It’s always been difficult for me to support.

[oceaneyes95]

I’m posting this here because it’s what feels safe. It’s always been really difficult for me to support the “recovery community” as in recovery from substance abuse. Mostly because I’ve only drank a handful of times, and never done drugs, or even smoked anything. But that’s not to say I haven’t experienced trauma in my life! I’m 28 years old & the last 10 years have been filled with brokenness for me & my kids! I’ve overcome a lot and just because I didn’t “go to rehab” for any of it doesn’t mean that my accomplishments are any less! It doesn’t mean I should get any less love, or any less credit from those around me than someone who has gone to rehab for substance abuse! Guess what! I’m clean & sober too! I live a life of sobriety, and always have! I’ve worked really hard to come out of domestic violence, and poverty, and depression, and many other things! I also did it without any support from my family! I don’t feel like those of us are who’ve overcome things without “recovery” or whatever, get enough credit!

[¯|_(ツ)_|¯]

I can understand where you're coming from! Substance use is a very serious issue and recovery is important, but just because you're not using substances doesn't mean you're not recovering and healing from other things that are going on in your life. It shouldn't be a competition of who has it worse, especially when they are different struggles entirely. You deserve the same amount of support as anyone else. I'm sorry that you're not getting the support and recognition you need when it comes to overcome things. What you're going through is just as valid!

Just because you aren't dealing with recovery from substance abuse doesn't make your personal experiences and your current situation any less valid. You've gone through so much in your life already, and you're still so young! As Dez said, it shouldn't have to be a competition for "who has had it worse in their lives" because everyone's story is unique to themselves. I'm sorry that you aren't getting the support and recognition by others; I see you and I applaud you for everything you're bouncing back from.

[Dawn.]

Hi there,

I agree with everything that the other members have said. Life isn't a competition, especially when it comes to how we cope or feel about a particular situation. We all go through things differently and how we react is completely valid.