World-renowned speakers include Marianne Williamson, Glennon Doyle Melton, Elizabeth Vargas, Nikki Myers, Elena Brower, and Gabby Bernstein. These powerful women leaders in recovery are bravely sharing their experiences, and below are some top lessons they offer to those who want to break free from the chains of addiction. They aim to help those who battle alcohol or drug abuse by providing valuable insights. The drug rehab Orange County also helps in overcoming addiction.
1. Be upfront and honest about rehab
The women who take the stage to massive groups at conferences or speak one-on-one to people about their experiences with substance abuse are courageous. By sharing their experiences, they demonstrate to the world that it is possible to be sober, heal, and be successful.
Addiction and recovery are common sources of self-consciousness, but it’s important to continue to share your experiences as these ladies do as part of your healing journey. Plus, by sharing what you’ve learned, you can help others who need help, whether they are ready to accept it.
Speaking up and being honest and straightforward about rehab can help people who are scared to ask questions and get help. It’s not easy but can help many, including yourself, so it’s worth it.
2. Escape mechanisms have the potential to become an addiction
Yoga for 12 Step Recovery creator Nikki Myers talks about co-dependency, which she characterizes as “the disease of looking elsewhere.” She is the author of the book Yoga for 12 Step Recovery.
Shopping, gambling, exercise, and sex are some examples of activities that can become addictive when you are trying to get away from the present moment, according to Nikki’s line of reasoning. Her ideas for healing include developing a positive sense of self-worth and setting appropriate boundaries, two elements that are not commonly emphasized to women.
Her message of emotional sobriety is an important one. It is a topic often forgotten after individuals stop drinking and using drugs in their lives.
3. Find strategies to transform your struggle into victory
The author and recovering alcoholic Ann Dowsett Johnson encourages people to write about their recovery. We are taught by society that addiction is something that only terrible people suffer from, which contributes to the difficulty individuals have in seeking treatment when they need it. When she discusses writing about her rehabilitation, one of her tips is that honesty is important.
When on your recovery journey, consider blogging about it to help you work through various emotions and connect with others. Strive to be as open and honest as possible with your blog followers, revealing your problems and victories while emphasizing that rainbows and butterflies are not everyday in recovery.
Overcoming an addiction is a difficult process, to put it mildly. A vital lesson is to find the positives along the way, such as helping others or finding a deeper sense of self, rather than letting it consume you.
4. Nobody else is going to prioritize your well-being before theirs
You may have heard of Elizabeth Vargas, a journalist and the co-anchor of 20/20. She has spoken on alcoholism and anxiety in women and the ways they may coexist in the same person.
She has explained how meditation helped her recover from anxiety and alcoholism. In meditation, she sat in her discomfort and figured out why she was feeling nervous. In her rehabilitation program, Elizabeth stresses the need for self-care, which includes apologizing, accepting responsibility, and learning how to manage anxiety healthily.
Through meditative practice, Elizabeth demonstrates how crucial it is to put yourself first. You must prioritize your well-being, as no one can do the work for you.
5. Your suffering deserves acknowledgment
Despite being clean for almost a decade, Gabby Bernstein often discusses what it’s like to experience recent emotional lows, even after years of abstinence. Recovering from trauma is a journey of healing, but there are certain things that we ignore and reject until they come to light.
Even years later, Gabby was subjected to this. Instead of asking, “how can I avoid experiencing this pain?” she teaches others to ask, “how can I show up for this pain?”
Many folks spend years avoiding and numbing feelings by abusing drugs and alcohol. From an early age, people are taught that pain is undesirable and something to avoid. With that being said, healing has great power. Gabby included this important piece of information in her presentation.
The lesson there is to go past the suffering and grow as a result of facing it. By expressing your feelings, you open up the opportunity to reduce stress.