Long-Term Recovery beats Addiction Hands Down

As an addict, I lacked concern for anything other than my next high. As an agnostic I lacked accountability. For me, those combined for a perfect storm of problems. (I am not saying all addicts and agnostics are this way, but I was.)

I could manufacture and sell methamphetamine without caring about its' impact on other people. I could hurt people over tiny amounts of money and not worry about any spiritual repercussions. I could steal from anyone, sleep with whoever I wanted to and leave them immediately after with no concerns other than legal ramifications.

Life was easy and uncomplicated. Unless the police caught me, I would never be held responsible for the things that I did. Even if they caught me, I would still never have to answer for EVERYTHING that I had done to people. My life was all about me.

One day I made a deal with God. He upheld his end and I have tried to uphold mine. I have not drank, used drugs or smoked cigarettes since that prayer. I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I know that I don’t have to use today.

Today I have too much to live for. I have a wife, 2 beautiful children and an amazing life. Plus, I know the damage my addiction caused and I take responsibility for it. Because of me, lives were destroyed. I will never be part of that process again. I am here to deal hope, not steal it. I am here to save lives, not take them.

I went from dealing dope to dealing hope. I will never go back to the way I used to be because I love the person I have become! To become who I am today, things had to change. I had to change. I found the 5 Pillars of Recovery worked for me(http://betterlifeinrecovery.blogspot.com/2014/12/long-term-recovery-5-pillars-of-recovery.html). Add them to your life, and don’t stop using them. 

This is not a temporary change; this is a lifelong lifestyle change! 

The reason I don’t go back to using is simple; I have made my recovery a priority. I do recovery oriented things on a daily basis. I will never settle for good, I want great.

Community service helped me attain a better recovery. Community service says, “I used to destroy resources, now I am one!” This leads to more self-confidence, self-respect and self-worth. It makes the foundation of your recovery that much stronger!

Finally, spread the message of hope and strength found in recovery with anyone and everyone you come into contact with! I call myself a hope dealer, and you can be one too. Recovery is amazing, and so are you.

Recovery is not only a possibility, it is a guarantee if you apply the 5 Pillars to your life. Let people know it! Together we are transforming lives with recovery and chipping away at the stigma that surrounds it.