All too often I read YouTube and Facebook comments from people “shaming” opioid-dependent individuals for choosing forms of recovery that are not “abstinence-based.”
I try not to let it upset me.
And most times I succeed.
But sometimes I fail.
We all have our “pet peeves.”
My biggest pet peeve is when a person strongly believes that there is only one path to recovery.
When their closemindedness and obtuseness blind them for seeing the benefits of having an open mind.
When their ego is too-heavily involved in the belief.
When they believe in “black-and-white” absolutes.
Absolutes and ultimatums that leave no room for other beliefs.
To me, there is nothing more boring.
Nothing more egocentric.
Nothing more “stuck-in-the-box.”
Nothing blander.
“Your Method of Recovery is Wrong”
What I’m speaking of is the belief that “there is only one way to recover” from opioid dependence… or addiction in general, for that matter.
You’ve seen this… right?
Here are common statements originating from this ultimatum:
- “Using drugs to get off drugs is just replacing one addiction with another.”
- “You’re not clean if you’re taking Suboxone.”
- “Using opiate replacement medications is not recovery and it’s not right.”
- “Kratom shouldn’t be used to get off opiates by anyone because it’s addictive.
- “No one should use medications for opiate withdrawal and everyone should just embrace the pain naturally.”
- “Every person that has an addiction has a lifelong spiritual disease that can never be cured, but with regular meetings and working a strong program, it can remain dormant.”
Do these umbrella statements remind you of anything else?
It reminds me of both politics and religion.
The right and left bickering with each other, both believing their viewpoint is the only one that’s right, never agreeing to disagree.
Or people of religion that think their God and model of religion is the only one that is right, and everyone else is wrong.
Our Unique Model of the World
But despite what people believe, none of us see the world as it truly is.
Instead, we see the world through our own “lenses of reality.”
We see the world based on our experiences in life, the parents, friends, and family we grew up with, the places we’ve lived, the teachers and mentors we’ve had, the classes we’ve taken, the culture we’re a part of, the books we’ve read, the movies we’ve seen, the places we’ve traveled, the articles we’ve read, the YouTube videos we’ve watched, the influences we’ve had…
The list goes on and on.
Thus, we don’t see the world as it truly is.
We see it through our own filters.
Filters that blind us from seeing the world any other way.
Filters that can lead to shaming individuals with addictions for not choosing “the one path to recovery that is the right path.”
Filters that can lead to obtuseness, stubbornness, and egocentricity.
Filters that can lead to hatred, judgment, and “us versus them” mentality.
Filters which can ultimately lead to ignorance, blindness, and a lack of compassion, acceptance, and love for individuals with beliefs that are different or even opposite to ours.
There are Many Paths to Recovery
However, when we realize that we don’t see the world as it truly is…
And that we see everything through our own customized filters…
It’s much easier to let other people “choose their own path to recovery.”
A path to recovery that fits with their “model of the world.”
A path that resonates with them.
A path that intuitively feels like a good fit for their unique needs.
For their unique desires.
For their unique values.
For their unique beliefs.
And if a person wants to use Suboxone, methadone, Kratom, or any other method of helping them stop active opioid addiction…
I would never judge them, tell them their wrong, or shame them.
Instead, I honor them for choosing a path that they feel is right for them.
However, this is just my belief.
Which was fostered from my own personal, narrow model of the world.
So take it with a grain of salt. 😉
Opioid Recovery Resources
If you’re just starting out going through the content on my website, here is a list of resources for you to browse:
- Opiate Recovery Toolkit – A Free Digital Download that will give you valuable information on preventing withdrawal symptoms and recovering.
- Ultimate Opiate Detox 2.0 – An Online Course that shows you everything you need to know from Step 1 to FREEDOM.
- Coaching Program – One-on-One Coaching where I help you regain your old life back, free from opioid dependence.
- Blog – A huge collection of free articles and videos about opioid detox and recovery.
- YouTube Channel– A collection of free videos that have become quite popular recently.
Simply browse through the above-mentioned resources and see which ones fit with your unique model of recovery, and good luck on your journey, my friend.
People have always been quick to judge even when they have never experienced a certain situation. A human trait that is unpleasant to deal with. A sign of immaturity in my opinion.
Everyone has a different chemical make up and therefore react differently to certain substances. What works for one may not work for someone else. Stands to reason that some may need medication and some may not.
Some people have strong mental capabilities and some do not. Therefore, it may take longer for one person to recover than another.
Those that have a strong Spiritual belief tend to recover quicker also. This is a FACT and not an opinion.
A support system makes recovery more successful also. Another FACT. AA, a loving mate, and/or friend makes recovery more successful.
I took Xanax for over 10 years due to a severe panic disorder which I recovered from finally! I also took Zoloft for quite sometime due to a bad marriage. I weaned myself off both at home. No problems. Haven’t taken either in years and years.
However, I’ve been taking oxycodone for about 9 years. I was born with a rare spinal disease that’s progressive. This medicine helps with the pain I must admit. My spine twists and curves causing all kinds of havoc. I refuse surgery as it’s dangerous and VERY long recovery…if I recovered. Anywho, I’ve decided I’d rather endure pain than take oxycodone. I put off taking pain meds because I knew or thought I knew about the side effects and how addictive it was. Oxycodone is a great and yet horrible drug. Sigh… anyway, I was up to 180 mg a day and decided to get down to a lesser dose as my pain level had decreased. I never wanted to take oxycodone and had put it off. I was spending so much time in bed I gave in and started the pain medication.( I regress) Back to reducing my dose…So, I began lowering my dose. I went down to 60 mg a day in about 6 months. I stayed at that dose about another 6 months. Then I decided I should just quit! Ok, so here I go…50 mg…no problem…40 mg…not too bad…30 mg…uh, ok, maybe I ought to rethink this. 👀
I’m big on drinking water, organic foods, non toxic remedies around the house, organic herbal meds for my pets, etc. so, I’ve been researching herbs to help me. I was taking Ashwagandha 500 mg twice a day for a few weeks with good results, then I went to 3 times a day for about 4 or 5 days…uh oh, .too much and it caused diarrhea, mild heartburn and gas.
Dang, so I’ve had to stop and I’ve experienced mild withdrawals. I’m not sure what’s next. I know this, it will be herbal. Your site has been an answer to my prayers. I know I will make it as God is watching over me and helping me to endure. I may try the Ashwagandha again along with other herbs. It helped with my pain and withdrawal symptoms. My emotions weren’t all over the place like they are now that I’m not taking it. My body has pretty much leveled out. It’s been 3 days off the Ash. Still taking 30mg oxycodone a day. I refused to increase and just endured with Imodium multi symptom.
I want to tell people that Opiates are a whole different ballgame. Think HEROIN people! Most are scared of it….be the same with Opiates!
I just want to thank you for all the great information and SUPPORT! I looked at your program and I must say…Extremely affordable! The free info is awesome and fortunately, just what I need. However, if a person finds they are lost and need help…this program looks like a winner! I do not know Matt and I’ve never conversed with him in anyway. I just do a LOT of research and this site has truly impressed me.
Good luck with your journey people… may God strengthen and bless you!