My early stages of recovery were PAINFUL. I’d spent a lifetime trying to run from myself. Booze and drugs were there to help me with everything. They were there to help me celebrate, socialize, and especially to help me cope with life’s stresses and pressures.
I used uppers in the morning and downers at night. I was chaos inside and as I fell deeper and deeper, not knowing how else to cope, the psychiatric prescription medications were piled up higher and higher, bringing their own slew of side effects into my already drugged up body. I never believed I’d be where I am now.
Addiction extends far beyond drugs and alcohol of course. As I heal, I’ve come to see that most in our society are struggling with addiction. Unhappiness and loneliness also run rampant. Other addictions/negative coping strategies include gambling, sex, pornography, self harm, external validation, social media, our smart phones/laptops/computers/technology, junk food, sugar, binge eating, starvation, shopping, video games, work, and over exercising (to name a few others).
I won’t lie, recovery is painful. It requires making big life changes as it’s very hard to get well in the same environment that’s keeping one sick. These changes may include one’s physical location and environment (such as one’s social group) as well as mindset—aka doing the inner work to understand what leads up to reaching for the _______ (vice of choice). And yes, I do understand that systematic changes need to happen as well, as the way our society is currently set up and being run is playing a huge role in keeping us addicted and unwell (emotionally, mentally, and physically).
Everyone’s recovery is different, and not everyone is sold on abstinence, which is where harm reduction can help. If you’re going to use, please use as safely as possible. Not every vice is addictive to every single person either. Some people might struggle with junk food/sugar and yet can easily have a drink or two, so alcohol isn’t problematic in their lives.
From my personal experience and from the experiences of most of the people I’ve met who’ve done well in their recovery, facing the emotions one has been trying to run from is vital. From my own journey, I would urge everyone in our society to learn emotional regulation skills. The more able we are to manage emotional pain, discomfort, disappointment, jealousy, anger etc. (knowing of course that there are times distractions can be used in a healthy way), the stronger and more resilient we become. I would also encourage people to take responsibility for their triggers. That person did not trigger me, *I* got triggered. The more we take responsibility over our own emotions and reactions, the more power we have.
Recovery isn’t easy, but neither is living in the throes of addiction. Fortunately, because addiction is so rampant, the recovery community has become HUGE. There is so much support, but you have to do the work and make the changes—no one else can do it for you.
Recovery is not reserved for a select few, it’s for all of us. If you’re in hell right now or even if you’re just experiencing a minor struggle (but a struggle nonetheless), no matter what your vice is; please keep believing that life can change for the better. Look for the glimmers of light—the hope. Please find something greater than yourself to keep showing up for. For many in recovery, that sense of purpose comes from using our lived experience to help others.
You are not alone, we are in this life together. I honestly believe that those compassionate souls whom are currently finding their way within the recovery community are going to be amongst our future global leaders.
Screenshotted post below x 4 by @mantalks (Instagram)
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