Overcoming Adolescent Addiction

When I reflect on my earliest memory, a blurry scene comes to mind.

I must have been a toddler because the top of the kitchen table was above my head. I remember a blurred face that I recognize as my dad. He hands me a cup to drink out of and I take a big swig of whiskey. Crying ensues from me; laughter from him.

I've often felt resentment toward my dad for this, especially after growing up with his erratic alcoholic behavior. I recall as a teenager pledging to myself that I would never subject my kids to addiction.

Fast forward 25 years and I'm loading a pipe with my buddies behind the locked door of my bedroom while my adolescent children wonder what dad is doing. My negligence stole critical time away from my kids and took them on a roller coaster ride that pales in comparison to my upbringing.

Now that I've experienced addiction first-hand I have come to surround the impression I have of my father with loving compassion. Through the process of recovery, I finally understood why he did what he did. And I feel that even though he had passed, we walked my recovery path together.

My dad was unconsciously operating from a place of trauma. He never maliciously hurt me nor did he understand the magnitude of his actions on my self-perception.

If you have an addicted parent, I hope you can also find space for this healing. We aren't required to forgive in the sense of "letting them off the hook" but we can heal by offering grace and understanding that they were not making decisions with a healthy brain.

Josh's story of addiction and recovery is a powerful testament to the human spirit's resilience.

Imagine at age 18 having experienced constant sexual molestation, physical abuse, mental abuse, drug addiction, five rehabs, and 15 arrests!

This man's story might provide the perspective shift you need to find appreciation and gratitude in your life.

1. Early Trauma and Addiction

Josh's story vividly illustrates the profound connection between childhood trauma and addiction. Growing up with a mother battling her own substance abuse issues exposed Josh to drugs at an alarmingly young age. This, coupled with the sexual abuse he endured, created a perfect storm for his descent into addiction.

Josh's experience of tasting heroin at age eight, followed by his mother's tacit approval of his drug use, highlights how early exposure and normalization of substance abuse can set the stage for a lifelong struggle. This underscores the critical importance of addressing underlying trauma in addiction treatment.

It's not enough to treat the substance use alone; the deep-seated emotional wounds that drive addictive behaviors must also be healed for true recovery to take place.

2. The Power of Purpose

A pivotal moment in Josh's recovery journey came when his best friend offered him the role of godfather to her child, contingent on his sobriety. This moment stands out as a powerful example of how finding purpose can be a game-changer in recovery.

For Josh, this responsibility provided something he had been lacking: a sense of being needed, valued, and included. It gave him a reason to stay sober that went beyond himself. This demonstrates how having a meaningful role or purpose can be a powerful motivator in recovery.

It suggests that helping individuals in recovery find or create purpose in their lives - whether through relationships, work, volunteer activities, or personal goals - can be a crucial component of successful long-term sobriety.

3. The Impact of Supportive Relationships

Josh's encounter with Sarah Evans, a counselor who provided nurturing support, showcases the transformative power of compassionate care in recovery. In Sarah, Josh found the maternal figure he had been missing - someone who offered unconditional love, support, and guidance.

This relationship was so impactful that Josh credits Sarah with saving his life. This highlights the crucial importance of building a supportive network in the recovery process. It suggests that having even one person who believes in you, supports you unconditionally, and provides the nurturing you may have missed can make all the difference.

For those in recovery, seeking out and nurturing these supportive relationships - whether with counselors, sponsors, family members, or friends - can be a vital component of healing and maintaining sobriety.

4. Embracing Nature and New Passions

Josh's transition from using nature as a hiding place for drug use to finding joy in landscaping and farm life illustrates the importance of rediscovering healthy pleasures and passions in recovery. This transformation is particularly poignant - the very spaces that once witnessed his darkest moments now bring him peace and contentment.

It's a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about stopping drug use; it's about building a new life filled with genuine joy and fulfillment. Josh's story encourages those in recovery to explore new interests, reconnect with old passions, and find healthy ways to engage with the world around them.

It suggests that part of the recovery process is learning to find pleasure and meaning in everyday life, without the need for substances. This could involve anything from outdoor activities and creative pursuits to caring for animals or developing new skills.

Y'all, this one hit me right in the heart. You could find me sobbing after we stopped recording. When I think about this young man returning to that rock where he shot up drugs every single weekend to say:

"YOU MADE IT!"

I lose it every time. I pray he inspires you to make a decision today to overwrite any negative or traumatic memory of your past.

As Josh emphasized, "Recovery is not built in a day." Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. Your journey is unique, and there's no universal timeline for healing. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and never hesitate to reach out for support when you need it.

Speaking of support, keep an eye open for a new group coaching opportunity. Many of you do not have the resources for 1:1 coaching, so I've decided to begin a monthly subscription. It's gonna be GOOD!

Love you!! Dallas 💚

P.S. Watch the pod on YouTube as well: