I learned of this hashtag recently, to try to raise visibility for those in recover from SUD or substance abuse disorder, whatever that particular substance may be.
I think of the importance of this hashtag and advocacy because—
I consider even the conversations that I’ve had recently of those who still admit to seeing addiction as a weakness, a lack of strength, morale, faith, low character, etc.
The people who have told me that, comes from those with high intelligence, with many degrees, they are even made from people who have parents who are alcoholics and from others married to those in recovery—
Who still see it as a weakness.
Many people harbor resentments and reserve judgments for those who abuse substances to repress feelings, self-medicate, and escape. They forecast predictions about their lives because they struggle in this area.
Now, certainly, there are the issues of probable or possible relapse, certainly.
But not always. It’s not a clear cut issue, as much as we hope to generalize and try to flatten people’s experiences and their stories.
Despite those realities and those stigmas, many of us do go on to take the path of recovery and adjust our lifestyle, choices, attitudes, to accommodate for our new live—living sober.
As someone who has struggled with alcoholism, the child of an alcoholic, and I’ve known and admired many people with addictions—
I marvel at how those with SUD are often some of the bravest, realest, rawest, people I know.
If they are admitting their struggles, most have hit a rock bottom and come face to face with their own self-destruction and weaknesses, and were made to rebuild it all. One day, and often one moment, at a time.
All in a culture and society that reserves judgments for them—
I find these folks who not only do this but advocate for it, astonishingly brave.
Humanity embraces different vices. And yes, for some, they are never made to have to confront their own repressions and patterns of escape, because it didn’t end them up in jail or losing jobs or relationships, going bankrupt, etc.
But, when you are made to truly face the darkest parts of yourself, honestly, it’s a tremendously sobering—pun not intended, well sorta, maybe—experience.
This is what we refer to as ‘cleaning house’.
Where we see ourselves on the other side can often be astonishing, amazing, breath-taking.
I am in recovery. I have SUD. I am sober. I am different and evolved.
I am changed and I am full of gratitude.