Grow with the Flow
One thing most people in addiction have in common is that they always felt alone. They had feelings of not fitting in, not belonging, not being a part of a group. Addicts often grow up with the deep understanding that something within is different, and this understanding manifests through the years as alcohol or drug consumption and drives someone even further into isolation. There is a medical aspect to this, and the medical side can’t be healed, cured, surgically removed, pulled or forgotten. Addiction is a disease, and people will always have to live with it. However, there is a way of living with this disease and still having an almost normal life, like most diabetics can do once their medication is stabilized and their diet is under control. As an addict or alcoholic, you can live happy, joyous and free; free from substances, guilt and shame. The way to freedom is rocky and not paved. New territory needs to be discovered every single day, and without a helping hand, it is almost impossible to move through the many hurdles.
Don’t be afraid to start walking this way. Many others have done it. It does not hurt as much as the disease wants you to believe. Ask yourself, “What do I have to lose by trying?” I can’t give a complete list of the things a person can gain, as it is endless. Recovery can bring back health, wealth, freedom, happiness, love, emotions, relationships and family. You may lose some people who called themselves “friends” when you were an addict, but were they really? Most friendships in addiction are as worthless as the disease. The few that are true will survive the move into sobriety. Friends can walk this path together.
Once the process of detoxing is done, the hardest physical part is over, but there is still lots to come emotionally. Inpatient treatment was the second step for me. We were all there for the same reason if not with the same motives or at the same stage of willingness. Treatment helped me take the first steps into a new life and offered me the tools that I still use today. The simple act of living has to be learned anew, as the new life runs totally different from the old one. Old wounds have to be discovered and closed, until at some point, we are ready for a new start. Emotions are overwhelming at first but will settle down with time. Let the tears run. They can be a relief and help healing. The suffering will come to an end. Most treatment centers suggest going to meetings after discharge or graduation. Meetings provide one big advantage regardless of whether you believe in the power of the 12 steps or not, and that advantage is the fellowship that you find there.
For me the 12 steps and the fellowship showed me how to live, helped me through bad days, gave my days the bright light of hope and ultimately kept me clean and sober. I don’t think that I would have been able to do it without fellowship. Even if you don’t see any advantage at first in the 12 steps, please at least enjoy the fellowship and the company of one addict in recovery with another. A lot of things in this world benefit from strength in numbers, and I believe in the power of this in recovery. Withstanding cravings and triggers is hard for one person alone, but in a group it is much easier.
A few months into recovery, you may hear people say, “You are growing.” It is difficult to really see this in ourselves. I suggest keeping old journals and notes and reading through them after a year or so. You will see the difference in your thinking.
The 12 steps and the fellowship are guiding my thoughts in the right direction today, and I’m sure they can help you too. You are not alone anymore. There are people who understand you absolutely because they have been in the same situation. If you let the fellowship support you, you will always have a helping hand available when you need it. Sometimes life may run fast like a river or slow like molasses, but people will help keep your head above water. You can grow with the flow. Please try it, encourage others to do so, share this article with somebody who might need it and help another person to grow.
If you know somebody who should try recovery, and you don’t know the right words to offer your help, please just print this page. Put a note on it that says, “I will support you if you think you want to try it.” You can call the person who gave you this article and reach out for help. Our treatment coordinators are also available 24/7 at 855-342-0869. They are here to help you learn about options and navigate all the challenges when determining if treatment is needed.