Stop Stigmatizing Recovering Addicts!!

It makes me extremely sad to see how much discrimination and stigma recovering addicts have to face. We have to overcome stigma all the time when making friends, at the doctor's office, when having a baby, and even more so in the workplace. How can it be so pervasive in a society where no one is left untouched by addiction? 

Each one of us have been addicted to something or care about someone who has. Whether it be an addiction to alcohol, cigarettes, internet, sex, porn, being in love, eating or anything else. How can we lack compassion and understanding as a society when we are all affected by it one way or another? I don't get it, having been addicted has made me very compassionate and understanding.

To those people who stigmatize recovering addicts, I ask

Do you treat some addictions worst than others? Or do you see all recovering addicts as less than you. Did you know overcoming addiction builds character and life management skills that can be very valuable in relationships and in the workplace.

Do you think we are liars and thieves? Actually if we are sharing our past addiction with you I'd say we are pretty freaking honest. Do you think we are just going to slack and be lazy? I doubt it, the determination and motivation we needed to quit is still very much part of who we are.

Maybe you think we are just fuck ups and criminals. Well, I for one don't even have a criminal record and have been clean for over 6 years. Even if I had a shady past people change.


My experiences have made me a better person. I'm more aware of what's going on around me. I'm more open minded and sensitive to everyone's struggles. I see the world differently and I want to help make our world a better place. 

I'm not perfect, I have some social anxiety, I'm over sensitive sometimes, I've struggled with switching my schedule around so I can wake up at a decent hour for years, I can be stubborn when it comes to defending myself and the ones I love, and I know there's more but I'm aware of my issues and I'm constantly trying to better myself. 

I've come a long way and I'm proud of that, but it's disappointing that I can't share it with everyone because of the prejudice, stigma and discrimination still linked to addiction. You will never know how amazing we can be if you don't take a chance on us. Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution.

Sincerely, Charmed

Here's another post on the problems with stigmatizing addicts 

No Social Assistance for Addicts

PS. Check out the Crystal Healing Trees I make myself. They are super pretty and I find they can be very soothing and healing.