I would like to thank God for allowing me the chance to share my experience, strength, and hope. Without God, I wouldn’t be where and who I am today. For so many years, I thought the pay-offs of my substance use outweighed the drawbacks. The illusion was that substance use was filling a void.
Eric’s Story: A Journey to Addiction Recovery Stairway To Freedom
‘I have highlights and a French manicure, there’s no way I’m an alcoholic. ’ I didn’t know I had this body that worked against me. If I did manage to stop, my mind told me that I could drink like normal people. Embracing a sober lifestyle also meant developing new relationships and hobbies.
Extraordinary Addiction Recovery Success Stories
Speaking with Katie, the first thing you’ll notice about her is her confidence. She spoke like she wasn’t afraid of anything, but her story of recovery proved she didn’t always exude the same fearlessness. Jules’ recovery has been as much about finding herself and living her truth but rather about reclaiming her life from alcoholism. Now with a new life, she has her confidence back. One of addiction’s stereotypes is that it only affects those with dysfunctional families or a history of abuse. But when we spoke with Jules, we learned her story defied those ideas conclusively.
Your recovery story starts today.
Some people in recovery experience significant difficulty or distress when they encounter certain triggers — which can be a behavior, place, person, or situation. “I’ve had a really hard time getting my recovery back. I wasn’t sponsoring anybody; wasn’t helping anybody. My first rehab was at 17, got kicked out of it after 10 days, then back in there 3 months later. I had 6 or 7 months sober, maybe even a little bit longer. Music can be a powerful tool in the recovery process, whether through listening to music that inspires and motivates you or playing an instrument or singing.
Stories by R. Eric Thomas
- But when we spoke with Jules, we learned her story defied those ideas conclusively.
- Women in AA are saying, ‘You’re strong enough to move out.’ And I’m saying, ‘I don’t know if I can.’ When I left my parents’ house, I got married.
- I got into AA because hearing other people’s stories and how they made it was like hearing voices from beyond.
- The first step towards recovery is often the hardest, but it is also the most significant.
I was told to get a sponsor, do step work, join a home group, and develop a network. Eventually, the program pulled me in and I began going for the right reasons. For many months, I sat in those rooms waiting for gratitude and happiness to rain down on me, not understanding that I’m an addict and nothing comes Erics Recovery and Success Story naturally to me. I need to work to achieve and maintain those things. The Raleigh House has helped more than 1,000 people in the last 10 years and I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’ve done. For me, success with The Raleigh House is about maintaining and improving the client experience as we continue to grow.
The Onset of Addiction and Its Impact on His Career
Some are meant to be used together with other resources, tools, or treatments. There’s a chance of recurrence, and many people with a substance use disorder will have one at some point. “I came home and I decided to find a therapist for treatment. I told her all of my problems and she said I was an alcoholic.
I am over 2 years clean from a 7 year IV heroin addiction
Addressing mental and emotional well-being alongside addiction treatment is crucial, as untreated anxiety or depression can lead to relapse. It is important to seek professional help for any underlying mental health issues and actively engage in therapy or counseling sessions. Research shows that individuals with untreated mental health issues https://ecosoberhouse.com/ tend not to stay clean for long. For additional resources, please refer to our article on addiction recovery podcasts. Support from interpersonal relationships is a key factor in addiction recovery success. Being surrounded by understanding and encouraging individuals can help individuals stay focused and motivated during tough times [1].
- He released a string of successful albums, including “Unplugged” and “From the Cradle,” which showcased his talent and musical range.
- Methadone is a medication that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to focus on their recovery.
- Relapsing was extremely painful, but what I learned along the way was that the lesson I was taught was worth so much more than the clean time I had given up.
- It requires a commitment to self-care, continued therapy or support, and a willingness to learn and grow.
- In Stairway to Freedom, a Chicago sober living and recovery facility, Eric found the support and structure he needed to break free from his addiction.
Part 1: Dominic’s Story
Eric’s journey began in the tranquil countryside near Kerman, where he grew up on a farm surrounded by the sweetness of grapes and the warmth of family. But beneath the veneer of his idyllic rural life, troubles loomed large. My parents gave me a credit card to pay for therapy, but I was using it for everything else. One day, my doctor called to let me know that my liver was huge and my blood work showed that my kidneys were failing. Actually, she said that three organs were failing at the same time.
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- This can include regular exercise, therapy or counseling sessions, support group meetings, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
- But it’s also making me realize a lot of things about how my brain works.
- The No. 2 overall pick of the 2022 draft is the first player in NFL history to record 10 sacks and three interceptions through 20 career games.
- There’s got to be that internal surrender for sobriety to happen.
- She was the first person in my life who gave me permission to release my emotions… to cry and get angry.
- I remember my first experience with a mind altering substance.
I was drinking socially before, but it sort of reached a darker tipping point when I was surrounded by it and away from my partner, a huge support system. My drinking got worse when I went to graduate school. There weren’t a lot of things to do near my school except drink. Pretty much the entire social scene revolved around alcohol.