Recovery

Recovery: The Merriam Webster’s definition of recovery is: 1.The act or process of becoming healthy after an illness or injury : the act or process of recovering. 2. the act or process of returning to a normal state after a period of difficulty. 3.the return of something that has been lost, stolen, etc

A few words on addiction and recovery from a “Normie” …. During my career as a licensed nurse, I have worked in a few different capacities of detox and recovery. Working overnights I had the opportunity to have some deep heartfelt conversations with a few of the clients/patients in my care. Even after having had family members go through this, I was surprised and amazed at the strength it took and the stigma felt for the rest of their lives. 

This is what I know for sure.

Although relapse can be part of the process, by getting to the root causes of addiction, relapse can be prevented. However, relapse does not in any way diminish your success. There is nothing to be ashamed of at all. I know that it takes a lot of courage to reach out and to stick it through. It takes so much strength to go through the physical and mental pain, not to mention literal blood, sweat and tears (and vomit)  of detox. It takes strength to close doors behind you, before you see others opening in front of you.

There is so much stigma and shame related to addiction, and recovery. Lives are changed, and not always for the better in the short term.  Sometimes it’s only in the long run that lives change for the better. The stigma (even within oneself with guilt, regret and shame) It takes courage, diligence and patience to continue on just for you.  Even when loved ones may not be supportive. They may or may not begin to trust again, and that’s okay. I know that no one can do it for you, no one can help you, until you want it for yourself. It’s way too hard to go it alone. Only you can heal within yourself, but you don’t have to do it alone. 

Unfortunately many of the facilities and treatment centers do more harm than good. In too many ways to mention here. Many are not in the “business” of recovery for the care and treatment of those reaching out for help. This can break the focus and motivation of those that sincerely want to heal. This breaks my heart and this is a big part of why I do what I do. Please don’t let a few bad apples spoil the bunch, or turn you off away from seeking help. There are some good treatment centers and facilities out there. There is not just one way to go about recovery, you absolutely have to get to the root cause, change the mindset from deep within. Recovery should not feel like a punishment but more of an awakening.

Normie?

I have never been an addict myself. I have been called a “Normie”  almost as an insult. I get it, I dont’ have the experience of addiction within myself. Even those that do, no two people are alike. No two stories are exactly the same. However when It comes to addiction, I do have another perspective, which is just as important.

The experience I do have, as mentioned above, is that of living with family members with drug and alcohol addiction. Working hard, bending over backwards to my own detriment to try to “help” them while they were abusive and self sabotaging. The painful feeling I already lost them, they’re already gone, never to return as I once knew them. Grief, loss and heartache as the mother and wife of addicts gives me another perspective that I do think is valid and can be helpful. 

Recovery

My own personal experience with recovery is from PTSD and CPTSD from a traumatic childhood. As well as a complete breakdown later in life after leaving an abusive husband. I know what it’s like to go through deep depression, and high anxiety. Living down in a deep dark debilitating hole. I know what it’s like to have nightmares and night terrors, to not be able to think straight or remember parts of my life. To have flashbacks of abuse, not just in my dreams, but in my waking state, and even while driving. I know what fear is, regret and to feel so alone in the world, to wish I could disappear. Calling hotlines in the middle of the night. Having friends ask “what’s the matter NOW?” Feeling that no one really understands or cares.

I do have those experiences. However, I also know the feeling of that moment I realized I was going to make it! Make it out of that dark place, not just to live “normally” but building back up to an even better, happier and fulfilling life than I ever knew before. The feeling of seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. 

This is why I do this.

Yes I’m a licensed nurse, and certified Hypnotherapist, but more importantly I am passionate about showing everyone that is in a deep dark place in life, to see the light as I did. I want those people, young and old, from all walks of life fighting in recovery, to know there is hope, to know they can make it and there are options. Recovery, no matter what from, is possible. 

I cannot do it for you, no one can. I don’t want you to feel that I, nor anyone else, ever helped you or healed you. I want to guide you to the light within yourself. 

More to come

I would like to address in a future article, about being your authentic self and being true to you. As well as a subgroup of recovery, when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community as well. Update, here is the article: What Does It Mean To Live Authentically

How not being accepted or feeling at home in your own skin or body can lead to mental health issues and addiction. It comes down to judgements and acceptance, understanding and love. I have a very special friend that has lived through this, and shares his genuine passion to help others through his own research and experiences to help end this stigma and shame. Lona Currie of Recovery Soulfood and TransgenderMentor (on YouTube, twitter, Instagram, TicTok and facebook).  Check out my interview on his channel Recovery Soulfood, Using the subconscious mind to heal the soul. Leave a comment and while you’re there if you like what you see, please show your support with a like and subscribe! He is a part of the LGBTQ+ and recovery “Soul Family”. We’re planning a collaboration to reach further to those that may be hiding in the shadows.  Update, here is our collaboration podcast to help with compassion, awareness and dispel any misconceptions, misunderstandings with a safe place to get talk about those important topics. YouTube.com/TransgenderMentor

Please feel free to reach out if you have any thoughts on this, anything to add or with questions or concerns. 

You can reach me at Pamela@HypnoBreakthrough.com or the contact form on the homepage of my website Breakthrough Hypnotherapy