Posted on 18/07/22

Chemical dependency is an illness that isolates us and makes us feel alone and misunderstood. The more we can share with each other, the more guidance and inspiration we can provide for one another. When we hear another person’s story that touches us in a meaningful way, it often comes right when we need it, when we’re in a dark place and suffering. We need other people when we’re in this place. We need other people to help us feel less isolated and alone. 

Sharing the story of your recovery can enhance, underline, and strengthen your own recovery journey:

• It makes your recovery more real to you. No longer is it just something you hope for; it’s something you’ve spoken aloud, passed around with friends and strangers, and laid claim to as your very own.
• It helps you find your voice. Putting your recovery into words can be a richly cathartic, immeasurably therapeutic experience.
• Sharing your story will very likely yield some words of encouragement and affirmation, all of which can strengthen your resolve and your commitment to recovery.
• Sharing your story can be a great path toward self-love: It affirms that you are worthy of having a voice, worthy of being heard, worthy of being cared for, and worthy of being loved.
• Finally, it can be helpful to others, which enables you to turn a very dark and difficult part of your life into something that is actually positive and meaningful.

When we recognise how much support we’ve gained from others’ stories of victory over addiction, we come to recognise our own ability to provide the same support for newcomers in return. They can be uplifted and encouraged to continue their own work towards healing through our willingness to be open:

• Hearing your story can be a tremendous encouragement to those who are wrestling with comparable issues—proof that they are not alone.
• It also gives them hope: If you can start down the path to recovery, perhaps they can as well.
• It forms instant bonds of solidarity between you, which may even blossom into something like friendship.
• It can also be highly practical: Not only can you share your story, but you can share specific strategies, toolsets, and coping mechanisms that have been helpful to you.

When we’re doing the work to recover, we can be deeply afraid of sharing our stories for fear of being judged or rejected. We have been met with so much criticism and judgment in the past, it can take us some time to get used to the idea of being received with openheartedness and understanding.If we think of sharing not as a burdensome obligation but as a gift to the people with whom we’re sharing, we can be motivated by our desire to help other people. 

Sourced: Recovery Connection, Origins

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