I met Teri at a Heroes in Recovery 6k race. As the parent of a son in the early stages of recovery, she wanted to be part of an event that lets us see the positive side of recovery. She also volunteered to give back to the parents’ support group that has supported her during her family’s journey. She willingly shared her story because she believes in the Heroes in Recovery movement’s goal of “Breaking the Stigma” of addiction and recovery.
Her experience on the road to recovery started with the attitude that she should get into a rehab program and get it right the first time. Since that time, she has learned many lessons about living with the disease of addiction. One lesson is that it is okay to be in more than one program during your road to recovery. It is not a one-step process. Growing up, she was taught not to air her dirty laundry. In trying to keep her own family from that type of behavior, she physically separated herself from her family but she did not tell her children about her family history. Now, she feels that being more open can be beneficial and can lead to education opportunities. Part of her process of recovery has been to learn that you can’t do it alone. Support is available and is important, whether it is a 12-step meeting (she has gained a lot of insight from attending meetings on her own and with her son), family support groups or individual counseling.
Having grown through her journey, she realizes that all recovering addicts bring with them their own challenges and stories. Pretending that everything in your story is fine is not the answer. Keeping those stories secret can sap your energy, as they soon become too many stories to keep track of. Instead, sharing honestly with those you trust can bring you help and move you forward. Through it all, maintaining hope and faith allows her to continue her journey and support her son’s.