Forgetting My Fear and Helping Someone Else

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

The recovery process from addiction and substance abuse can be full of unknowns. After struggling with an addiction to drugs and alcohol for any length of time, letting go of old habits and learning to trust the process of recovery can be a daunting task, full of challenges and obstacles to overcome.

However, taking the chance and trusting that even the worst day in recovery from substance abuse is better than living under the trap and burden of an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Learning to live without the crutch of an addiction can be difficult – even painful at times, but what is gained is life and freedom.

Supporting Someone Else to Help Myself

Perhaps one of the most encouraging and rewarding ways to strengthen your resolve in recovery and desire to maintain sobriety is to be supporting in helping someone else along their journey. When fear and doubts become overwhelming and leave you second-guessing, take a risk in helping someone else to help overcome your own fears that you are internalizing.

You may wonder, “How can I help someone else when I am struggling myself?” or “What could I possibly offer to others when I am full of my own fears?” The good news is that your potential is limitless and only hindered by fear itself.

Strengthened By Being a Part of Something

photographer-410326_640Reaching out towards others may seem counterproductive, particularly if you are finding it difficult to keep your head above water. However, taking the change to help someone, either by offering encouragement, being supportive, lending a listening ear, etc. can all be meaningful ways to make a difference in someone else’s life.

You may find in the process of doing so, your own fears may become more manageable, or perhaps you may feel strengthened in your determination to continue forward in your own recovery. If you are not sure what would be an appropriate way to help another person, start by looking in your own recovery group or within the addiction community that you participate in. Practical and tangible ways of healing others can be instrumental in your own recovery journey.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Are you in recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol? If so, what were some of the fears you experienced about being in recovery? How did the process of helping someone else who may be struggling help alleviate your fears and encourage your recovery process?

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 8th, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com