Celebrating Recovery From Addiction

Those of us who work in the addiction treatment field face resistance on a regular basis. Denial is prevalent in addiction. Many of us were taught to use will power in situations like this, to buckle up and overcome any adversity. Seeking help and accepting that a drug, and alcohol is a drug, has some kind of control over our minds, causing behavior that leads to severe consequences, just seems like a weakness, so most people coming into treatment are reluctant to admit they’re addicted, much less fully accept the fact and embrace recovery. Further into treatment, most will start realizing they aren’t alone, that others have the same problem, and it’s nothing to feel shame about.

When someone embraces recovery, it’s a big deal, an experience of happiness, a confirmation of what we do, and a feeling of joy for the person who’s chosen a new way. Recovery from addiction is nothing to hide and whisper about – it’s something to celebrate, even if the journey in recovery is long and taken day by day. In the moment, when a person has opened up and chosen a new path, it’s always amazing and uplifting.

Recently, Minna, a NewDay Counselor (who’s great by the way) received a letter from a patient who recently completed our Intensive Outpatient Program. The letter was such a source of positive energy, I had Minna ask if we could put the letter on this blog. He agreed and here it is below.