05/21/2013– What Did It Take To Recover from Drug Addiction?

According to a survey by the partnership at drugfree.org and the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, 1 out of 10 adults in the U.S. have been in recovery. The question asked in the survey was simple enough: "Did you once have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but no longer do?"

COMMENTS

Of the 2526 people queried, 12% of men said they were currently in recovery for drugs or alcohol, and 7% of the women said they were in recovery. Not surprisingly, more people aged 35-44 reported being in recovery than those 18-34; but shockingly, those 55 and up also fell below those in the 35-44 age brackets.

What did it take for those people in recovery to gain help? In a series of interviews with recovering addicts, one of the overwhelming responses boiled down to this: "I knew I was ready when I wanted to help someone else get sober." The other overwhelming response was that they were abandoned by someone who meant everything to them. Sometimes it was a significant other; other times, a parent or sibling. Frequently, it was a close friend. Yes, abandoned. A relationship ripped out from under their feet because they were addicts. These are people who care enough about them to leave them alone, or give them a chance to survive.

As members of Families Anonymous—a support group for families of addicts and mental disorders—we have recovering addicts speaking to us once or twice a year. Each and every one of them has admitted, that until their family stopped trying to help them and "cut the cord," they didn't begin to heal. When they knew the road ended, they made the decision to get help and begin recovery.

There are no guarantees in recovery. Much of recovery is based on internal changes in the perception of what you are doing. When you come to the realization that drugs or alcohol are the focus of your day or week (or that you can't wait for the weekend to start drinking), you may take the next step to understanding you have a problem. It's at that moment—when you acknowledge the problem—that an opportunity to repair yourself appears. You are motivated to change, so remember: unless something changes, nothing changes. It takes a transformation of thinking. A willingness to accept the powerlessness you have over alcohol and drugs, as well as the help of others.

Recovery is taking one step forward, then another, and another…until finally you’re there. But if you falter even an inch down, then stand back up, and let the next decision be the right one. With determination and proper thinking as your fighting arsenal, you can make it. The best of luck to you!