The opposite of addiction is connection

Connection takes us out of isolation.

Addiction wants you in a room, alone, drinking. It doesn't want you to talk to anyone, to share how you're feeling, or to ask for help. It wants to keep you isolated and weak.

Sobriety is the opposite. It wants you to develop positive connections - to have people around that you care about your wellbeing and want to support you.

The opposite of addiction is connection. For many people who've walked the walk of addiction and recovery, the connection is with others who've had the same experiences. There is nothing like walking a mile in someone else's shoes to really understand and have empathy for someone else's problems and pain.

Addiction is one of those experiences that no one can really fathom until they have been through it themselves. 'Why do you drink?' 'Why do you use drugs?' 'Why do you do this to yourself?' will be asked over and over by family and friends.

Positive connections to others in sobriety can help keep you sober.

The opposite of addiction is connection

When two or more people who've experienced substance abuse gather to speak about their problem, something magical happens. Truths are spoken, stories are shared, tears and laughter flow easily. Denial, a pillar of the disease of addiction, fades away amid heartbreaking and honest revelations of pain, loneliness and despair. Smiles break open tired and weary faces when they realise that getting clean and sober is actually possible.

As one person in recovery helps another through the raw and challenging days of early recovery, a bond forms, leading to a connection that can last a lifetime. Relationships with loved ones that were tested and broken begin to heal. Light shines into once dark corners. Hope rises. In recovery, there is a new connection to the world and life itself.

What positive connections do you have today? Are you isolating from life, or living it in a full and healthy way?

Like podcasts?

Listen to the About Ocean Hills episode of the Addicted to Recovery podcast, below.

ATR About Ocean Hills

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If you think a stay at Ocean Hills might be for you, call our founder Elaine on 027 573 7744 for a confidential chat, or you can contact the team here.