A Journey to Gratitude: Reflections on Recovery
When I entered treatment at the age of 18, I was in denial about my addiction and mental health problems. I was interested in resolving the serious legal trouble I was in, but did not believe I needed “treatment.” Yet, fast forward to October 2023, I celebrated 40 years of being clean and sober. My life was saved and began anew in treatment. My story underscores the transformative power of treatment. I still contemplate on its profound impact. As of 2023, married for twenty-five years with four children (now adults), my family has only known a version of me free from addiction. I’m grateful for my wife who faithfully practices her own recovery program. Our children are thoughtful and compassionate human beings leading healthy lives. There is no doubt that our recovery journeys have strengthened them.
For me, when sharing about long-term recovery, it feels there is an unspoken expectation to say all the things I am grateful for like personal fulfillment and professional success. However, in truth, my deepest gratitude is for the pivotal 14-months in 1983 that I was in treatment. This may sound strange to some. However, this feeling isn’t unique to me. Many in the recovery community share a profound, albeit nostalgic, gratitude for their initial steps towards sobriety, crediting their treatment centers and support networks that guided them, rather than claiming any victory as their own.
1983: My Challenging and Transformative Year
In 1983, I was among countless addicted young individuals seeking help. The program I was placed in was simple and grounded in “tough love,” leaving no room for self-pity or blame. It translated recovery into simple, yet profound principles that continue to serve me personally (and inform my work with others):
– Follow program rules
– Be openness in group sessions and always share
– Practice honesty and humility
– Be grateful and embody empathy for others
– Give back and maintain distance from substances
-Practice patience
The Unfolding Path
After treatment, my journey continued, marked by both personal and professional milestones. The opportunities recovery has given me—the chance to earn college degrees, obtain professional credentials, and impact thousands of families through my work—are gifts I deeply cherish. Yet, I do not attribute these accomplishments solely to anything special or unique about me. The foundation laid by quality treatment was pivotal, a testament to the enduring power of a strong recovery community and the support that makes lasting change possible.
John H.
