Recovery Matters

Last year, my sister and I joined our county’s opioid overdose coalition. She and I have been very vocal about how fortunate we are to not have to fight addiction, and at the same time how BLESSED we are to be able to support our local community members in recovery. Joining the coalition was a no-brainer. We want to be as involved as we possibly can to help end the stigma of addiction.

This morning was our monthly coalition meeting. I left that meeting pissed off!!🤬 Not because of the members, but because of a situation that many of them were involved in this week. Here’s the Cliffs Notes version: A woman who lost a son to an overdose a few years back purchased two properties in the city with the intention of running STATE-LICENSED three-quarter houses for men. Because those properties happen to be in a business district, there was a zoning council meeting on the subject. Basically, this zoning council will advise the city council whether or not they think the special use permits should be granted to allow these recovery houses to operate. Y’all….two attorneys with offices nearby showed up to urge the council to deny this woman’s request. Let me just tell you that my blood was boiling as one of the members recounted what transpired at this meeting. People in long term recovery were in attendance to offer support. They were met with harsh criticism and comments that left me feeling offended on their behalf. This council will recommend to our city council that the application for these special-use permits to be denied.

I hope and pray that when this woman goes before the city council next week, they will be more receptive to her idea. This is EXACTLY the type of stigma that our coalition and the agency partners who give so tireless of their time are working to end. These are people we are talking about. They are not their addiction. They are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, mothers, fathers, friends, and coworkers who make a conscious effort every single day to fight the disease that previously wreaked havoc on their lives. They are some of the absolute strongest people I have ever met. THEY DO RECOVER, and I am honored to call so many of them friends.

The diseases of addiction and alcoholism are running rampant in our country. They don’t discriminate based on age, race, religion, sexual identity, socioeconomic status, or any other demographic. If you are fortunate enough to not have to fight these battles yourself, I’d bet the farm that you know someone who is. Often they keep their disease a secret because they don’t want to be stigmatized. Society has spent too many years looking down on these people rather than trying to help them overcome and prosper. It hurts my heart to think that in 2023 anyone struggling with addiction or alcoholism would be made to feel less than.

We have got to do better. We have got to be better. I know I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes and bad decisions. I’ve done things I regret. I’ve suffered the consequences of my actions. Along the way, I’ve learned what to do and what not to do to avoid those missteps in the future. I’ve forgiven myself. I’ve learned to love myself. The people who would be moving into those recovery houses are no different than me. They’ve faced struggles and made mistakes. They’ve overcome obstacles. They’ve learned. They’ve grown. They are deserving of a safe place to lay their head at night, surrounded by people who understand and who are supportive rather than judgmental. Whatever happened to “Love Thy Neighbor” or “Treat others as you want to be treated?”

If you’re struggling with addiction, please know that you are not alone. Help is available, just reach out. Remember that you are worthy. You matter. You are loved. I don’t care if I’ve known you for your entire life or if we’ve never met… I believe in you. I support you on your journey to becoming the amazing person you were meant to be. I see you. I love you. I’m waiting with open arms to welcome you to a life full of possibilities in recovery. 🤗 The hugs are only the beginning. 🤗

💜Please support your local recovery community however you can. 💜 Share this blog. Share your story. Help us end the stigma.