As a senior advisor at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, I have a lot be proud of this National Recovery Month. Over the last year, I’ve gotten to create and support so many initiatives focused on substance use, recovery and lived experience here at the National Council. But as we celebrate Recovery Month, I can’t help but feel the most pride in my own recovery journey — the reason why I get to be here working on such important efforts.
I’ve been in recovery since 19. Because of that journey, I know the transformative power of a life built on a foundation of recovery. I know what it’s like to rebuild trust in myself, to learn new ways of coping with despair, stress and a brain wired for dopamine-seeking. I also recognize the real privilege of beginning my healing journey earlier, rather than later.
This Recovery Month, I celebrate my journey. I celebrate the millions of other Americans in recovery today. I also commit to helping young people find their footing on a healthier path, before substance use becomes disorder.