Drive-through workers, on-camera reporters, teachers, grandmas, doctors—we are everywhere. This disease isn’t relegated to a specific group of people. Work the steps, go to meetings, get a sponsor, help another addict in recovery, do those things, and you may have a chance.

• Let the power of addiction recovery stories inspire you to take that first step.
• This is one example of how embellishing your story can actually do more harm than good.
• The ways you address addiction with a toddler are different than the ways you would talk to a teenager.

As a result, when telling your story in AA, keep an eye on the time. Give yourself enough time to get everything off your chest, but don’t forget others need to share too. One of the most critical tips for speaking at an AA meeting is to only tell your story. If someone else in the room is part of your share, leave them nameless or out of the story entirely.

Recovery Stories and AA

I had reached what I can only say was hopefully my last of so many rock bottoms. I remember thinking that I would never make it alone. However, I finally accepted that everybody at Valley Hope wanted to help me. The pivotal point in my Valley https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/sharing-your-story-can-help-others-through-recovery/ Hope treatment experience happened when my Dad opened up about my addiction and what was going on with him. My Dad has always been a huge role model in my life, so when that happened, I became willing to do whatever it took to stay sober.

Being clean has been the biggest difference in my life. Sobriety must be the most important thing in my life, it’s stay clean or die. Sobriety has improved my life with my family. Sober for 19 years; saved my marriage, and my relationship with my children and extended family.

How to Tell Your Recovery Story

Describe how you found help and hope, or what could have helped you. For some, getting sober may take several tries. Regardless of how you got here, your recovery is important and should be shared, not hidden. The day I discharged from treatment, I hung my patient cup in the lecture hall. As I walked up in front of my fellow alumni, all my fears about being myself lifted. I felt in my heart that they were on my side.

• It was difficult to do anything other than watch the clock, so I knew when it was safe to take another round of pain medication.
• That I have a disease, and if I don’t use recovery to help with my addiction I will continue down the path I was on.
• However, it’s important to do a little prep before you share for the first time.

Be there for them, let them know that they are loved no matter what, and that there is a path of recovery that you’re willing to travel with them. Members share their stories, seek advice, offer support, provide encouragement, and build connections. These online communities foster a sense of unity and understanding, breaking the isolation that often comes with addiction. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit host a number of addiction recovery communities. These groups bring together individuals in various stages of recovery worldwide.

Jan Your Guide To Telling Your Recovery Story

Up to that point, I was full of regret and trying my hardest to keep that door shut! That was 21 years ago, and I have remained sober and active in Alcoholics Anonymous since the day I left Valley Hope. I had asked a friend that we were going to be visiting, if he was going to run an 8k race (Glassfest 8k) where he lived. I didn’t even know how far an 8k was at the time! I ran two times leading up to the big day while pushing Sebastian in his stroller, and ran with him in the race. I began drinking again thinking I had it whipped.

The best treatment plan is trying every resource Valley Hope offers. Although I’m not perfect at working the steps since life, work, etc. get in the way, I worked Step 4 a little at Valley Hope and it is a work in progress. If I can do it, so can you- it’s life changing and a lifelong process with new joys. I think it’s so important to share my experience with others because I truly believe that only another addict/alcoholic can help someone of the same variety. It was so easy for me to relate to people who had walked the same walk as I had in the beginning.

Don’t: Glamorize the Addiction

The following guidelines will help you consider what is important for you to convey and what to expect once you have shared your story. The Valley Hope cup I painted in 1984 shows all the turbulence and violence of a storm at sea, changing into full sunlight with God’s help. Inside the cup, I expressed a lot of feelings like anger and depression that were a part of my addiction. I put the phrase “Stay the Course” on my Valley Hope cup. It was difficult to do anything other than watch the clock, so I knew when it was safe to take another round of pain medication. If I had to drive anywhere, I had to get a ride or plan my driving when I wasn’t on pain meds – which only added to my pain level and the urgent feeling I had to take my pain medication.

Take a look at our state of the art treatment center. Odds are, there was something that lead you to seek treatment and ultimately recovery.