ACTIVE DRUG ADDICTION WAS A NIGHTMARE I COULDN’T WAKE UP FROM FOR 7 YEARS.
For all those whom are in addiction, recovery, work in drug treatment or have loved ones of those whom are addicts know the misery that is drug addiction. I am one of the few whom have been able to overcome by addiction to drugs and alcohol. I attribute my success to a multitude of factors including a good drug rehab, active participation in a 12-step program, and a strong support network of therapists and peers in recovery.
Year One
The first year of recovery was exciting, everything was new. I had been seeing the world through a fog of drugs and alcohol for so many years that the world seemed to shine in a new bright light. I should also mention that in addiction I was never able to hold a job, an apartment, or a conversation for that matter. Small things where huge accomplishments. A simple job with the occasional promotion, a small apartment with low rent, paying my cell phone bill, and going to meetings everyday where enough to make mom proud. Paying off those loans I had taken, clearing up legal trouble, working on my credit score were were not even an afterthought. “I was shooting up dope 9 months ago, I’ll worry about those things in the future, I’m not ready to deal with them now” This attitude worked wonders on keeping me free from anxiety and stress for that first year.
Adjusting to a New World
Then times goes on, and if you have built a solid foundation in recovery, you began to assimilate into everyday society. After about two years sober, I felt as though someone was supposed to tell me, congratulations you’re not getting high anymore welcome to real life. Enough time goes by family and friends still praised you for your success of getting sober but inside the thought replays “don’t praise me, I shouldn’t have been a drug addict to begin with, I’m not special because I have held a job or an apartment for three years, that’s what normal people are supposed to do”. I begin to worry about all those thing that didn’t really matter when I was searching for the next high. Student loans need to be paid back, I need to build my credit to be able to get a house in the future, I need to save money, I need to get that felony cleared if I ever want to have a successful career, if I’m not the best employee then I may get fired then all of the things that are “important” (which never really where two years ago) may be affected. The point is that I had noticed myself turning the gifts of sobriety into burdens.
Never Forget the Path
I had to take a step back and, even though its cliche, remember where I came from. In three short years I have been able to completely change my life. From being homeless, without friends or family wanting anything to do with me, to now where my family and the people in my life want to be around me, it has been an amazing journey. I remember that although things that may give me stress today, they were not important a few years back and I was able to find happiness without them. I remember that even if I miss a credit card payment, score an 80 not a 100 on my college test, or don’t get that next promotion, that it’s not the end of the world. I have overcome drug addiction possibly the greatest accomplish one could hope to achieve. I remember that my life when I was using was full of fear and anxiety and had no tools or choice to be rid of those feelings. Today, I can make a conscious decision to be grateful for where I am and not let the gifts of sobriety become burdens. I remember that all the things that are truly important in life will always be there for me so long as I stay clean.
Aftercare Programs at Northlake Recovery Center in South Florida
At Northlake Recovery Center in South Florida, we offer a 12-month aftercare program, designed to help you make the transition back into regular life. If you’re struggling with addiction, it’s imperative that you get the help you need. We can help you understand the whole process from start to finish and help you remedy any concerns you may have about treatment. Call us today at (561)-770-6616 to verify your health insurance policy.
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