It’s no secret that I’ve had trouble in the past with alcohol and medication. I’ve been clean and sober for 3 years. Although it may not seem like a big deal to some of you, it means the world to me that I continue to stay clean. Through therapy, I learned to admit that was an addict. At this point, I prefer to consider myself a man in long term recovery, but these terms do not define me!
There seems to be a stigma that recovering addicts are hopeless. We are FAR from that. What we truly are is strong willed human beings, survivors that have risen out of addiction, and on a long, hard path to recovery. The idea that those that had/have addictions are weak, or second-class citizens that act accordingly impacts us all, both consciously and unconsciously. So, if you meet someone who has had trouble in the past with addiction, and has been clean for a long period time, try to separate the disease from the stigma in your mind. Instead, try to appreciate their daily struggles in life, how far they’ve come, and how far they have to go. Your support gives hope to those who have problems with alcohol and drugs. We can beat this disease.
If you know someone who has been in long-term recovery, shake their hand and let them know how proud of them you truly are. And, if you know somebody who is suffering from addiction, let them know there is hope and to get help right away. We ALL can work together to kick this disease in the ass. #AngleStrong. It’s damn true.
