If you're like me, and many other people I know who have found a life of recovery (or need to), you've lost a lot of things because of our lives in active addiction. You may not even consider it caused by the substance use. But I can assure you... it had its dirty little destructive hands in every part of my life.
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The list of things I've lost because of substance use is extensive. It includes many, MANY, material possessions, close personal relationships, with those went trust from people I truly care about, cars, jobs, the relationship and care my son deserved, so much money it's not even funny, and my health (emotional, physical, and spiritual) which nearly led to losing my life. On multiple occasions.
“My message is that there is hope in recovery, and you can have a healthy, fulfilling life without drugs or alcohol.” —Demi Lovato
Now, let's wave our magic time wand and transport ourselves to the Mitchell who's been in recovery for over 3.5 years. I have mended relationships with people I care about, with that healing has come restored trust, I'm building new meaningful relationships I truly enjoy and cherish, I have a car again (and I actually pay the insurance), I have a purposeful career I enjoy, the relationship with my son has been restored (as much as the dad of a teenager can be), I have money and use it for material things that enhance my life and future, and I have health (emotionally, physically, and spiritually).
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I have spoken about this across other publications, just as an add-on to what I was already saying, but it's a big enough point to get its own blog. Substance use disorder is a great thief. It comes into our lives looking fun, offering us recreation or a break from emotional suffering. But eventually, it'll take absolutely everything you enjoy and love.
Recovery is the great restorer. It can look like a mountain to climb, too large and difficult when you're standing at the bottom. It doesn't look fun at first and takes real effort. But I can assure you it's so worth it and you'll get back so much more than you lost if you stick to it. You'll start to love your life for maybe even the first time ever. I've lived this experience and many others around me have as well. You can too.
Maybe my next the blog will have some how-to's related to this.
Until next time.
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