclude (all my own assumptions, understandin' and beliefs) with the followin':

1. It does seem that one who is completely immersed and engrossed and engulfed by the study of Torah will be protected and he will not be affected by these other desires.

2. One who is addicted (used loosely) to these other desires (such as myself) can attempt to delve into the depths of Torah (if he can) and it might quite possibly reverse the tide.

3. Even if he cannot, studyin' Torah cannot be a bad thin' to do, and it certainly ain't worse than any other distraction, and who knows? it might even serve as a deterrent.

4. One who is not addicted should certainly engage in Torah study, as much as possible.

5. One who is addicted should probably find a programs that works on recovery. Obviously, learnin' Torah and observin' mitzvos should be continued.

b'hatzlachah

I would add that the kavana of recovery should be to kad(i)ma l'torah.

Shlomo24,what I meant was that of course really learning can be even if you are distracted,what I meant and again this was from my experience,I had times when I was totally immersed in learning,and I mean totally,those were days when my mind was just full of God!

in a way I am really missing those days and I hope one day to taste it again God willing,but right now it is very hard for me and I dont even have normal chavrusos and a normal Seder, so I definitely feel the contrast, 

Tiger, may Hashem give you back the ability and that geshmak in being sho'kua in Torah and may it spread to the rest of us.

cordnoy wrote on 08 May 2017 16:39:

Is this from the Rambam, hilchos Sanity?

1 and 4 are.
2, 3 and 5 are from hilchos recovery siif bays

Movin' on to step 5 on call today.

10 minute trumpet blowin'.

I would just like to thank the oilum for including me in the drive to sobriety

I know I do not have much to share but the fact that I hear so many people being honest and open gives me tremendous chizuk

But most important to me is that you accept me as a friend (though one still hidden behind a screen and phone) 

Thank you all

II saw the followin':

"So in the mood now. my life in terms of healthness kind of stinks. I need to work harder on myself and for myself. My main issue that is blocking me from reaching that goal is my self hatred. I simply don't love myself enough to work so hard for me. For anyone else I would do it . But for me, no way."

MakesMakes me wonder: what motivmotivated me? It wasn't my love for self. T'was more the unbearability of a life that sucked.