By Lucy Smith
Addiction changed my life forever, but addiction is only a piece of me, not all of me and I know that I am not that person anymore.
Anyone who has struggled with addiction should know they are not alone. This disease affects more than 19.7 million adults in the United States. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has stated this disease is the second leading public health crisis behind the COVID-19 pandemic.
It affects all races, income levels, and ages. Addiction doesn’t discriminate. For many individuals, this disease stems from non-managed mental illness such as trauma, depression, and anxiety. Those conditions are what so many Americans are grappling with today.
I am here to give testimony that recovery is possible. This month I celebrate 10 years of recovery; I am humbled by my journey.
When you live this many years in recovery, time eventually fills your coping toolbox with what you need to change and grow into the person you are meant to be.
Two of the most important tools in my toolbox are communication and honesty. My family reminds me that our collective strength and communication keeps us all moving forward. Anybody who struggles, understands that we each have a recovery toolkit. It’s not a one-size-fits-all kit. We learn how to reach for the right tool for each situation, but it takes practice.
Our go-to tools help us recognize the damage we did, give us the strength to make amends, and guide us toward a sober future. We remember where we’ve been, so we never go there again.
In my job, I share my recovery journey with other individuals as alumni coordinator at Gateway Foundation, Illinois’s largest addiction treatment nonprofit. I put my own experiences with this disease out there to help others in their own recovery.
I’m seeing many persons come out of their fear, and out of isolation and surrendering, by asking for help. There is opportunity and hope. Sober meetings are full and recovery events are back on the calendar. In the world of addiction, the pandemic didn’t win. Many tripped, but they are getting back up.
For those of you unaffected by addiction, one thing you can do for this community is erase any stigmas and judgment surrounding addiction. You may not think that your negative thoughts of addiction matter, but, trust me, those thoughts can keep those seeking recovery in a state of hopelessness and fear, and it can prevent them from seeking help.
Many persons live with their addictions, and think they’ve got everything under control until it’s too late.
I urge those new to recovery to find hope for new, sober, beginnings, and for families to take a step closer to their loved ones who are suffering from addiction.
To my fellow families and friends in recovery, keep up the good fight. You have a community available that is ready to help you in your recovery.
Lucy Smith is the Gateway Foundation alumni coordinator.