Once you have experienced the pangs of addiction, you know that it’s a very personal thing that affects everyone differently. It’s estimated that there are more than 23 million people that suffer from either drug or alcohol addiction, yet only one out of every ten will seek help for their problem. Your personal story can make all the difference to someone that is suffering in silence. Addiction recovery, while personal, is a private hell that you don’t wish on anyone. However, your words can be a beacon to someone who has lost their way. If you think don’t want to be raw and exposed by sharing your testimony, then you might want to consider the following things.
The Biggest Reason A Person Won’t Seek Help is Ego and Pride
Any self-respecting person has a bit of pride in them. We like to celebrate our victories and push our defeats under the rug. Just look on Facebook or other social media accounts. You see perfect people living the fairy tale life. However, the problem is that most of these people are only putting on display what they want you to see. There are often skeletons in the closet that cripple them daily.
By breaking down stigmas and sharing your success story, you can inspire someone else to walk your path. To tell the victorious part, you must also share the not so glamorous stuff too. The things you experience and feel while at rock bottom is relatable to an individual struggling with addiction. It might give them the courage to fight another day. Put your pride aside and share your recovery story.
People Are Searching for Hope Through the Testimony of Others
The internet is a significant part of most people’s lives. Whenever there is a question, problem, or research is needed, most head to the world wide web. The same goes for a person that wants help with an addiction. Most often, they don’t know where to go or what to do. They will seek the advice of others to get them through this challenging time. They are looking for someone like you to step up and show them how to overcome. People don’t always trust doctors, counselors, or other medical professionals, but they will believe the words of someone who has walked the path and lived to tell the tale. Your words will be a dominant form of inspiration to someone.
You Can Help Ease Other’s Fears
Many people don’t seek help simply because they are afraid. Remember, drugs and alcohol affect your reasoning skills. You don’t think clearly, so it’s not always easy to make the best decisions. The addiction has probably already affected their family life, relationships with children, their job, and self-esteem. Thinking about checking into a rehab center is more than what many can bear.
The thing is you can take away some of the fear by telling your story. Be very detailed and tell them how the staff at the rehabilitation center made you think and feel. They will hang on every word and use your guidance to make life-changing decisions. Your recovery story may save a life.
Many Don’t Know Where to Begin
Drugs and alcohol put people in a vulnerable position. Because they are not thinking clearly, they may not know which direction to turn for help. You are giving them hope by telling them how to overcome. Make sure you include your steps for success. The first step is the most important, but you want to make sure they know what they should do. If they take anything from your story, it should be that they can conquer their demons and there is help out there.
Every state has numerous resources to help the addict, though some are better than others. Make sure you include things that give them information on how and where to get help. If you had a great experience at a rehabilitation center, feel free to share where it’s located. Even drop a name or two of a people that they should contact. Each little detail is taking a bit of the fear of the unknown away from someone who is terrified.
Your Words May Save A Life!
Addiction recovery is necessary to get over the dependency and to begin again. The thing that many people don’t understand is that rehabilitation centers have help for all phases of recovery. They won’t be thrown out into the streets without having the skills and education they need to maintain their sobriety. Your story may be just the motivation that someone needs to turn their test into a testimony. Don’t be afraid of what others think, the ones that truly matter will use your experiences and find encouragement to fight another day. In fact, you may save a life.
