Look at the beauty of life without using. If you stop and think about it, the better option may surprise you. Would anybody like to share how he or she does it? Is there anyone out there that is thinking about taking this first step and is worried about doing it? Are you afraid you can’t do it and why?
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From my experience, it’s becoming commonplace to find young people in their twenties—or even late teens—who have been in recovery for two, three, or even more years. Still others have simply chosen to live a sober lifestyle. All of these brave young adults have taken a stand and are not afraid of how others may judge them. And they deserve support.
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Addiction or mental health problems are not contagious. There is no need to be fearful. But stigma it is one of the meanest aspects people have to deal with in addiction. It is a primary, chronic disease of the brain reward system, not a moral failure or a behavioral shortcoming.
Continue Reading As part of the Heroes in Recovery Lead Advocate Training Winter Summit, the 2015 Heroes in Recovery lead advocates recently visited The Next Door, a nonprofit residential addiction treatment facility for women in downtown Nashville. The purpose of their visit was simple: To perform an act of community service by serving dinner to the residents. But the rewards were bountiful.
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Overall, it is important to take it easy. Obsessing over perfection will not be helpful. Time management, as well as recovery, takes time, effort, forethought, and sometimes a little bit of trial and error. Find what works for you and then stick to it. Time really can be on your side.
Continue Reading Acceptance of being an alcoholic and addict opened the door to a new life. Sharing, “I am a person in long term recovery” has brought me so much empowerment and satisfaction. It has allowed conversations to be possible. Whether it was to help others, find commonalities; share in the many pros in getting through life without using, etc. By being in recovery, and speaking out, I get to help break the stigma of addiction everyday.
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