Addiction recovery can be a challenge. Society can appear to be judgmental and that can be disheartening for the recovering addict. Addiction taxes mind and body. The process of recovery addresses this state of physical and mental weakness.
In times of weakness and despair, it is worth remembering that life after detoxification is beautiful and once you’re sober, you can really live life to the full. Anonymity during the addiction recovery process used to be the norm earlier. It was to shield the recovering addict from the stigma of addiction. In fact, the 12-Step Alcoholics Anonymous stressed anonymity.
Keeping one’s affiliation with recovery programs anonymous allows members to speak up about their trial and tribulations. Once they are assured that their privacy is secure, they can talk in group meetings and express themselves. This stress on privacy also helps maintain the integrity of programs such as the 12-step program. Successes of the addicts are theirs alone. Members are expected to abstain from using these programs for self advertisement. Anonymity allows the addiction recovery process to proceed without anyone passing judgment on the other. All participants are treated as equal regardless of age, gender, income, or length of time spent sober.
However, anonymity is not without its drawbacks. In an effort to hide their identity, participants often avoid talking about the particulars of their addiction and the recovery. This takes away from the essence of discussion. Honest exchange of information and open discussions are stifled. There is a body of opinion that favors openness against anonymity. Coming out in the open can be a liberating and cathartic experience. You get the chance to clearly and honestly share the path taken to recovery, obstacles, and steps taken to surmount these. By revealing your identity, you instantly become more relatable to those who look up to you for guidance.
Most importantly, coming out in the open allows former addicts to reach out to a wider audience. Communication and interaction is greatly simplified. This is already being felt in the awareness that celebrities have been able create against addiction. Sportspersons, actors, musicians, and politicians who have suffered from drug addiction in the past are acting as guides and role models today. Anonymity would not have allowed to them to be of help to millions.
Helping addicts and recovering drug users integrate with the mainstream is a social responsibility. It helps clear misconceptions, breaks stereotypes, and aids in the recovery process. Now that we know that addiction is a treatable condition and not a severe character flaw, we can stop being judgmental and reach out to addicts who really need help. These addicts’ lives can be saved if they are not shunned.
The stigma associated with addiction makes it difficult for recovering addicts to get jobs and insurance cover. Addicts include not just the homeless under the bridges but also people from well-to-do families. Honest conversations and an open attitude gives people a clearer picture about addicts and addiction.
The Villa Treatment Center can help you recover from addictions. We customize our treatment protocols to meet your specific requirements. Call us at 1-818-639-7160 for a consultation that could open the doors of a drugs free life for you.