Recover Out Loud

When I hear the word recovery, I automatically think of someone who’s been in a terrible accident or is battling a bad disease or physical ailment. It’s not until I decided to give up alcohol myself that I learned “recovery” had a completely different meaning than my prior perception. September is National Recovery Month, and I couldn’t be prouder today to write about a topic so near and dear to my heart. Alcohol and other drugs are a direct contributor to dozens of different health problems and cancers that ultimately end up taking people’s lives. More than 140,000 people died in the US last year due to excessive use of alcohol. This doesn’t even include deaths caused by alcohol-related incidents such as DUIs, domestic abuse, etc.?

I am begging you to do the research that alcohol is doing to your body. The statistic that one glass a day of wine is good for you? Multiple reputable studies have now shown that even one glass a day is dangerous to your health. If you want the same “benefits” that a glass of wine can give you, drink a glass of cranberry juice. All of the good things in the glass of wine are actually killed by the ethanol that’s present. I used to be that person that justified my drinking habits by the fact that there were some “good” benefits to it. If I would’ve known the truths, I would’ve quit a long time ago.?

The craziest thing is that when you’re walking down the street, you probably have no idea who is struggling with substance issues. Yes, there are homeless people who have unfortunately been dealt a tough hand and rely on substances to get through the hurt. There are also the people who are dressed to the nines on their way to their corporate job who hide it a lot better. There is a large misconception that if you have a real problem, you need to look like it. The person struggling with alcohol or another type of drug doesn’t have to appear beaten down or “rough enough” to look like they need help. It is people out there who look exactly like you and me. Addiction does not prefer one race, gender, or any type of specific background.?

In honor of National Recovery Month, I encourage you to read the statistics about substance abuse in your area. Did you know that fentanyl deaths are now the #1 cause of death for adults nationwide? Me neither. The more knowledgeable we all are about the truths around substance, the more power we take back from big alcohol, tobacco, and other misleading, corrupt companies. Why do you think that so many alcohol companies are starting to make non-alcoholic options? They are seeing the shift. People are starting to educate themselves and see the realities of indulging in alcohol on a regular basis. If you or someone you love is struggling with any kind of substance, please reach out for help. Your story does not have to end here, and you CAN get your life back on track!