The title says a lot in one sentence. I’m speaking about myself during a time where up was down and down was up for me. Still even though I’m referring to a phase in my life when I was losing everything including me, a lot of people can relate. Addiction and mental health issues plague people across the globe. That’s why today I find it important to share some thoughts in the event that someone who feels like they are spiraling out of control may see this and be motivated in knowing that they can make it through the storm.
Addiction itself is a complex disease that directly impacts populations to include a large percentage of individuals who are or have been incarcerated. We see other populations like many of our veterans plagued by addiction as well. I remember when I was in full on alchohol addiction I began to isolate, feel hopeless, ashamed and more. As I’m writing this, I wonder how many people reading these words can directly relate. Addiction is destroying many and leaving voids at family kitchen tables as we see overdoses on the rise again this year.
Daily struggles that came about especially early on when I first took steps into recovery would at times cause cravings to come about. Triggers were easier pressed and my mental health was failing in certain moments. My foundation for sustained sobriety was not built entirely yet and one evening I would end up relapsing. The morning after when I woke up I knew I never wanted to go backwards again. Being hungover was one thing. Knowing I went back to the bottle when I didn’t have to and shouldn’t have was and entirely different set of thoughts I had to confront. I began immediately in that moment to build a proper support system in case another craving arose that I may have wanted to act on.
I title it insanity, but in short that is simply how I felt. I felt like I was losing my mind because my mental health was failing as I fell deeper into alcoholism. Addiction was causing me to do irrational things. I remember I began to hoard each bottle I drank and finished as if it was a collection of trophies I was to be proud of. I was losing it. My spouse eventually had enough and sought help which made an impact on my life. I went to treatment shortly after and I was on my way.
Breaking the cycle for me was done a couple of different ways. I went to detox to ensure my body would be ok while learning how to operate with alcohol. I went to and still do go to therapy. I also participated in ongoing support groups. I implemented certain mindfulness tools like practicing breathing and going on hikes. I also kept track of goals and celebrated my milestones. Of your reading this, I cannot stress the importance of celebrating your progreee. Your working hard and you should acknowledge that it really is paying off.
Two questions I always ask when I’m facilitating support groups here at Believe are,
“What does recovery mean to you?” and “How can we better support those in recovery?” The reason I ask these two questions is because your journey is your journey and we all have different needs when it comes to recovery. I’ve offered some of what has worked for me, ask yourself what do you need to succeed going forward so you can implement it.
As I bring this to a close, I want to remind anyone who needs to hear it, that you possess what’s needed to overcome the obstacles standing in the way of your sobriety. I want to encourage everyone to advocate for themselves and others in recovery for we are stronger when we stand together. You can do it. With the proper support and plan, not only can you take back control of your life, you can live a life you never imagined in a new way!