Graduation is not the end...

... it's the beginning!

As we settle into June, graduation season has been in full swing for about a month and a half now. At Community Counseling Center, it's no exception, as each month, individuals who have made a commitment to recovery receive their Certificate of Completion and graduate from their group or program. 

This is a momentous occasion, as many have struggled with addiction throughout much of their lives, and this commitment to living a healthier life is one to be celebrated. 

The words below were submitted by "Steve-O," who graduated from CCC today.

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"Graduation Words of Encouragement"

As an addict in recovery I have been through a major life struggle. I have lived with my addiction. I had to force myself to realize the problem I had with drugs. Finally after 13 years of being addicted to crystal meth and at least 5 times in these program rooms, I have finally accepted offers of help and made it through a rehab program to get sober and learn how to stay sober, most importantly. 

* Being an addict in recover, your confidence is gonna be a little shaken, but remember that you have just given yourself a fresh start. You can now be or do whatever you want. There are tons of addicts finding success. Few people overcome an obstacle as big as addiction and that's what makes us special. Believe it or not, we have so much inspiration to give. What is greater than being able to help others through their own personal struggles by encouraging them with our own? 

* It's not so much the amount of time we have been sober, but what we have learned in that time!

* Each person has his or her own story when it comes to their addiction. It's usually determined as an addiction when we experience negative consequences -- like the inability to trust ourselves -- and despite those negative consequences, we still do it. Today I have regained my right for choice or trust. I have looked at most of my issues in my life and almost brought closure to most of them, so I no longer have to hide behind drugs. 

When I say I have dealt with most of my issues from the past, I'm not only talking about the things that I have said/done, or what has happened to me, been said to me  or done to me, but the issues from within, "trusting in myself." I have finally had a change of heart.

Steve-O

6/11/2015