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I’m celebrating 14 years of sobriety today! This is huge. I still fight wanting to drink, a lot. It never goes away. I’m so proud of myself and how far I’ve come. I’m alive!
But I’ve also been thinking this past year about my journey and about privilege-
But I’ve also been thinking this past year about my journey and about privilege-
Part of why my early sobriety was successful was because I had stable, secure housing. I had lost my apartment (mainly because of drinking,) but my family urged me to come home. Moving back in w my mom at 25 was “embarrassing,” but actually it was an option -& a privilege- I had.
I had a great job that supported me emotionally, but didn’t pay my bills. Still, I had the privilege to process the early ugliness of getting sober living rent-free, w food & other basic needs covered. It’s easy to “get on yr feet” when someone takes care of you during this time.
I had a HUGE support network. My friends were incredible. They felt the need to “protect” me when we did go out, not letting anyone even “offer to buy me a drink.” They were invested in my well-being & wanted the best for me. I succeeded in part cuz I had people who had my back.
I’m also an able-bodied white woman with a college degree. My opportunities were endless- which extends to how people view drunks like me. My redemption was socially acceptable. I know because I’ve talked & written about it freely & it has never costed me a job or opportunity.
I was also able to really “start” my career in this early sobriety because I had all of these things afforded to me via privilege. It’s easier to write for free/little to no money and establish yourself as a writer when money isn’t a factor. I worked my ass off!! But I had help.
There’s so much more I want to say here. But I’ll just say this- if someone you know is attempting or in recovery for substance use & maybe you’ve placed harsh judgement on their situation without first offering support, think about who you are & what you have. Think about them.
