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As I gaze out at the gray skies of the Midwestern thunderstorm, fingers poised on my laptop, I can’t help but reflect on how quickly the past year has flown by and how much I’ve grown, both personally and professionally.
On June 28th, 2024, I will mark one year working with a nonprofit specializing in addiction recovery. It has been a year of profound change — one filled with personal and professional growth, lessons learned, and a deeper understanding of the challenges many face when overcoming addiction. Through this reflection, I aim to shed light on my journey, my role, and the lessons I’ve learned.
After a year and a half of striving to find my place in the field, I was finally hired as a Peer Specialist. What initially seemed like a setback turned into an opportunity beyond my expectations. Instead of working with both men and women, I was given the role of working with women on probation and parole, a position that deeply resonates with my own experiences. This role allows me to use my background in addiction recovery to guide women through their own journeys of healing and transformation.
As a former addict myself, I truly understand the unique challenges these women face. Addiction often comes with deep-seated survival tactics and coping mechanisms — behaviors ingrained over time in response to trauma and hardship. In my work, I strive to help these women break free from those automatic responses. It’s not just about offering advice; it’s about empowering them to realize their potential and see that their past does not define their future.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is empowering women to understand that there are no limits to what they can become. As a Peer Specialist, my role is not simply to provide guidance, but to encourage these women to believe in their own strength and resilience. When they see the possibility for a better future, I know I’ve made a lasting impact.
Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to break free from the cycle of addiction. There are individuals who repeatedly enter treatment programs, only to relapse or repeat the process until it costs them everything. This reality is tough, but it’s an important part of the addiction recovery process. The work I do may not always yield immediate results, but I hold onto the hope that lasting change is possible.
One crucial lesson I’ve learned as a Peer Specialist is the importance of self-care. The emotional weight of this work can be overwhelming, and I’ve had to learn how to leave the stress behind when I step outside the office. Self-care is essential in this field, as it allows me to remain effective in my work. Without it, I cannot give my best to my clients. Prioritizing my well-being ensures that I can continue to make a difference in their lives.
The addiction recovery field is not without its challenges. Burnout is a very real issue, especially in the nonprofit sector. Many of my colleagues have left, and tragically, we have lost some to suicide. This is a stark reminder of the emotional toll this work can take on those who are committed to helping others. Despite these challenges, I remain dedicated to my role and the mental health of my clients.
Throughout my year of service, I’ve also become increasingly aware of the flaws within our mental health system. Corporate-driven agendas, such as the push for more sessions per day, often hurt the quality of care we provide. When the focus shifts to increasing revenue instead of focusing on quality care, it directly impacts the lives of our clients. A shift toward quality over quantity could make a profound difference in recovery outcomes, reducing the need for clients to return for multiple rounds of treatment
The mental health and addiction recovery systems face a harsh reality. Many organizations prioritize profits over the well-being of their clients, perpetuating a cycle of inadequate care. Why does this happen? Could it be the result of human corruption within the system? This question looms large in my mind as I continue to reflect on the nature of the work I do.
As I reflect on my year of growth, I am filled with gratitude and hope for the future. Though the journey of addiction recovery is often difficult and filled with challenges, I remain steadfast in my commitment to the work I do. The lessons I’ve learned, both from my own experiences and the women I work with, continue to shape me into a more compassionate, understanding, and effective Peer Specialist.
If you’ve been impacted by addiction or are interested in learning more about addiction recovery, feel free to leave a comment below or share your thoughts. Join me as I continue to grow and advocate for change in this essential field.
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