- Alcohol
- Drugs
- Other Addictions
Submitted by: Abby Foster
I spent 27 years of my life in a downward spiral, stricken with the progression of the disease of addiction. I finally made the decision to surrender after I became sick and tired of being sick and tired. By the time I made a change, I was facing prison time and was blessed with the gift of desperation.
I experienced a turning point after I spent one last time in hand cuffs. I found myself stripped of my freedom with a broken spirit. That bottom became the foundation on which I built my new way of life.
Fortunately, I was accepted into an out-of-custody treatment program. That is where my journey with recovery began.
I’ve learned that using was a symptom of my disease. I am the problem and the spiritual solution to myself is the 12-step program and process I’m blessed to be a part of. I’m in a continuous state of transformation. I am ever-learning, ever-evolving. I don’t believe in advice; I rely on experience to help me stay clean.
My suggestion to people who are struggling is to check out a local meeting in their area and get connected. It is only through complete surrender that recovery will work for us. Work the program and eventually it becomes a way of life. Choose not to use, find a higher power, and work the steps!
I’m LIVING THE DREAM today! I am present and available to myself and for others. I have healthy relationships and healthy boundaries. I get to be a great daughter, wife, sister, mom, grandma, aunt, sponsor, sponsee, and a member of a loving fellowship. My life is blessed beyond measure and gets better with each passing day. Even with the bumps in the road, it sure beats any day I was out there getting loaded!
My suggestion for recovery is what I like to call the “five alive”.
- Go to meetings on a regular basis.
- Get yourself a sponsor
- Work your Steps with your sponsor
- Get into service with your fellowship
- Find a loving higher power that works for you!