Ever wish you could go back in time, and tell your younger self all the things you know now? This is what one recovering addict wrote to his 12 year old self:
“Dear Young Man,
In just a few short years, you’ll be faced with a decision that will forever change your life. Your “friends” are going to encourage you to try drugs and alcohol with the promise that you will feel better. They aren’t lying. At first, you will feel fantastic. You will think that life cannot stop you; you’ll become invincible.
In the process, you’ll slowly become a new young man. One who can’t go through a day without drugs and alcohol. A boy that has no interest in sports, activities or anything that won’t include him getting high or drunk.
You’ll lose connection with your family that lives around you every day. Your brothers will become strangers and your parents will become the enemy. They will attempt to sabotage every ounce of “fun” you are trying to have.
As you get older…it just gets harder!
You’ll decide not to pursue a college education and take whatever jobs you can get. You’ll make lots of friends, you can be sure of that! But…they don’t really like you. No, they like your money, your drugs and what you can do for them. In the times when you really need them, they won’t be around for you.
You’ll engage in lots of relationships that aren’t based on love, but instead on what you can give one another. When they have nothing to offer you, you’ll move on. Worse yet, when they feel you have nothing more to give to them, they’ll desert you.
There will be pains, great pain, and you won’t know how to cope. Drugs and alcohol will be needed every day just to deal with life’s smallest problems.
You’ll spend hours waiting for your dealer to call. You’ll put off other plans or events based on when you can score your next high. You’ll drive around the block five times before you finally see him, and then you’ll watch over your shoulder constantly waiting for the cops to bust you.
Jail Time…Yes, That’s Your Reality
No matter how smart you think you are, you won’t be able to hide well enough. You will be caught, arrested, and you will go to jail. Problem is, you don’t fit in there and you live every day in fear of what is about to happen to you. There is no sleep, no peace, just fear!
You’ll leave there sure that you’ll never make those mistakes again. It’s on to a straight life now, or so you tell yourself.
Further Down the Hole
You become a man you never knew you could be. You spend your time stealing from loved ones. They trust you and think you love them, but you just use them. You lie to those closest to you and engage in activities you never thought you’d do. All this just for drugs and alcohol.
You’ll lose jobs and steal from employers. You’ll betray their trust time and time again. This will just cause you to feel worse about yourself; to sink deeper into the guilt and shame that leads to more drug and alcohol abuse.
You’ll Eventually Hit Bottom…
The light bulb will finally go off. You know you are worth more than this, and you’ll finally take the steps to do something different. You will enter into recovery and fight a long, hard battle to get sober. The first few years will be faced with temptations and cravings. You will want to go back to your old life time and time again but will fight with all that you have to stay away.
Life completely turns around for you. You find peace, joy, and serenity as you learn to live one day at a time. You marry the woman of your dreams and start a beautiful family. Your relationships with family and friends grow deep and strong. Your life has meaning and you have a purpose.
Does It Have to Be This Way?
I don’t know. I wish I had all the answers. I would love to be able to tell you in confidence that your life doesn’t need to take this path, but maybe it’s just what you need to become who you will be. Maybe you wouldn’t be as happy in the future if you don’t suffer so much loss.
I wish you knew now what I know about you. Maybe it would save you some heartache.
You don’t need to be so self-conscious | You are a talented and smart young man. You are full of potential and have the capability to do anything you put your mind to. Your life doesn’t need to be wasted on drugs and alcohol.
You are kind and loving | You have a deep care for your family and friends. For many years, the drugs and alcohol are going to take your compassion away, but it’s there. Deep inside you’ve always loved others more than yourself. You’ve always desired to put their needs first. You aren’t a thief or a liar! That is just a lie to keep you stuck.
You are strong | You have an inner strength that will get you through each and every hard time. When you get older, you will be the rock that gets your family through the rough moments. Don’t be fooled, everyone has times of uncertainty in life. It is your strength and perseverance that sets you apart from others. You don’t give up and you’ve never been a quitter.
You’ve never needed drugs and alcohol | They’ve never been your friend and they didn’t make your life easier. They created more problems. They’ll rob you of years of fulfillment and happiness if you let them. You have always had everything you’ve needed inside of yourself to battle life. Just reach deep and pull it out!
As I Leave You Now
Whatever you choose to do as you get older, remember this. As long as you are breathing, there is hope. You are never too far gone. There are others out there to help you. You can be forgiven and you can build the life you’ve always dreamed of. Don’t quit and never give up believing that you have the power to achieve great things.
Dig deep and pull the strength out that you need. Live life to the fullest, remembering that every day you receive is a gift. It should be treasured and enjoyed. Spend time caring for yourself and others. Make the world a better place each and every day by your smile. You are only one person, but you have the power to change many lives.”
Contact Clearbrook Today
For 45 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been offering hope from substance abuse. If you or someone you know if suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, we can help. By providing a medically supervised detoxification process and an abstinence-based model of therapy, our patients have the opportunity to experience a life free from the physical craving and mental obsession associated with chemically dependency. If you are ready to change your life, please contact our Admissions Specialists today.
ARE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL?
CALL CLEARBROOK TREATMENT CENTERS NOW AT 1-800-582-6241
