News from the Noteworthy from LEAF

Our Best Selves: Celebrating Recovery

Sometimes my columns are newsy, sometimes upbeat, sometimes free-flowing rambles, and sometimes they are personal. This one falls into that last category, with a few sprinkles of newsiness for good measure.

September is Recovery Month. This will be my 31st such month in my own recovery journey. I am a grateful human being.

As I am sure you are aware, we are in the midst of the greatest addiction and overdose crisis that our country has ever seen. We are losing more than 100,000 people per year, and that doesn’t even begin to count the friends, family, schools, communities, and workplaces that are impacted by those deaths. It is heartbreaking and it is a national tragedy.

Addiction is a confounding disease. It is a chronic, recurring, progressive and often fatal disorder that no one asks to have. People with addiction have brains that process mood-altering substances in a way that demands more. The internal, silent desire can become insatiable. The unfortunate reality is that no one knows if they have one of “those” brains until it happens. And even then, multiple bad events tend to happen before the person suffering with addiction can begin to get an inkling of the truth.

Too many people are still unaware that prevention works and that addiction can be treated, just like other health problems. I have witnessed the positive reality of recovery. Individuals who embrace recovery achieve improved mental and physical health and form stronger relationships with their neighbors, family members, coworkers, and peers. It is important that we know, speak and share the truth in our community in order to help more people believe recovery is possible.

This is the part of our national addiction story that is filled with good news. It is a story I live daily as I interact with people who have either just started their recovery journey, or who have several trips around the sun in sobriety. And, even though my professional work is about prevention, people share their journey with me because I have been open about my own. I celebrate each and every one of those stories.

As a community and as a culture, we must welcome people into recovery, rather than shame them for not being there yet. Oftentimes, individuals who experience mental health or a substance use disorder feel isolated and alone. Every year, millions of Americans experience these conditions. Creating environments and relationships that promote acceptance and understanding is not easy, but it changes lives for the better.

In creating that welcoming atmosphere, support for the families and loved ones of those who struggle with addiction is also crucial. It is not easy being the loved one of a person with addiction. It is especially difficult when the fear of getting “the” phone call looms over one’s life like a storm cloud. Ask anyone who has been through it. They would probably be grateful for the question. A genuine, non-judgmental conversation can mean the world.

Hope is everything. I encourage you to not give up on people who, at this moment, can’t seem to find their way out. They have to fight past the lies coming from their own brain. Love and acceptance can go a long way toward illuminating that path. Likewise, I encourage you to celebrate your friends, family and coworkers who are in recovery. It can be a real spirit booster when a person in recovery experiences appreciation and respect for their ongoing success.

Recovery is possible.

Recovery is hard.

Recovery is hope.

Recovery is a worthy pursuit.

Celebrate Recovery 2023.

Julie Dostal is executive director of the LEAF Council on Alcoholism & Addictions, Oneonta.