I believe the opioid overdose crisis could be prevented if treatment was easier to access and people didn’t have to jump through so many hoops to get help. Right now, many people who want treatment are stuck on long waiting lists, turned away because of insurance problems, or face a lot of paperwork. When someone finally decides they are ready to get help, that moment is critical. Waiting too long can cost lives. I’ve seen people want help but give up because it takes too long to get in. By the time they try again, it can be too late. Medication-assisted treatment- is proven to work and should be more widely available. There are several options that help people survive and start recovering: Methadone – taken daily at a clinic, helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It stabilizes the brain and body, allowing people to focus on living their lives, working, and rebuilding relationships. Buprenorphine / Suboxone – often taken at home, safer than methadone, reduces cravings and the risk of overdose, helping people stay in treatment longer. Vivitrol – a once-a-month shot that blocks opioids and helps prevent relapse. Patients need to be fully detoxed before starting, but once it’s started, it provides steady protection and makes recovery more manageable without taking a daily pill. These medications are not replacing one drug with another. They are medical treatments for a real health problem. They give people a chance to stabilize and regain control of their lives. Recovery is not just about stopping drug use. People in treatment also have to unlearn the habits, coping mechanisms, and thought patterns they developed while using drugs. Addiction teaches behaviors that seem normal when using, like chasing a high, lying to get drugs, or avoiding responsibilities. In recovery, people have to learn new ways to handle stress, triggers, and everyday challenges without turning to substances. Therapy, support groups, and practice in real life help people replace old habits with healthier ones. This process of unlearning and relearning is just as important as the medication itself.

Being in recovery during the holidays isn’t easy. This time of year brings a lot—stress, memories, family stuff, and old habits trying to creep back in. Everywhere you go, there are triggers. That doesn’t mean I’m doing something wrong. It just means I’m human and still learning. The holidays used to look different for me. Using was part of how I got through the day. Now I’m learning how to sit with feelings instead of running from them. That’s uncomfortable, but it’s part of change. Recovery isn’t just about not using—it’s about changing how I live and how I handle life. I’ve had to learn to plan ahead. Sometimes that means leaving early, saying no, or not showing up at all. I don’t owe anyone an explanation for protecting my sobriety. My recovery comes first, even if other people don’t understand it. The loneliness can hit harder during the holidays. Not everyone has a safe or supportive family, and that’s okay to admit. I’ve learned that it’s better to lean on people who support my recovery—meetings, phone calls, or just someone who gets it—than to force myself into places that put me at risk. Some days, the only goal is to stay clean. And that’s enough. The holidays don’t need to be perfect. I don’t need to be happy all the time. I just need to stay honest, stay grounded, and take it one day at a time. Being in recovery during the holidays is hard—but staying clean through it is proof that change is real.

Recovery is a lifelong journey because life keeps happening. It’s not just about quitting something; it’s about learning how to live again—how to face pain, celebrate joy, and handle the ups and downs without going back to old ways. It’s about becoming the person you were always meant to be, step by step. Some days feel like you’re on top of the world, and other days, it’s hard to take the next step. But each day, you grow a little stronger, learn a little more, and find new ways to love yourself and others. Recovery isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up, even when it’s hard. It’s about finding hope in the small victories and knowing that every single one of them counts.