I checked into a residential treatment facility November 3, 2009. I was 56 years old. Drug and alcohol abuse had been my way of life for 17+ years. Depression thrived in this disconnected environment.
Continue Reading When we empower ourselves, we become strong enough to deal with life’s daily challenges so they don’t hit us quite as hard. The word “empowerment” recalls the self-help movement, which is notorious for trendy coinage. “Trendy coinage” has become trendy coinage! Another trendy thing now is lists. You know those lists: 10 ways to be happy, 15 ways to get your guy, 25 ways to look thinner, 20 tips for financial security, 19 ways to cut your grocery bill, 15 ways to live and not merely exist, 12 stressful things to stop doing… etc. I believe one stressful thing to stop doing would be to stop reading these lists. I have had to set boundaries with the lists. I do not need to know 101 ways of doing anything! My maximum allowed tip is usually 10. I prefer 5, but it depends on the subject matter. This leads me back to empowerment. I did a little research and found, much to my surprise, TIPS ABOUT BECOMING EMPOWERED in the face of addiction.
Continue Reading Two and a half years ago, it was suggested that I take a 12-Step class. At that time the only steps I planned to take were from my bed to my bathroom, which is what I did for three days and three nights prior to checking into treatment. Opiate, benzo, and alcohol abuse for 17-plus years equals one wretched, hellacious withdrawal. How could 12 steps make a difference in this mess of a life I had made?
Continue Reading When I was first asked to be involved in the Heroes in Recovery movement, I didn’t realize they thought I was a hero. I came out of addiction alive, yes, but my idea of real heroes in recovery were the individuals who held out their hands as long as it took until I grabbed on, and who stayed by my side and walked painfully slow down “our” path. This is their parade.
Continue Reading As a drug addict for 15+ years, it became necessary for me to acquire less than desirable characteristics to maintain my habit. Over the years I grew proud of my loathsome ways and comfortable with my offensiveness. It was survival. Lately, I’ve been speaking more often at treatment centers, chairing meetings and just sharing with other addicts. A celebrated topic is what recovery gave, what you gained in recovery, and the abundance of good things in recovery. I like that.
Continue Reading