You are stronger than your addiction - 4 Months Sober
Posted by Carly Reed on 2nd Jul 2023
It took me 14 years to realize this.
My hope is that someone sees this and decides to make a positive change, or at least considers the thought.
That’s one step in the right direction, and every step counts.
I know I gain strength and hope from others who share their recovery journeys,
so I’m going to start opening up a bit more about mine.
I’ll start with the first time I asked for help:
I entered rehab when I realized I couldn’t possibly reach an altered enough state-of-mind to feel the relief and satisfaction I was seeking; convinced I wasn’t enough, with contemplating thoughts- “I’d rather not be here at all than feel this way”
That didn’t stop me from switching back to my old habits almost immediately, but it was evidence that there was a side of me that wanted to get better.
That’s one step in the right direction, and every step counts.
I know I gain strength and hope from others who share their recovery journeys,
so I’m going to start opening up a bit more about mine.
I’ll start with the first time I asked for help:
I entered rehab when I realized I couldn’t possibly reach an altered enough state-of-mind to feel the relief and satisfaction I was seeking; convinced I wasn’t enough, with contemplating thoughts- “I’d rather not be here at all than feel this way”
That didn’t stop me from switching back to my old habits almost immediately, but it was evidence that there was a side of me that wanted to get better.
The process of failing fosters humility, which is necessary for self-improvement; and failures can be a series of repeated attempts that eventually lead us to success.
Finding the message within your mess can help you appreciate the experience instead of resenting it.
Living with no regrets is easier said than done;
My only regret now is that I didn’t ask for help sooner.
I don’t want my next regret to be not speaking up to help others.
I hope speaking out on my struggle with addiction can help others feel confident enough to embrace and love themselves, and realize we were all created uniquely by God with a purpose.
Understanding and believing we are all his children and we are enough in his eyes, no matter what we may look like to the rest of the world, will hopefully prevent someone else from seeking comfort quietly and alone through substances like I did.
Reminder: God gave you a purpose before anyone gave an opinion.
4 months (120 days) sober 
In my @doingitsober gear
In my @doingitsober gear
Without getting into the details of substances, triggering trials, or failed rehab attempts-
Let’s just say, I never thought I’d see this day.
Committing to sobriety has been my biggest life challenge and accomplishment all in one;
Each day sober is a battle and a win
While admitting my struggle with addiction is vulnerable, I’m choosing to step out of my comfort zone with the hopes of raising awareness, de-stigmatizing the stereotype of an addict, and providing a source of strength to inspire and encourage those in need to start and/or stick with their recovery journeys.
Life can be unpredictable and the changes are almost always challenging,
But learning to also change your mindset is powerful and the benefits from that are simply beautiful.
This mindset can only be accomplished from a foundation of inner faith and trust in God and his plan for you
Learning to embrace unexpected changes that come from tough trials, even if it feels like a loss, is a hard lesson.
Believing that defeat can be a victory in disguise poses the opportunity for new beginnings.
“Nunc Coepi” is a Latin phrase meaning
“Now I begin”
Life is a series of starting over,
and knowing when.
The art of letting go:
Chapters end, doors close.
Learn to appreciate change;
For what I first saw as a loss,
I now see as a gain.
Pull the weeds,
Plant good seeds.
Let it grow
“Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways.
It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.”
2 Corinthians 7:9
… I’m glad, too