Now, there have been slips and slides during that ten year span and I am not too proud to admit that. However, since January 1, 2009, I have dedicated myself to sobriety.
Every now and then, though addiction comes 'round to punch me in the face again. Just to remind me it's still there...waiting.
Recently, I was sent Healing The Scars Of Addiction by Dr. Gregory L. Jantz with Ann McMurray. I absolutely DEVOURED this book in a day. It was that good and had so much useful information, I think my brain is still humming.
Dr. Jantz actually pioneered "whole person care" thirty years ago by opening The Center - A Place Of Hope. When I say "whole person care" I mean, your entire mental health, physical health, and spiritual health are treated along with your addiction issues.
I have always, always been a strong believer that mental illness and substance abuse/addiction walk tightly hand in hand. Often times, an addiction can begin because a person starts using substances to self medicate away the symptoms of mental illness. For example, if you're anxious all of the time and alcohol calms your nerves and takes that anxiety away, well you've just found a reason to drink any time you feel anxious and so the cycle begins...
Mental Illness and Addiction are totally bros.
Chapters 10: How Can I Put My Life Back Together?, 11: Do I Deserve To Put My Life Back Together, and 12: Who Am I Now?, were especially impactful for me. I would say that those have been the biggest issues in my recovery. For those chapters alone, I can't recommend this book more. It's just a wealth of information that I need in my life and now I have it to go back to any time I feel myself being swallowed by my soul quagmire.
If you find yourself struggling after getting sober or finding your way, I definitely recommend this book. Also, GOOD ON YOU for getting sober and realizing that you have a choice to relieve your pain in constructive ways instead of destructive ways. Your life is a journey and you are walking a good path.
You can find Dr. Jantz book by clicking here. I hope you will find it as absolutely incredible as I did as well!
I'd love to hear your experiences about addiction and recovery in the comments. Let's chat about it!
Congratulations on 10 years sober! That is absolutely amazing and I hope you take pride in how far you've come. I'm so happy that book found you and provided you with more tools and comfort too. Here's to celebration 10 years and the many more to come. You rock!
ReplyDeleteYou are too sweet, Sara, thank you!
DeleteWell done. You are an inspiration. All the best for the future and I am glad you are still finding helpful resources and sharing them.
ReplyDeleteYou really do have to take it a day at a time. I learned that quickly because if you don't take it that way, you quickly become overwhelmed and run right back to your old ways. Thanks <3
DeleteIt's always good to be aware of how mental health and substance abuse can go hand in hand. If not for yourself, you can spot it in someone else and possibly help them.
ReplyDeleteExactly!
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