The narrative shared from the podium can resonate deeply, breaking through barriers of doubt and despair and igniting a flame of hope in the hearts of listeners. If you, or someone you care about, is struggling with addiction it’s important to know that seeking help is an act of bravery not a shortage of it. They too have dreamt of writing their stories of recovery. Do that first courageous act right now – just call a rehabilitation center or talk to a counselor.
– Inspirational Journeys from Open Meetings
My story of recovery begins the day I was born. I was born September 14, 1977 in Yokosuka Japan. My father was in the Navy and so happens he was stationed there. My mom and dad divorced shortly after my sister was born. My father was an extreme alcoholic and was never around us while we were growing up. I don’t know if I blocked out most of my childhood, but I remember I was never really being happy.
Dr. Thompson, my counselor, didn’t sugar-coat anything. Called me out on my BS and helped me figure out why I kept sabotaging myself. The other addicts in recovery got me through some really dark days.
Friends and Family of Alcoholics
- I’ve found strength, freedom, connection, purpose, agency, and self-esteem, and I owe it all to authentically meeting my needs.
- Speaking with Katie, the first thing you’ll notice about her is her confidence.
- This compilation of recovery stories from NA meetings is both inspiring and illuminating.
- Sober Stories is an ongoing cause-based campaign that chronicles a variety of individuals who are in recovery for alcohol and drug abuse with a focus on what their lives are like now.
It gave me more compassion, and I became more interested in the solution, not the problem. To Gina, having a strong support system was crucial; most noteworthy was her family. Gina is outgoing; hence, her soul shines through her eyes. Without hearing her story, you would never understand the trials and tribulations she endured to make it to where she is today.
Personal Recovery Stories
- Additionally, being part of a home group offers individuals the chance to witness and be part of others’ recovery journeys, adding layers of inspiration and purpose to their path.
- Contributors received a $25.00 gift card for sharing their stories.
- It is through this foundational literature that the principles and methods for achieving and maintaining sobriety are communicated to members around the world.
- From the moment of realization that I needed to quit drinking, through the challenges and triumphs, I have grown into a healthier, happier, and more fulfilled version of myself.
If you open the door for any reason, you know it will kill you. The non-abstinence-based addictions are the same, but you have to open the door to that cage three times a day.” Sounds about right. After an hour-long fact-finding conversation with my mom, I was speechless. In fact, right after the Netflix special launched, someone asked me about the “secret to my success,” and the first thing that came to my mind was my sobriety.
I made some snarky comment about how I was expecting everyone to be in sweats or hospital garb and I would have dressed better had I known. She looked at me and said that she thought I had beautiful eyes when I smiled. No one had ever commented on my eyes before, but I had been sober for about six days waiting to be admitted, and I didn’t know how much actively using dulls one’s external expression of spirit. The Recovery Village operates a network of inpatient and outpatient addiction and mental health treatment facilities around the United States. The Recovery Village admissions coordinators can be reached via our 24/7 confidential toll-free helpline or through chat anywhere on this website.
If you’re a sober writer, we invite you to contribute! Reach out to email protected for details. I realized that much of the chaos in my life had been self-imposed, and it became clear that I could actually do something about it. I’d spent years thinking that peace was some distant place on a mountaintop or an abstract concept reserved for Buddhist monks, but in reality, it was always within me, just waiting to be chosen. If you’re sober and interested in contributing, we’d love to hear from you.
Find A Center Near You
- These narratives, rich with emotion and sincerity, serve as a source of inspiration for others embarking on their recovery journey.
- I could see myself in nearly every dysfunctional trait we listed on that board.
It’s strange how these things slowly enter your life and become a part of it. In my college years in Portland I was your average computer science major full of anxiety who realized that weed makes one more relaxed. As I started freelancing, it became my go-to “creativity booster” for coding projects. My sister also stopped drinking a month after me, and my brothers-in-law don’t drink, so it helped to have a little sober community at family events where drinking was involved.
We collaborate with these institutions, but we keep your privacy. We are not responsible for the quality of services provided by institutions listed on our websites. The sober success stories information provided on our resources is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Life After Drug Rehab What To Do & Where To Go From Here
That is Drug rehabilitation how powerful our addictions can be. When the dopamine rush left, the night turned to morning, the music died down, and the crowd left—the reality of my powerlessness over alcohol was waiting for me. It waited patiently for my recognition for 12 years until that morning when my consciousness and the truth collided undeniably.
I grew up in a drug and alcohol fueled home, with drug use and physical abuse being the highlight of my childhood remembrance. It was not uncommon for the police to be at our home a few nights a week. Until the day DCF took me out of the home. Read the real and inspiring stories of recovering addicts as they tackle hard topics from their own journey and experiences in addiction.