The Power of Recovery

You Don't Have to Live in the Prison of Addiction

Did you know September is National Recovery Month?

Yes, it sure is! But what does that mean? From a Presidential Proclamation made earlier this month, I found this description super helpful..

This month, we recognize the more than 21 million Americans in recovery from substance use disorder.  They exemplify courage, hope, and resilience as they seek new beginnings and help countless others find pathways to healing.  People in recovery serve in every sector of society as business leaders, public servants, community leaders, and more.  During National Recovery Month, we celebrate their contributions, and we honor the loved ones who have supported them on their recovery journeys.  We also reaffirm our commitment to making sure every American has the resources they need to recover and thrive.

The entire Proclamation is quite good, you can read the whole thing here!

But Mark…what does it mean to you?

Thanks for asking! I’ve never talked about this before, so bear with me…

If you’ve been following my story over the past months…maybe even years, you know that I’ve been on a significant journey…and it’s a journey of healing and recovery from a lot of stuff that life has tossed my way (you get to be THIS OLD and things can really pile up!)… but also some things I’ve chosen along the way. Sometimes it’s just “stinkin thinkin.” But there have also been some unhealthy ways that I’ve chosen to deal with the challenges of life.

One way that I’ve settled for (on way too many occasions) is by drinking alcohol. Alcohol can be delicious, yes. And I’ve had a ton of fun with friends while drinking. Some people drink just because it tastes good. Some people drink to fit in with their social circle. Some people drink to become the person they want to be, but can’t be when they’re sober. Some people drink to escape. Heck, drinking is constantly advertised to us with ads filled with happy, sexy people…who wouldn’t want that? There are so many reasons why we/I drink.

But the bottom line is this: alcohol is poison that changes who you are. It debilitates you. It makes you incapable of driving safely. It wears you out. It can destroy relationships and your ability to work your job. I could go on, right?

I’ve had a couple stretches of intentional sobriety—consciously choosing not to drink at all. And the current stretch I’m in has to do with the fact that I want to be the VERY BEST MARK SMEBY I CAN BE and I want to remove anything that can hinder that. Sure, maybe I could drink a little…maybe sometime in the future, I don’t know. But for now, nope. I’m enjoying it too much.

This is a fact: I have never once regretted times of sobriety. I’m more present. I’m more capable of helping others. I’m not wiped out physically. I don’t have to wonder what might’ve happened last night, or what I might’ve said to someone, thinking I was “just being funny.” Ugh.

I know that some people don’t feel like they would be capable of any stretch of sobriety. I’m here to say: YES YOU ARE! AND THERE’S HELP AVAILABLE.

I’ve learned that we have soooooooo many options on how we can respond to these challenges. Sometimes when I’m bowled over by life, the best decision might be to take a nap, eat some food, call a friend, listen to music, or exercise. But there might be an even better option for you, for me.

It takes a ton of courage, and even some creativity, to wonder and then believe that life can be better than it is.

What’s This “Better” Option?

I’ve sat in all kinds of 12-Step meetings, and I’m a big fan. I’ve seen some of the most courageous, the most authentic, the most spiritual people in those rooms. People who have grown tired of settling for a life that is entangled to anything. It could be a co-dependent relationship. It could be a sex addiction—there are many kinds. It could be drugs or alcohol. I also believe some people are addicted to working, some are addicted to church.

I chatted with Kelli K., a person in recovery from alcohol use disorder and an addiction counselor. She offered this important information: “Alcohol use disorder is a progressive and hereditary disease. So, for those with the condition, making the choice to stop just isn’t an option. We want to sooooo badly—thanks to all of the things you mentioned—but our minds have become mercilessly obsessed with the addiction that is cunning, baffling, and powerful. As the Big Book says, without help it is too much for us.”

Please hear me…

You don’t have to fight all alone. There are many people near you right now who are choosing to help themselves and help others live a recovered life—one that breathes, rather than suffocates, one that can think and see clearly, rather than cloudy or blurred.

Here’s some good news: I can almost guarantee that there are dozens of 12-Step group meetings going on in church basements close by you, probably with bad coffee and folding chairs, but more importantly, you’ll meet people who are further along on the journey than you are…who would love to help you.

God bless you as you take the next right step.

Here’s a site with some really great resources — help is available!

And if you’re in crisis right now, please call or text 988.