Testimonials of survival and triumph in tough situations are great motivators. Looking at where you are and where you're trying to go, it's hard to imagine how to get there. The finish line on your journey always seems so far away. I have heard and seen countless stories of extreme weight loss, with people losing hundreds of pounds, and it baffles me how they were able to discipline themselves and persevere until they reached their weight loss goal. It's really tough situations like those that can seem the most hopeless - until someone comes along and proves that it's possible. Like any success story, hearing how a former addict kicked the habit is an encouragement that if he or she did it, you can do it too.
Recovering from addiction is an awesome achievement, and it's certainly not easy. Every day that a former addict survives drug- or alcohol-free is a testament to his or her sheer will and determination. We can gain strength from theirs. In group discussions that occur in organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous, the stories of addicts are told; and those who are farther along or who have been sober the longest are a shining example of the road ahead. Their stories give hope to those who are only seeing the darkness and not the light at the end of the tunnel.
Words Have Power
Some former addicts are inspired to write books and blogs or speak publicly about how they won their personal battle with drugs and alcohol, and I firmly believe that words have power. They may not realize the power they have to change someone else's life through their testimony. Success stories are empowering, both to the listeners and the ones telling them. We glean inspiration from people through their transparency, because suddenly we realize that we all face obstacles and struggle with something. So a former addict might be talking about overcoming alcohol addiction, but unknowingly they're giving hope to someone who's struggling with drug addiction, a physical illness or weight problems.
Former First Lady Betty Ford is remembered as a strong example of a woman who battled alcohol and prescription drug addiction and won. Her decision to quit and to use her public platform to motivate others to quit inspired the planting of the Betty Ford Memorial Garden outside of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Though she is deceased, Betty Ford is still impacting the lives of struggling addicts.
They appreciate her honesty and courage and have been inspired by her to get sober and maintain their sobriety. Betty Ford is a champion for women, but every person who has ever beaten the odds against addiction has a story to tell that will help someone else to be victorious.
There are also inspiring stories by Todd Zalkins, Amy Lee Coy and others who hit bottom and recovered.
Read Addiction Recovery Interviews with famous authors such as Patty Holloran, Todd Zalkins and others at AddictionRecoveryInterviews.com.
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