That sounds rather dramatic.
Well, addiction is dramatic. Staying hidden within our addiction until the eventual dramatic end—or being sober. Sobriety is equally dramatic in so many ways. When we got sober and didn’t die, our lives are changed in every way—dramatically. And we can still be anonymous in sobriety to protect ourselves. Just not hiding in isolation anymore.
The recent death of Matthew Perry brings attention to the addiction issue for the general public. For the people still in their addiction and people in sobriety, we are nodding our heads in the quiet understanding of this process—and, the reminder of what the end of that road looks like for us and so many that we love.
It doesn’t matter if we find out that Matt relapsed or not, before he died. The thing that does matter, is that Matthew Perry chose to speak about his struggle publicly, and in his book, before the end. His life and legacy in his “service to others” is how he will be remembered.
I read this very inspiring and comforting headline, "Matthew Perry Wanted to Be Remembered for Helping Others in Recovery From Addiction” Inspiring for those in recovery who are still struggling. And, comforting for those still in their addiction, to know it can be done. There is hope.
In Matthew Perry's words, “The best thing about me, bar none, is that if somebody comes to me and says, ‘I can’t stop drinking, can you help me?’ I can say ‘yes’ and follow up and do it.” And, he did. There’s the hope.
I can say the same thing he has said here, and mean it. It is one good way I can make a difference in this life. If we are hiding in our addiction and isolating from others, no help can be received or given by others to us. All of us forget that addiction is a life or death matter. Really no middle ground here. If I can help inspire one person into sobriety today by my speaking publicly about my story, I will have made a difference.
Anonymity is something we practice in sobriety. To protect those who have chosen to join us and protection from those in their lives who don’t understand. This is a good practice. I protect those I sponsor and work with in our program through anonymity. It is not my story to tell. It is there’s. They need protection in the healing process.
I choose to not be anonymous. I have chosen to live in the light and try and shine it for others. No secrets. The secret to my sobriety is that my sobriety is not a secret—on purpose now. The secrets kept me stuck in addiction. Now, I can be of service to others who are trying to stay sober or want to get sober, but don’t know how. I want to be an example for others that it can be done.
I realize, there is still a stigma attached to being an addict/alcoholic. Gradually, if I shed that belief, I can be used by God, to show others that the real stigma is staying in the dark—not coming out into the light. It is here in the light where you and I can be used.
If you need to be anonymous, it is so very ok! And, I encourage you to speak at AA meeting level to share your story of hope with others within our safe community.
Reach out and help someone.
Pray for those still suffering.
Choose a sober life today.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
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