i spoke about AA at the Detox again last night. i don't remember the last time i felt so - present.
When i'm there, it seems just the right place to be. i am comfortable speaking (i'm usually kind of nervous)and the time flies by.
i also find that i truly care about the audience -- i'm there for them, it's not about me, which is a nice break from my usual worries of all about me: my job, money, relationship, weight, blah, blah.
i've decided to look into careers working with substance and alcohol abuse. there seem to be certificates you can earn to get started in the field. i'm concerned about low salary; however, we'll see what i learn as i begin the research. if i can pay my bills on the salary, there's so much extra i can cut out of my spending.
i'm excited!!!! imagine doing something i care passionately about!!!!!!! (hard to imagine at the moment.)
it's been a tough road, career wise these days. but now i feel like i have something to work toward and dream about and plan for, and things feel a lot easier to take.
i'm all for that!
I think that people who have been on both sides of addiction (before and after) are the best for advising those who have addictions.
ReplyDeleteYou know what it is about. You know how hard it is. You know the emotions behind addiction.
You have awareness.
I'm back to read your posts again, last time your readers did not like what I said, TOO BAD ... :(p ... however you replied in positive fashion, shows good character.
ReplyDeleteI like what you wrote this time, perhaps your experiences have elevated your awareness and you're rapidly approaching "a dawn of altruism" ... you may even adopt a new motto such as "it's not all about me", who knows.
If that's the case I hope the good Lord shines his light your way and you continue with these good works.
As I'm new to blog posts I don't have a way to comment other than as Anonymous. My name is Josephyn and I wish you well.
Great idea!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've found something that is so meaningful and fulfilling, I bet you would be fantastic doing that kind of thing for a career, or even on the side as you establish your credentials. I think that people who have struggled severely themselves are sometimes the most insightful and skilled advisers, because they can both understand the difficulties and know how to to the chase with people when they need a serious boost.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, keep us updated!
Linda; the other thing i found while in treatment for drugs and alcohol -- with the counselors who were NOT former users, you could pull the wool over their eyes about stuff. they just didn't "get" the sneaky mind of the addict. we would laugh (unkindly, i suppose) at their naivete.
ReplyDeleteJosephyn: Thank you. i do believe its our responsibility as recovering folks to do everything we can to help others.
Thank you for your comments. i'm interested in what brings you here to this blog. no need to answer if it makes you uncomfortable -- i'm just interested
Just me; i really appreciate the support. i am often so confused about next steps, but it does seem like a very interesting idea. and i would love if my past and struggles could be useful to others. at least, then, it would feel like all the pain has some real purpose
Cammy; thank you. i think those who "know the ropes" can be very helpful to those still struggling. it was always so hopeful to me to see that it was possible to get better.
i also like the idea of doing things on the side while i get certified. i'm going to talk to a friend of a friend who's a therapist at a facility and get a sense of career options, etc. i'm nervous AND excited.
I think that is so awesome! When you can work doing something that you are passionate about, it is so much rewarding. I hope it works out, and that you are able to find the job that you want, that also pays enough. Keep us posted:)
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really good area for you to explore. You could really be the person who helps someone to recover from any addiction, I think. I actually worked with an alcoholic to recover from my eating disorder and reached the healthiest point in my recovery during that time. What I found most interesting, actually, was that she'd never had an eating disorder and I didn't actually meet her by looking for help to recover from anorexia at all. Yet, she was able to understand my thought process -- which is what makes me think you could help all sorts of people with addictions, regardless of what those addictions could be. I also think that someone who has that mindset will know the right things to say, or when not to say anything.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, enough about what I think :) I'm just happy to hear you've found something that makes you happy and about which you can be passionate. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that your research into the area turns up some good results!!
Angela; Thank you! money is an issue. i spoke with someone yesterday who said that it's pretty low paying. i have to decide if i'm really willing to try to live on so little. i just emailed an old friend who i'm pretty sure got the certificate recently. i'll see what he says. it took a little wind out of my sails, but i have hope that there's a way. i hate to say that i wished i done this at 27, not 47. of course, i hadn't even started drinking at 27 and hadn't taken any drug yet, so i wouldn't have as much to offer!
ReplyDeletekris; thank you! i'm glad you found good help. it's interesting -- i worked with a therapist who was a specialist in alcohol/drug addiction, and she was very helpful here. she was not, however, too in touch with the eating disorder. i think it's because she hadn't had a drug or alcohol problem either.
I think it is a great idea. I know that you would be so helpful to people, based on my experiences with you helping me! You are very understanding and empathetic, but are also able to ask such great questions that lead to insights.
ReplyDelete