Martin Luther King Day

Like all holidays, Martin Luther King Day is a day designed with the intention of celebration. MLK Day celebrates one of the many lives of a man who helped bring his people away from inequality and oppression, and toward freedom. For many, however, that day is a return to another form of slavery”the shackles of drug or alcohol addiction. For too many, any day of celebration is a dangerous day.

When you are in good recovery, you have established a support network of people who understand your fragility, as well as your mindset. They've watched you tumble and fall, and then stand tall. And this is the chance for you to do the same for others. Or maybe it's just a day to stand alone and watch from the sidelines. But it's not a day to drink or drug.

When we talk about recovery and holidays, it sounds easy”much like the ads we have all seen too often, œJust Say No. If it were only that easy¦

In truth, it is about saying no, but it's just as important to understand that addiction isn't about rational choices; it's about an illness that both confuses and deceives you. It's about thinking you're bigger and stronger than alcohol or drugs. I have news for you”you're not. It's not in your control, and when you drink or drug, you're out of control. And when you're out of control, just like when your car is out of control, a crash is unavoidable. The only question is, œHow bad will it be?

You can avoid the answer to that question by avoiding the problem in the first place. To avoid the problem, you need to avoid the opportunity to pick up and use. That means spending the day doing something that won't give you the opportunity to drink or drug. It may be having a family day at home, or volunteering at a soup kitchen, or playing a round of golf. It could be a day of watching movies, or cleaning up the yard. Wash your car, invite friends over for a cookout and bonfire, do something where you don't need an œenhancer.

Life is short. When you lose your focus on what really matters, you spend lots of time hoping things get better. Maybe you'll use today, as Martin Luther King did, and make a positive difference in the lives of many, not just yours.

Have a sober day!

________________________________________________________________

If you are looking for a comprehensive drug addiction treatment program, one that will take you from Detox to After Care, then Florida Center For Recovery is the right place for you. Offering a unique blend of traditional and holistic approaches, we've been helping clients in drug addiction recovery for over 10 years. For information on addiction treatment programs and services, or how to begin the recovery process for you or your loved one, please feel free to reach one of our licensed counselors at:

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Recovery

Florida Center for Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-960-5041

Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Recovery