New Foundations Recovery Blog (Project: Blog) is something
that has been forming in my mind for quite some time. I am ready to share my story, along with
tidbits about addiction, recovery, and the will and way to live a better life.
I am hoping that my story – one of triumphs and failures – can help some
people. From being on top of the world,
traveling the country as a professional bowler, to losing everything to a drug
addiction, to now being able to climb higher on the ladder of life has been
some roller coaster ride. If I was able to find sobriety, anyone can because I
was a lost cause because I failed miserably at every corner. There were multiple failed rehab attempts, so
many lost relationships and friends, a career (lifetime dream) down the tubes,
and finally - knowing how lonely and
degrading a jail cell feels.
You see, addiction is a nasty, cunning, and baffling
illness. It tears families apart without warning. Almost two thirds of
Americans have friends or family members that have struggled with an addiction
to alcohol and/or drugs and that fraction is growing. This doesn't even include
the many that over medicate with prescription medications. That's how it
started with me. I suffered a back injury as the result from an auto accident
and was prescribed Vicodin from my trusted, well respected doctor. We never
discussed what could happen with long term use.
I was in severe pain, needed to be able to bowl, and soon I was popping
them like candy. The problem is, we upped the dosage, went to a stronger medication
and it wasn’t very long before a full blown addiction showed its teeth! It
seemed like it happened over night and what followed was ten years of living
hell on Earth.
I have some things I hope to accomplish with "Project:
Blog." Not in any particular order,
first I just want to share my story. I am officially taking off the mask,
putting it all out there and revealing addiction for what it is, and what it
does to people. Second, I want to show that recovery from addiction is REAL!
People do come back. Just like other illnesses, it is treatable and
manageable. Recovery has given me a new
purpose and hope for the future, who could ask for more? Last but not least,
recovery is something that can be found on many different paths, there is no
right answer. Whatever gets someone there, whether it be 12 step programs,
spiritual beliefs, peer mentoring, coaching, or medication assisted
treatment. The goal is to get there.
This will not be just a blog about addiction and recovery,
some of the stuff I plan on sharing is about everyday life and ways to make
life better. Isn't that everyone's goal? I encourage everyone to leave comments
to anything you feel like and join in the conversation....ask for advice if you
feel you need it. I know that everyone will not agree with what I have to say and
that is all right with me. I have every
intention of posting at least a few times a week, but will never post just to
fill the screen. Most posts will be about something with depth and will
definitely be brutally honest.
For the first time in my life, I am not embarrassed about
where I have been. Hopefully someone can benefit from my many mistakes. One
last thing, a big thank you to Sandra Matthews, a former university instructor
who gave me the courage to share my story!
CIAO
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