If you had told me ten years ago that I would battle addiction well into my thirties, I would have laughed in disbelief. As a health and nutrition enthusiast, the idea of falling into drug addiction seemed impossible. I was obsessed with wellness and natural healing. How could someone so passionate about health become addicted to drugs?

Growing Up in Taiwan: A Foundation of Natural Healing

I was born on an island surrounded by nature and rich with the practice of Chinese medicine. Growing up in Taiwan, my belief in natural health was deeply ingrained, and my disdain for the pharmaceutical industry was fueled by my grandfather’s struggle with painkiller addiction. This belief in natural healing led me to pursue a degree in dietetics, determined to help others, like my grandpa, avoid the pitfalls of pharmaceutical dependence.

The Turning Point: How My Addiction Began

During my time in the dietetics program, I took my first painkiller. I had no idea what it was at the time, but it was a Percocet. It was given to me by my ex-boyfriend’s mom, who claimed it would help me feel better. At that moment, I was dealing with a stressful life — balancing work, school, and unresolved trauma. I didn’t realize the impact it would have on me. That first pill made me feel invincible, a feeling I’d long been searching for

The Struggles of Immigrating and Childhood Trauma

Most immigrants are grateful for their new life in the United States, but for me, it was different. I carried years of unresolved generational trauma, including sexual abuse in Taiwan, and I had a deep resentment for having to leave my family behind. The trauma was buried for a long time, but as I adjusted to my new life, it began to resurface. The constant barrage of pharmaceutical advertisements, questioning if you’re depressed or anxious, didn’t help. This constant pressure made me more vulnerable to addiction.

The Road to Addiction and Relapse

I wish I could say that I learned my lesson after my first mishap. Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t work like that. It took years of relapses, trial, and error for me to understand that addiction is not something that can be “cured.” I came to the painful realization that I would never be “cured” from my addiction to painkillers. However, I did learn that I could live a normal life, free from the obsession over painkillers. But it was clear that complacency wasn’t an option.

The Light at the End of the Tunnel: Recovery and Hope

I want to reassure you, friend — there is light at the end of the tunnel. The path to recovery isn’t easy, but it is possible. You need to take the first step and not look back. Forget about the bottom of the rabbit hole because it only leads to pain and regret. Each relapse taught me a lesson, and I now know that recovery is about consistency, perseverance, and self-awareness.

The Importance of Taking One Step at a Time

In addiction recovery, we often hear the phrase, “Easy does it, but do it.” It’s simple, but not always easy. Taking it one step at a time is key. You don’t need to have it all figured out, but you must keep moving forward.

Let’s Grow Together: A Call to Action for Recovery

I’m here to support you on this journey. Let’s grow together in recovery. The path may not be smooth, but we can achieve great things by staying consistent and staying committed to our healing. You don’t have to face this alone.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Healing Starts Now

Remember, every step you take in your recovery is a victory. Even on the days when it seems impossible, know that you are not alone. Let’s revive our dreams and reclaim the life we deserve. If you’re ready to take that first step, let me know in the comments below or share this post to inspire someone else.

Call to Action:

I want to hear from you! If you’re on your own recovery journey, or if you’ve found strength in any part of my story, please leave a comment below. Let’s start a conversation, support each other, and grow together. Remember, every step you take toward healing matters. You are not alone, and we can overcome addiction—one step at a time.

Feel free to share this post with someone who might need encouragement or a reminder that recovery is possible. Together, we can make a difference.

Let me know what you think in the comments, and let’s keep moving forward on this journey!

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