There is purpose, there is hope

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'There is purpose, there is hope’: What Addiction Survivors Wished They Knew Before Entering Treatment

Checking yourself in for addiction treatment isn’t a decision that comes lightly. And although your loved ones will do their best to support you, it may be hard for them to relate.

We spoke to several recovering addicts who recently left rehabilitation, and they were kind enough to share their insight on deciding to seek help. Some were ready for the journey when they arrived while others needed time to adjust — but in the end, they all agreed: seeking treatment was the right choice.

Here are a few things they told us that anyone considering rehabilitation should keep in mind.

The understanding you long for can be found in your recovery peers

One of the great things about rehab is that you’re surrounded by others who really do understand what you’re going through. And, as Eric explained, that’s especially important in your first few days while your body is detoxing:

“When I moved into the main facility, peer support was huge for me. Everybody knew I wanted to be there, that I wanted to get help. But physically it was pretty rough on me. I had people coming up to me before, during and after class, at breakfast, lunch and dinner, while we were playing cards — all the time — just asking me how I was doing. They told me, ‘Hang in there,’ ‘You can do it,’ ‘We've been there,’ ‘You're strong, you can do this.’ As far as recovery goes, they had my back 100 percent.”

It didn’t stop with mere words of support, either. Eric told us that prior to treatment, most of his experience with other addicts tended to be quid pro quo — help always came at a price. But in rehab, the support was mutual, but also selfless.

“If I ever needed anything, they would drop whatever they were doing and help me out,” he said. “And coming from using drugs and hanging out with drug addicts, that's usually not the case unless it involved drugs. So to ask for something — and to offer nothing — and get whatever you ask for in return is a really gratifying and rewarding experience.”

Instant gratification is not your friend

Drugs have the tendency to disguise themselves as a quick, easy fix. Whether it’s stress over work or a heart-wrenching breakup, using substances can make you feel better — but only for a while. For Jimmy, it wasn’t until he took the more difficult route that he realized true happiness.

“I think for a long time I was seeking who I really was,” he reflected. “Who am I really to myself, to my family, to my son? I needed instant gratification. I wanted the outcome and the reward and not do all the work. But now, it’s the opposite. Do the work for yourself and the reward will be mind boggling.”

You have to know why you use to really be able to stop

Recovery isn’t just about kicking your habit — it’s about getting to the root of the problem.

“My favorite part about treatment was that it didn’t focus on the alcohol and drug use aspect so much,” Jeremy said. “It was more about finding yourself — who you are in life and which direction to go.”

Alexander agreed, noting his time in addiction treatment at A Forever Recovery in Michigan didn’t just help him identify the problems, he also learned healthier ways to cope.

“I knew the main problem was with myself and how I dealt with hardships and disappointments,” he explained. “It blew me out of the water learning what I could do with myself. They helped me handle those negative emotions and gave me coping skills in so many different ways.

“You can’t do it alone,” he added. “I could not have done this alone.”

And that’s OK. Despite what your insecurities may try to convince you, asking for help is not only OK — it’s necessary for everyone at some point or another, addicted or not. You don’t have to submit yourself to the idea that things won’t get better. Jimmy said it best:

“You don’t have to end your life this way. You can live life to the fullest. There is purpose, there is hope. And if you dig deep, you shall set yourself free.”

Cecelia Johnson believes strongly in the power of good deeds and recognizing great work. That’s why she created RecognitionWorks.org. The site is dedicated to connecting those who’ve been awarded for exemplary work in their communities to companies and organizations that can help them continue their admirable efforts through donations, sponsorships, and gifts. By making these connections, she hopes to build stronger, more altruistic communities and citizens.