The Importance of Sharing Stories of Addiction Recovery
Every day in the news we are hearing about lawsuits with big Pharma, soaring overdose rates, and all of the negative consequences of the addiction epidemic the United States is currently facing. When we are constantly hearing about all of the sad things that are going on it becomes easy to lose hope that things will get better. When the news only focuses on the destruction addiction is causing it becomes easy to forget that there is a way out of this mess.
Sadly there are people who are dying every day from their addiction, but this is only half of the story that is unfolding. That is because there are people all over the country who every day are making the choice to live a life of recovery. People who are facing their fears and the consequences of their substance abuse head-on and fighting through cravings, judgment from others and the overwhelming prospect of creating a new life.
These are the people who are continually making the decision to keep on “fighting the good fight.” While there are many people out there who will brush this off as “no big deal,” anyone who understands addiction can realize what an accomplishment this is. It is no easy task to make the decision to get sober, and it takes courage to continue living a sober lifestyle.
“By sharing stories of recovery a person is able to become a beacon of hope to those who are still struggling.”
Unfortunately, there is not much news coverage when it comes to recovery. One of the reasons it is so important that people who are in recovery share their stories of overcoming addiction is to show others that it is possible. By sharing stories of recovery a person is able to become a beacon of hope to those who are still struggling. Not only is it possible to live a life of sobriety, but it is also possible to thrive while doing so.
The first year of sobriety can be especially difficult at times. Navigating life without the use of past coping mechanisms takes a lot of conscious effort. Learning how to participate in events without drinking alcohol or getting through the day without getting high both take time to learn how to do. The thing is that a lot of work is required to get to the point where living a sober life becomes a “new normal” and not drinking or using becomes second nature. It is when people reach this point that they are truly free.
Sharing stories of recovery also helps break the stigma associated with addiction. Many people who have years of sobriety under their belts don’t look like they have ever struggled with substance abuse. It is a sad reality that people often judge each other on first impressions and the way someone looks. By realizing that someone doesn’t need to “look homeless” or “look like an addict” in order to have had a past addiction shows others that it is possible to turn one’s life around and truly start over.
It can be a little scary to let others know that you once dealt with an addiction first hand but you never know who you might help save by doing so. That in itself is worth the risk. So to all of those people out there that are living a life of addiction recovery, I would like to acknowledge you for all of your hard work and bravery and ask that you do what you can to help inspire others to do the same.
