Northwoods Recovery

I recently celebrated the miracle of recovery — as well as a rueful remembrance of decades passed in active addiction.

 Oct. 6 marked my 13th year clean and sober. “Amazing” would seem an understatement; a quantum leap into some other totally different life is probably a more accurate comparison.

My previous existence was completely dependent on boozing and doping, with me stumbling through my days in a drug-induced haze, nearly a zombie. Believing only dying would relieve me of this miserable existence.

Death did come for me, but a miracle intervened; and then, another miracle. Choosing to rise above and away from my insatiable thirst for drugs. Doing what was always thought impossible, admitting I was an addict and powerless over that. Praying for help in finding sobriety, for overcoming my addiction. Those prayers were answered.

Indisputably, the last 13 years have been the best I’ve known. Like most recovering addicts, this anniversary is celebrated as my birthday, the day life began for real; the day I finally realized how wrongly I’d lived before. Seeing at last the step I needed take — the first of Twelve Steps — to right the wrongs and change my ways.

   A near-death experience taught me that life-saving lesson. The day after almost dying of a deliberate overdose I found hope for change and embraced life. Every day since has been a celebration of gratitude for surviving the insanity of addiction. I was given a priceless gift; a second chance, a do-over for a life desperately needing one.

So many truly blessed events have transpired thanks only to my recovery: my dream job as a recovery coach — not work so much as an avocation — achieving my childhood ideal of writing a novel, travel to exotic destinations, ownership of the Northwoods home I love. And the intangibles: gratitude inspired by recovery; respect and admiration from family and friends, coupled with the self-respect I’d never known before.

Like everyone in long-term recovery, I’ve learned to take life one day at a time, looking forward to what each new sunrise brings. This latest anniversary is merely another milestone, serving to mark the many steps already taken. 

Even after 13 years this recovery still feels like a miracle, still lets me know that maintaining sobriety is keeping me safe in God’s hands. And I never want to forget: this good life I’m now living is here for me only because, we do recover.

  Do you think you may have a problem with alcohol? Alcoholics Anonymous can help. Call the Hotline at 715-360-4637 or visit www.northwoodsaa.org for questions or to find a meeting in your area.