Re | cov | er | y - “a return to a normal state of health, mind, or strength”
Oxford dictionary defines the word “recovery” as the return to a previous state, a normal state of mind, body, and soul. Recovery from substance use disorder is just that, being restored to a previous healthy state, one where our minds are restored to sanity, and our strength comes from a power greater than ourselves. Often times when we think of addiction we only think about the substance. The alcohol or the drug that ravished a person’s life leaving them ostracized by society. What must not be forgotten is that behind the drug, behind hangovers and the haze of alcohol, is a person cherished and loved by the God who created them. The same God that calls us to love without reservation, show hospitality to strangers, and grant grace and mercy because we were first granted more grace than we deserve. Those who struggle with substance use disorder are not failures, they aren’t “weak-willed”, nor are they less than. People who struggle with substances, in whatever form they present themselves, are people. Period. People who deserve to be loved and cared for. People who may not know the right person, or the right way to reach out for help.
The holidays are a time where families gather, friends host parties, and people who struggle turn inward; one of the most dangerous places for a person in active addiction to turn. The holidays are a perfect storm for the depths of the disease of addiction to grab hold. There is help. The doors of an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meeting are always open. If you’re a newcomer you won’t leave that meeting without phone numbers of others in recovery ready and willing to lend a hand, ear, or shoulder any time, day or night. If you’re going to parties where you know there will be drinking and you’re uncomfortable, keep a cup in your hand at all times. People usually won’t pour you a drink if you’re already holding one. If your family member struggles with addiction and you need support, the rooms of Al Anon (a family and friends of alcoholics/addicts group) are also always open.
Pick up the phone, tell someone you trust your struggles, go to a meeting, listen to a podcast, pray. Whatever you do, don’t believe you’re alone, that’s the enemy of your disease lying to you. Recovery is possible, one day at a time.
- Caitlin McAlhany, Director of Faith Based Programming at Will’s Place