Rehabs of America
For some, recovery may seem distant and impossible. Long-term recovery is possible for many. While alcohol misuse can seem to "choose", and the responsibility of fighting alcoholism lies on the individual, it is possible to achieve long-term sobriety with the support of loved ones and professional treatment.
Joy Sutton, host American Addiction Centers (AAC) Sober Wednesdays, met four current employees at the national leader in addiction treatment.
AAC's compassionate medical team includes many who have struggled with drug and alcohol misuse in the past. These long-term sober employees provide empathy and care for their patients. These employees are proof that anyone who is struggling with addiction can change their lives and make it productive and healthy.
The following panelists were part of the fourth episode Sober Wednesday:
Michael Kimball, Outreach Coordinator.
Danielle Smith, Outreach Coordinator.
Nicole Wolf, Business Development.
Last but not least Tyler Bell, Admissions Navigator.
This episode features a conversation about "Sober and Social": How to Live a full life in recovery.
There are many resources that can help you if alcohol abuse is a problem. AAC provides inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well medical detox in a caring environment. Help is available to those suffering from an alcohol addiction.
A fulfilling life in recovery
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that hope is the foundation of recovery and that recovery depends on an individual's coping skills, strengths, resources and inherent talents.
Recovery can be holistic and achieved by a variety of means for different people. Although no one person is going to have the exact same recovery experience, it can be very rewarding.
Some people are reluctant to seek treatment because they don't believe they can live a happy, fulfilled life after they have finished their treatment.
Danielle continues by saying, "We're socialized into believing that events can only happen without alcohol." To illustrate her point, she mentions large sporting events, children's sporting events, baby showers, and other events. Now that she is sober, "One the most beautiful things about it is not only can I enjoy it, but I also get to recall it and my true sparkle shines through it better than I ever thought."
Michael Kimball, AAC's outreach coordinator, adds his voice. "I became sober at 22 so I didn’t have much opportunity to get into the bar scene... I was very afraid of how I would keep sobriety while still having fun."
Michael has been sober for six years. "... I discovered quickly that I could have a more enjoyable life and it allowed me to pursue things I was interested in. Michael loves trying new experiences like taking up art classes or learning martial arts. These are things he might not have tried if he was focusing on drinking.
There are many avenues that can lead to sobriety. This could include peer support, medication, self-care or faith-based approaches.
Nicole Wolfe is a business development professional who loves the question How can you live a full social life in recovery? She says, "We do exactly the same things as everybody else." She laughs, "We just don't drink while doing it." "So, it's the same activities everyone does, and what everybody considers to be fun ..."
Tyler Bell, one of AAC’s admissions navigators shared that it was difficult to adjust to one's social network. As far as adapting, the people I was associating was more about just creating a new group of people.
This post was written in 22 MAY 2022
