Becoming authentic. I've hidden behind masks all my life in an effort to fit in and show people what I thought I was supposed to be. Stepping up and entering treatment as a catalyst for my recovery journey has enabled me to lead by example for many people stuck in their lives using addictions to hide pain. As I've opened up, owned my story and shared my story, I've truly started to become the person who I lost so many years ago. In doing so, so many others have witnessed the courage I've demonstrated and they've started to question their own authenticity and some have taken the first steps of their own journey as well.
Recovery is a WE thing and not an I thing. For addicts, hiding in isolation behind the shame is the path of least resistance. There is a way out and it is through the gift of recovery. We are never alone and there are other addicts willing to help.