For those in the recovery field

Let’s talk a bit about recovery from substance misuse, and those who help. I’ve met so many men and women throughout my career who were dealing with substance use disorders, and it’s aftermath. Some were in different stages of acceptance, and some were sick and tired of being sick and tired.

Because the insanity is real, or how it can make you feel/act/think insane at times.

There was this woman who did so well when her children were in DCF care, but the day before reunification/s, she’d disappear for a week at a time on a drug infused bender.

The man in rehab who was a bus driver, there for driving bus loads of kids while intoxicated.

The woman who refused to immunize her baby because of the risks, but frequently took her on 3 am drug runs, and then used, all while still breastfeeding.

Or the guy who took his religion seriously enough to demand we accommodate his dietary and prayer schedule, but dismissed the religion’s rule against alcohol use.

I could go on. Addiction is a bitch, and recovery is often misunderstood.

But here’s the thing…

For those who are in the recovery field-

Thank you for showing up for work,

Really showing up.

Every day a thousand battles are fought, but that’s the place where where we all win, in fighting the battles.

But the victory of success is theirs-

There are no losses in recovery.

Every step forward is a win,

Every cognizant thought, ‘I want to change’, is a win,

Every foot in the door is a victory.

We are just there to witness their revivals.

I wish I could tell you the end of the stories above, but I can’t. It’s like reading a book with the last chapter missing.

I reassure myself, and this is for you too: Please know you either planted a seed, watered it, or helped pick out the weeds so the flower could bloom fully. There is honor in all of it.

Big Smiles,

Elisha