A Journey to Gratitude: Reflections on Recovery
At 18, entering rehab was not about embracing change for me; it seemed more about appeasing my parents and a judge. Yet, fast forward to October 2023, I have celebrated 40 years of being clean and sober (yes, I still enjoy attending 12-step meetings and have a sponsor).
However, my journey underscores the transformative power of treatment, leading me to reflect on its profound impact. Now 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 gratitude directs my thoughts back to the pivotal 14-months in 1983 that I was in treatment.
This feeling isn’t unique to me. Many in the recovery community share a 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.
The Challenge of 1983
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:
– Following the program rules
– Openness in group sessions
– Honesty and humility
– Gratitude and empathy
– Giving back and maintaining distance from substance use
I was in treatment for 14-months. It was the time needed to foster growth, new relationships, and create a foundation for a life without substance use, emphasizing gratitude and the rejection of resentment.
The Unfolding Path
After treatment, my journey continued, marked by significant milestones in both my personal and professional life. Achieving certification as a professional alcohol and drug abuse counselor, earning my degrees, and positively impacting thousands of lives through my work are milestones I cherish deeply. Yet, I attribute none of these accomplishments solely to myself. The foundation laid by good treatment was pivotal, a testament to the enduring power of a supportive recovery community.
John H.
