Most people know I am a person in long-term recovery. For me, that means I have not used any mind altering substances since 12/26/18. It also means that since that date, I have dug deep and faced trauma, associated fears, past resentments, social anxiety, depression and daily mental battles to create a psychic change which allowed me to maintain optimal wellness to become a leader in my family and my community.
I’m posting this because this month is National Recovery Month and I love seeing my feed lit with post from people from all over the world representing for their recovery to show their is HOPE!
This is one of the most empowering and enlightening things to witness, especially because most individuals in recovery have battled mental health struggles, trauma, and suicide ideation/ attempts and this month is also National Suicide Awareness Month.
Reminder: Recovery is Real !!!
By erasing the stigma, we are working towards a solution for people to feel comfortable to advocate and to also give hope to those who are still struggling.
Because many are still struggling…
-Approximately 20 million individuals in the US have a substance use disorder
-93,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. last year. (Clemson football stadium holds 81,500)
-Over 500,000 deaths due to drug use worldwide.
-Global statistics show that 703,000 people die by suicide each year and another stat estimates this number to reach 1.53 million this year.
However, there is also an estimated 23.5 million people living in long-term recovery! Yes, 23.5 million and my hope is that every single one of them doesn’t feel like they have to keep hiding in the dark anymore. You are accepted, you are loved, you have purpose, and our communities need you !
