Let’s have a chat, shall we?Having been in the alcohol and drug counselling field for quite some time, there’s always one question on everyone’s mind:I want to get into recovery; how do I do that?So, it’s about time I tell all.I made a mistake once that I hope never to repeat when a person addicted to drugs asked me this question. I said, “Just stop.” I was pressed for time; he threw it at me while I was in the middle of doing something, and it just popped out of my mouth. I know it is almost impossible just to stop using drugs or alcohol.When I was 16 years old, I was introduced to a “sobriety” meeting. My friend asked me if I wanted to go to a “sobriety” meeting. I said sure. When we were there, the main facilitator came up to us and said that if we had any questions whatsoever, just let him know. This was before the meeting began. I thought it was a really strange request, so I asked my friend what kind of meeting this was. He repeated that it was a sobriety meeting. I then asked, What does that mean? What does sobriety mean? He said it was an AA meeting (Alcoholics Anonymous). As soon as I learned that, I was out the door.I did not come back through the doors until ten years later. I was now 25 years old, and I came back to AA because, at that time, that was the only place I encountered “recovery.” This was my introduction to recovery. Unfortunately, I did not stay in recovery the first time. I relapsed after approximately three months of sobriety. The second time I tried recovery, I was 26 years old. This time, I did what was suggested. I joined a home group, I read the big book, I got a sponsor who guided me through the steps thoroughly and honestly, and I believe I eventually had a spiritual awakening. I thank God for this experience because I think it saved my life.I have heard horror stories about people going in and out of recovery like a revolving door for decades. I heard this was the definition of hell—to have one foot in recovery and one foot in addiction. I believe this revolving door effect happens because people are introduced to recovery too early in their addictive lifestyle.What my experience has taught me is that in order for “active” recovery to stick, I needed to make sure I hit my rock bottom. I am glad Rock Bottom is different for everyone. As harsh as it sounds, I almost feel like encouraging people to stay in their addictions until they are sure they hit rock bottom. Otherwise, you may also get stuck in revolving door hell. Another factor was stumbling across an individual who took it upon themselves to make my life more important to them than it was to me. So my life was more important to him than it was for me, my own life. He always said I did not have to do what I was doing and that there was a different way of life.When I hit my rock bottom, I said, OK, now I quit. I did not know for how long, but I took the steps necessary to ensure that sobriety was permanent. Some people say practice makes perfect, but I believe what Dale Carnegie said: “Practice makes permanent." I was almost a permanent alcoholic because I was definitely a practicing alcoholic.Are you shocked, or was it entirely what you expected?Ask me more questions down below, and I’ll get back to you.

A drug addict asked me to stop, but I accidentally said "just stop" while pressed for time.

How do I get what you have?

Read the latest stories, insights, and resources on Indigenous recovery and 60s Scoop experiences. JD Associates’ blog shares personal journeys, healing tips, and cultural reconnection.

Blog | Indigenous Recovery Stories & 60s Scoop Insights | JD Associates

Explore our blog for Indigenous recovery stories, insights from the 60s Scoop survivor, and resources. JD Associates shares personal journeys, community news, and healing tools.

How do I get what you have?

How do I get what you have?

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