David Thompson on how he recovered from substance abuse: “First, you have to forgive yourself”

David Thompson is a man who has seen the dark side of substance abuse. But he’s also seen the light. He knows the pain of addiction firsthand. But he also knows the joy of recovery.

For years, Thompson struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. He lost everything: his job, his home, his family. He was homeless and desperate. But he eventually found the strength to get help.

Thompson’s journey to recovery was long and arduous, but it was worth it. He is now living a happy and fulfilling life, free from addiction. He is grateful for his second chance, and he wants to help others who are struggling with addiction.

“I know what it’s like to hit rock bottom,” Thompson says. “But I also know what it’s like to find your way back up. Recovery is possible.”

In this interview, Thompson shares his story and offers advice to others who are struggling with addiction.

**Tell us about your story.**

My story is one of pain and struggle. I started drinking when I was very young, and by the time I was in my late teens, I was addicted to drugs. My addiction took over my life. I lost everything that was important to me. I was homeless for a while.

I spent many years living in a constant state of chaos and despair. But I knew I couldn’t continue living like that.

**What finally made you decide to seek help?**

I hit rock bottom. I had lost everything. I was homeless, broke, and I didn’t even have any family left. And that’s when I knew I had to make a change.

I was scared. But I also felt a glimmer of hope. I knew I had to try to recover.

**What were the first steps you took on your journey to recovery?**

The first step was the hardest. It was admitting to myself that I was addicted and that I needed help. I didn’t want to admit it because I felt like it was a sign of weakness.

Once I was able to do that, the next step was finding a treatment program that could help me. I went to a rehab facility. I got counseling and medication.

**What advice do you have for people who are struggling with substance abuse?**

My advice is this:

* **Don’t give up on yourself.** I know how hard it is, but it is possible to recover. There is help out there.
* **You need to forgive yourself.** I struggled with this for a long time. I kept beating myself up about my past.
* **Talk to someone.** If you can, reach out to a therapist, counselor, or addiction support group. There are people out there who can help you.
* **Ask for help.** It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help. I promise you it’s not. It’s a sign of strength. It takes courage to reach out and say you need help.

**It’s not just about stopping the addiction, but about rebuilding your life. Talk to me about that process.**

It’s definitely a process, but you can get through it. It’s going to be difficult, but you will survive and thrive. One step at a time.

First, I focused on getting my physical and mental health in order. Then I worked on building my support system. I joined an addiction support group, started therapy and built relationships with people who weren’t using. That helped me a lot.

Then, I took baby steps to rebuild my life. I found a job, then an apartment, and got involved with my community.

The most important part for me was being honest with myself. I made mistakes, but I kept going.

**What challenges did you face along the way?**

Recovery is not easy. I still struggle from time to time. I know that relapse is possible, and that’s okay. The important thing is to be honest with myself and to learn from my mistakes. It’s part of the process.

**What were some of the moments when you realized you were truly on the right path to recovery?**

Every moment where I woke up without a craving or urge to use. It happened a little at a time at first, and over time, became the norm. It also happens in life now.

**Do you feel you are fully recovered?**

I don’t know if I can ever say that I am fully recovered. I’ve been sober for eight years now. There’s a lot of relief in that. But it’s something you always need to work at. Addiction recovery isn’t something you ever ‘graduate’ from. I’ve worked through the worst of it. Now, I’m just working on maintaining and staying healthy, which can be tough as well. But I know I am making it day by day and I’m so thankful to be here today. I know that I’m not perfect, but I’m a lot healthier than I was before.

**What message would you give to people struggling with substance abuse today?**

I know it feels like a bottomless pit, but I’ve learned over time, there’s an opening to it all.

There are many resources available to help you. Reach out for help. Talk to a doctor, therapist, or substance abuse professional. They’re trained in helping people navigate recovery. There is help available, so don’t give up.

Believe me, it’s possible. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep moving forward, one step at a time.