I've been in recovery for a year now, and it's been an entirely different experience than I anticipated. I used to think that going to rehab would be a form of punishment, but I now believe that everyone should go to rehab at least once in their lives. Looking in the mirror, examining your objectives and actions, and accepting responsibility for the things you've made or contributed to in your life is such a fulfilling experience. This was one of the most transformative experiences I've ever had in terms of self-discovery.
One of the most significant lessons I've learnt is to always look at myself and my role in the circumstances when I'm upset about something or resenting someone or something. The majority of the time, you will discover that you are the problem. It feels great to be able to live a happy life without having to lie, steal, or calculate my next move to get my next fix.
I've never had anything like it before.
Addiction is said to be a family disease, and it certainly affected my entire family. I was the root of many of the family's problems. I can tell you from one year of experience that remaining clean and not using is the easy part. Because those things are different, I'm always conscious of myself and my aims, as well as my sentiments and emotions. I may cry and laugh at the same time, but that doesn't imply I'm happy. Because I have nothing to hide and don't need to live a double life, I talk a lot more.
My family is a lot more peaceful now that I talk to my loved ones virtually every day. I am always grateful to those who stood with me when I first sought help. These two things I'm about to describe, in my opinion, are the most significant components of healing.
Remember that everyone's rehabilitation will be unique to their circumstances, and what works for me may not work for you, and that's perfectly fine. Everyone should be given the opportunity to heal. These factors could make or break your recovery and the first is that you must dig. Dig deep! In my case, there were 12 steps I needed to work and follow in order to write a detailed account of my life from the beginning to the present. Digging into everything that happened with everyone, sharing it with someone, and releasing yourself from the burden of carrying those things alone, gaining a fresh sense of hope, and gaining a greater understanding of yourself. This entails dealing with issues that you previously chose to ignore or cover-up.
I started playing guitar and composing music again in the last few months, and I've developed a new appreciation for life and a never-ending gratitude. It takes a lot of effort to stay in recovery, but it's well worth it to get up every day knowing that I can do the things I want to do, that I have control over my thoughts and feelings, and that I can choose what I want to or don't want to do.
Second, no matter how difficult it is, it is critical to surround yourself with the right people and not return to the old places and things you used to visit while in active addiction. Even if it's only to help and reach out. I may simply provide the message, and when the addict is ready to hear it, they will. Only then will they be able to recover. I'm fine as long as I do what I need to do to stay clean every day.
One of my biggest anxieties, which I only discovered while working through the steps, is asking for help, which I now do frequently every day because I've recognized that with the help of others, I can be so much better in so many ways.
To summarize, this past year has been incredible. The blessings of healing never stops to amaze me, and I am glad for that. It could have easily gone the other way, and I am grateful to my higher power for that every day.
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