Today I had the privilege of going to a rehab facility near my home to talk about the subject of abuse. It was really profound. I got to share my story with a group of men who are recovering addicts.

Interestingly enough, there were about 25-30 of us in this room and about a handful of them were willing to share their stories of sexual abuse. Some mentioned that they'd never told anyone before. Others spoke of the rage inside.

I had the opportunity to talk about how I work on my "issues" daily. How I look at my interactions with others and behaviors in my daily life so that I can try and stay focused on my healing. I spoke of the rage I have sometimes, but how I try to pay attention to my reactions and question where those feelings and behaviors are coming from. Before I would just fly off the handle and then feel like crap afterwards. I shared with them how this takes a lot of work, just like recovering from an addiction.

The other thing we discussed is that often times the addiction is a form of self-medicating. Most of the time there is some issue we are trying to escape.

Statistics tell us that a large percentage of adult survivors of abuse are addicted to something. Having to face the issue is too painful so we suppress our feelings with drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling and other addictions. I use the word "survivors" because many have not survived. Many have succumbed to their shame/pain.

I am honored to have attended today. I met some fine men who are working daily on their healing. Luckily for them, it is a safe environment and they are surrounded by people who are facing similar issues. They have counselors who work with them every day. And as each day passes, it's one more day of sobriety. That's the awesome part.

So as usual when I've had the opportunity to speak somewhere, I walk away feeling as though I gained a lot from being there. Sometimes I feel like I walk away having been the one who benefited the most from these gatherings.

Namaste!

David :)

 


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