Northwoods Recovery

Without a doubt, finding my way out of addiction can be fairly characterized as miraculous. And not only in my case; any recovering addict will say the same because, enslaved by substance abuse, it seems impossible one can ever break free. Living recovered from addiction is living a daily miracle; easily comparable to the blessed relief that comes with waking from a nightmare.

Recovering from substance dependency in the Northwoods provides an endless parade of rewarding experiences and opportunities to interact with others sharing a similar situation. Self-tasked with giving a talk recently, I had the chance to connect with a group of recovering addicts at a local rehab facility, some of whom are fellow Hodags. To feel the hope present in that room was positively inspiring, and a welcome look back in time to my own hopes and fears in the first days of this recovery. 

My fervent wish, I explained to them, is to never forget that pivotal time, the sublime moment I discovered hope after the utter hopelessness of all the dismal dark years preceding it. Promising the potential for a better life if they nourished the fortitude needed to maintain sobriety, I described some of my recovery’s unanticipated high points and many blessings recovering from addiction had showered on me. 

While relating some of my more satisfying accomplishments since leaving addiction behind, I tried to make the point that only a sober lifestyle allowed me to pursue these very gratifying experiences; that freeing themselves from the endless compulsion to feed their all-consuming habit meant freedom now to make their own better choices and begin recovering the dreams they’d lost to addiction, and make them their new reality. 

Recalling my own first steps into recovery with emotions raw and ragged from detoxing, wildly fluctuating between hopes for success and fear of failing, I tried to drive a final point home: “You can do this... You can live clean and sober and recover the life you were meant to have before addiction stole it from you. Yes, this will be the most difficult path you’ll ever have to follow; but also the most rewarding.” 

Giving these talks is touching base with friends old and new, companions in our mutual pursuit of recovery. Just as they need to hear what I said to them, I need to feel their hope and see once again that yes, we do recover.         

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