Where do we begin?
This may seem like such a scary and overwhelming question, but the answer is as pure and simple as it gets: we begin exactly where you are.
When is of course up to you, but trust me - you deserve the brighter, better, lighter life waiting for you on the other side. So why not now?
Is it a problem?
Even the words "addiction" and "recovery" can feel heavy. They come with all sorts of baggage, ideas and assumptions. What do they actually mean, anyway?
Are you scrolling on your phone, looking for answers to "am I an alcoholic?", "what is addiction?" with a sense of dread but looking for some sort of clear answer that you instinctively feel scared to confront?
Let's ask something simpler:
“Is this a problem?”
Yes? Maybe your “yes” comes with chaos - consequences piling up or life feeling like a storm you can’t quite control. Or maybe it’s quieter - just a nagging feeling that something has more hold over you than you’d like.
Ready?
I appreciate this might be a conflicting proposition. How do we let go of coping mechanisms that we may have used for years, decades even? At best, that's daunting and at worst, bloody terrifying.
Can I tell you something? Someone once said to me that life in recovery will be better than I ever dreamt of. Let me level with you here - I have never struck another human being in my life, but that was probably the closest I've got. You know what's coming, or I wouldn't have said what I just said. Yup, that someone was right - FFS, grr! - and I am very glad I didn't act on my only ever urge to resort to violence.
Life isn't perfect and will throw you curveballs, but you will be able to grow to your potential, have dreams and goals - and go after them! - and any shitstorm coming your way, you'll be better equipped to deal with.
I don't know what "ready" looks like.
Maybe it's better phrased this way: do you want to?
Yes? Great, get ready, we ride at dawn!
No? Sure thing. Mull it over some more, I get it.
How?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all, but there is a way out and it will be as unique as you are. If you want a bit of structure or accountability, I can absolutely bring that energy but I can’t (and won’t) do the work for you. Recovery doesn’t work like that.
Your recovery journey might include all or some of the below, but this list is in no way exhaustive:
- Weekly addiction counselling sessions (in person or online)
- A more flexible or ad-hoc approach - mixing sessions, calls, and messages
- Recovery coaching that includes practical support - gathering resources, help with appointments, new social spaces, lifestyle changes or medical options.
- Removing obstacles
- What's your pathway? AA/NA meetings, Smart Recovery, do you need support from your GP, is rehab an option or is going solo best for you?
- A new hobby?
- What lifestyle changes will work?
- Or something entirely different - the toolkit is as wide as your imagination
You can absolutely do this
I believe in possibility. Anything is possible when you decide you want to make a change. I've seen it over and over, so in fact it's not as much my belief as it is my unfaltering conviction.
We do recover.
It’s not about willpower, discipline or morals any more than it being a lack thereof that saw you fall. You're a human being and addiction is a natural instinct to soothe, connect and experience life in a way that feels bearable. Besides, those qualities grow naturally stronger once you’ve gained a bit of a foothold.
So. Make that call. You have nothing to lose.
