Recovery Stories

I still don’t have the answer to that question because I don’t know everyone’s story, but I believe that maybe they thought they were alone like I did until they heard me share something similar. Randal Lea, our Chief Community Recovery Officer is a licensed addictions counselor with 30 years of clinical and administrative experience.

Individuals can remember this rule by mainly sharing “I” statements — ensuring the focus remains on you. One ofthe unspoken AA speaker meeting tips is to avoid sharing “war stories.” Sure, almost everyone in recovery has shocking stories of when they were at their lowest. If mentioning this moment helps give context or adds to your share, it’s okay to bring up these experiences.

Substance Use Treatment

Eventually, I just stopped even wanting to try to explain my troubles to anyone else. If you’re like me, you felt very lost and alone in active addiction. My whole life it felt like nobody understood who I was, what I was dealing with or where I came from. Like many addicts, I was selfish, self-centered and self-seeking to the core. When I got sober, the only thing I could think about was what I was going to get out of it. I never did anything my entire life unless I could get something out of the deal, which is exactly what self-seeking is.

If you are in recovery, then chances are that 12-step programs have played a role in your journey to achieving sobriety. Be sure to mention the importance of these programs in your story. However, it’s important to do a little prep before you share for the first time. The process can be a bit nerve wracking but is ultimately rewarding and fulfilling. To help you get started, I’ve found several dos and don’ts you can use as a guide for telling your AA story.

Brooke’s Butterfly Touch: Creative Storytelling Services

Philip Hensarling serves as the Executive Director of Renewal Lodge. Philip has served Burning Tree Programs for over 6 years which roles include Admissions and Corporate Director of Utilization Management. Philip is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Intern and alumni of Burning Tree Ranch. He is also pursuing his Bachelors of Healthcare Administration from Southern New Hampshire University. Philip specializes in insurance contracting and negotiations.

Just remember there are no steadfast rules for how, when or if you share. Odds are, there was something that lead you to seek treatment and ultimately recovery. But have implemented additional pre-screening procedures to ensure the health https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and safety of everyone at Canyon Vista Recovery Center. Canyon Vista Recovery Center is closely monitoring all coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and is following suggested best practices from the CDC to prevent the spread of the virus.

Digital Storytelling Guide

It would be unbearable to think that these experiences are without meaning. Every story of mental illness and recovery is profoundly important – to the people who have lived it and all humanity. Many people imagine homeless bums when they think of addicts, but like you already know, addiction doesn’t always fit this stereotype. There are plenty of people who seem fine on the outside but are popping pills every hour or drinking at work. If you share your story in recovery, you may help other people understand this too.

If I’m too afraid to share, I might be depriving someone of hearing some hope that they need in order to stay sober that day. In telling your story, you may find that there are similarities and differences between yours and others’. Remember that you cannot compare your pain to that of others, nor the response you had to various situations – because everyone’s lives are on different paths. What you can do, however, is to share your story with openness and honesty – and tell it with the goal of inspiring others to pursue recovery, too. One person shared this benefit via the Wellness Recovery Action Plan ; they explained that even if one person is inspired by your story, it’s a success. The 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous are incredibly well-known and their reach extends far beyond addiction recovery circles. Even if you know nothing about substance abuse or the pursuit of sobriety, you’re very likely aware of AA and its prolific dozen rules.

The Experience Blog

His goal is to make quality treatment more accessible to those suffering from the sharing your story in recovery disease of addiction. He has a passion for running and loves his lab mix Murray.

• Not everyone is ready to speak up and that’s okay but sharing your story in recovery could be more impactful than you realize.
• When you share your recovery journey and how your recovery has impacted those around you, you show people they are not alone.
• A well-managed sober living home will ensure a substance-free space, a daily routine, a requirement to work or attend school, and weekly engagement in house meetings.
• Sharing stories can help people bond with each other, work through personal lows and highs, destigmatize and help serve as inspiration for listeners.
• This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Site.

The action of telling your story can help others that are struggling with substance abuse or mental health-related issues. A person may be feeling anxious about entering into treatment and knowing what to expect for the road ahead, but your story can bring them peace.