When I was in *treatment* (rehab), most people I was in there with had to go back to work keeping their recovery journey under wraps. If someone has any other type of illness or disease and is out of work for a month to address it, they are greeted back to work with open arms, support, love, and maybe even some cards and balloons. When someone gets out of rehab, they have to keep it on the DL. Like I can’t even imagine not being able to talk about my journey not even to my work bestie. I also couldn’t imagine staying in a job where I’ll be reprimanded for doing something to PREVENT things that are happening no matter how uncomfortable it makes people feel to talk about it.

I think there were 29 of us in there at my rehab. I know for a fact over half of them are relapsed now. One is dead. I got out of there 3 months ago. That’s how fast this shit moves. I can’t help but think about the lack of support and the amount of pressure that must be on them to not be able to share such a life changing experience. Or to not be able to say “today sucks because I can’t use/drink” and have someone in their daily environment get it.

This is what lit a fire under my ass to speak up. If they can’t, I will. I do not want to be employed by a company who does not support spreading awareness and relatable stories about mental health, addiction, suicide, etc.

Addiction is the opposite of connectivity. The disease wants us to seclude. Wants us not to talk about it. Well I’m not gonna shut up so let’s fuckin go.

(thanks for the meme @soberrhumor )

#endthestigma #rehab #recovery #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #addiction #breakthestigma #speakup #talkaboutit #fightthestigma #aa #alcoholicsanonymous