.
Addiction, recovery, relapse; it’s a loop which grips you like a noose. That first step to recovery is painful and frightening. Many addicts are in two minds about it when they take the first step, so it comes to nothing; in no time they are back on the street scoring. It’s claimed that you have to hit rock bottom before you’re ready for recovery, but rock bottom can be an awfully long way down, with untold dangers on the way.
It’s unusual for an addict to go into permanent recovery at the first attempt. They often get into that familiar pattern: addiction, recovery, relapse, addiction, recovery, relapse. This is traumatising for everyone who cares. Each time the addict relapses they are at high risk of overdose, as their tolerance for the drug has gone down. Family and friends often give up on the addict, but they need to know that with every attempt, there is more chance of success, just as every time a learner driver takes a driving test, they are more likely to pass.
So, addiction, recovery, relapse is a loop which grips you like a noose, but a noose can be untied. The circle can be broken, placing the addict in permanent recovery, though only time can tell if this has occurred.
Addicts get clean every day, and stay clean for the rest of their lives. Some of them go on to work tirelessly to support other addicts through recovery, though their hearts may be torn over and over again. I have great admiration for all recovering addicts.
Today, I pay tribute to recovered addicts everywhere; in particular, two brave young women who will remain nameless (it’s enough that they know who they are); a local man called Jimmy, who has become an inspiration to many in this town; Adam, at the Bideford Lighthouse project, and, of course, my daughter Laura.
I live in hope that I may add my son’s name to this list at some point.
With Grateful thanks to Sumyanna, whose thoughtful suggestion has given me new hope, and who may be pleased to learn that she inspired this post.
The Daily Post #Loop
©Jane Paterson Basil
good to clarify the cycle of ups and downs and that you have found support and inspiration 🙂
I enjoy the friendship of several recovered addicts altho they don’t proclaim their background to many .. each and every one makes invaluable contributions to their community and we couldn’t ask for more 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m grateful for all the amazing support and inspiration I get from the WP community. It’s led me to view the world in a different light 🙂
You’ve made a point that I is missing from my post – recovered addicts tend to become stalwarts of the community 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely … they really know what suffering is about and when they do turn around it’s completely .. and service is deep within them maybe to right the wrongs or simply out of gratitude … just look at your daughter 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh so sweet. Now I’ve got tears in my eyes. I do hope you can as his name as well. I know you truly have not given up on him and I won’t either. Congratulations to the beautiful ladies who were strong enough to give themselves new leases on life. May they enjoy life fully.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure they’ll both have wonderful lives, judging by the progress they have made. They are both kind, generous women, who’ll leave an impression on those they meet.
LikeLike
Perfect response, Jane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Judy.
LikeLike
One day, I hope your list will be complete 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wouldn’t that be wonderful…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fingers, toes and everything else crossed for you 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great post Jane.
Never give up.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alan. I had a few days of despair over my son, but I’m back in the land of hope now.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely, heartfelt tribute, Jane.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My years of hardship have taught me to honour success and to be grateful for it. Maybe it was a lesson I needed to learn 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d say we ALL need to learn that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful post
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Devereaux.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent post! So many people expect an addict to get straight the first time and don’t understand that it usually doesn’t happen that way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It’s a hard lesson to learn, and even those who should know better can make that mistake . When my two youngest children became addicts I knew about addiction, and yet I was in denial where they were concerned. I thought they’d be different – a couple of months and they’d have had enough and clean themselves up. That was ten years ago. My daughter’s been in recovery for three months, and I know how lucky I am.
LikeLike