Wise Words from A Young Man in Recovery

We are changing our page “Stories of Hope” into a new category. The purpose is to remind all of us that recovery is possible. The category will feature guest posts in peoples own words about how they are navigating their new world without drugs. Today we feature the very insightful words of a young man named Christopher.

“It’s been a while since I celebrated a milestone in recovery. Truth be told, it’s been a while since I posted about recovery at all.

What did Denzel say to Will? “The devil comes for you at your

highest moment.”

I wish I could say it’s because things are stellar in my world but that’s entirely unrealistic.

The truth is that I’ve been struggling a bit recently and only a few know about it. It’s mostly self-inflicted.

I find myself comparing my life to the lives of those closest to me.

Why aren’t I in a more financially sound situation?

Why am I no longer driving the vehicle I liked?

Why haven’t I bought my own home at this point?

Why haven’t I started my own family?

Why does it seem like success or happiness isn’t as easy for me to obtain as others?

That last one will do you in every time, btw.

A lot of times I like to forget the number one advice that I give to other people in recovery. And that is: “You’re not special.” Not special in the sense that I don’t have more problems than anyone else and mine aren’t more unsurmountable than anyone else.

Everyone has things they’d like to change. Given you’re not the one inside their head, who’s to say what’s easy and what’s hard for someone else? Happiness isn’t necessarily measured by success. And wealth isn’t always measured by dollar amount.

I have enough money to pay my bills and enjoy life.

Who cares what vehicle I drive or home I live in? Some aren’t fortunate enough to even have one.

I do have a family. I am fortunate to have a proverbial army of family. All I have to do is ask for help. And that family is all of you. Anyone who’s ever been touched by alcoholism or addiction. Anyone who’s taken the time to hear my story. But most importantly, anyone who was still standing in the wake when my world came crashing down and continue to support me.

You guys are the real heroes here.

I am successful and I do have happiness.

I’m still clean today.

The truth of the matter is that I’ve been diagnosed with substance use disorder. It’s actually been quite a gift and I’m grateful. Grateful because I’m still here to help myself and others. (Here are two links that expand on Chris’s thought of addiction as a gift: The Perilous Gift – Part 1 and The Perilous Gift – Part 2)

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder in 2017. 1 in 8 adults. And that’s only those who come forward.

And less then 5% find success in recovering from substance use disorder.

If I hadn’t learned that I have an allergy to mind or mood-altering substances and an obsessive mind, I’d have never taken on this journey of bettering myself. I’d never have gone to therapy and learned what boundaries are. I’d never have started the process of healing myself and any of the damage that I’ve caused.

I’d still be out here bleeding my traumas all over anyone near me.

But most importantly, I wouldn’t possess this gift that I’m able to give to others… I wouldn’t be an example of life after substance abuse.

So if I haven’t lost you yet with this post- I love you guys. And if you ever need someone to talk to about recovery, addiction, or life and general, I’m always available. Feel free to reach out some time just say what’s up.”

You should read that again. Chris touches on many of the issues someone winning the battle toward recovery, or hoping to faces. Far more importantly he shows the way to respond to them well, Thank you Chris for sharing your story

Todays featured image is by Brooke Shaden, I do not know the name of it but it reminds me, as Chris’s words do, of that old song that tells us to keep looking for the silver lining.