Recovery Date: December 13, 2013

Recovering From: Prescription Pills/Alcohol

About Tandi: I am a loving, kind, empathetic Mom that is completely sober for the first time in more than half of my life. I am also a Vegan that loves to cook as well as write, do yoga, and meditate. If I am not outside playing with the kids you can find me catching up on some of my favorite books/blogs.

Blog: Tandi’s Truth

Q. Before you entered recovery, what did you think the “thing” you were addicted to gave you, did for you, etc.?

A. I thought pills/alcohol helped me overcome my sense of unworthiness as well as my low self-esteem, but it really helped me to feel even more guilt and shame about the person I was.

Q. Now that you are in recovery, what have you learned about that “thing?”

A. That I am alive therefore I am worthy, and also that I needed to experience that darkness within my soul so that I could now experience all that the “light” has to offer me!

Q. How are you recovering (e.g., 12-step program, rehab, counseling, on your own, etc.)?

A. Therapy has been a huge part of my recovery as well as yoga, and meditation. I just recently started going to a group/community that focuses upon the Buddhist path to recovering called Refuge Recovery.

Q. In recovery, how do you give yourself what you thought that “thing” provided?

A. I learned how to listen to my inner voice as well as how to honor it.

Q. What was your “rock bottom” or “breaking point” when you realized you needed to change?

A. When my Father passed away. I didn’t want to end up dying from substance/alcohol abuse and knew that there was a better way for me to live. I also knew that my young children deserved a better life than that of an addicted Mother!

Q. What has been the hardest part of recovery so far?

A. Learning how to honor my inner voice as well as honor my feelings without trying to drink, numb, or push them away!

Q. What about recovery has been easier than you had anticipated? 

A. Putting myself out there especially in social situations.

Q. What has helped you the most in recovery?

A. Yoga and meditation

Q. Who has helped you the most in recovery?

A. My Fiancé and my Therapist.

Q. What has been the biggest surprise about recovery?

A. Just how much better you feel mentally and physically.

Q. Just how much better you feel mentally and physically. What role has family played in your recovery?

A. My family has played a major role in that I wouldn’t be here without them! My fiancé told me that I didn’t need any of those things and really pushed me to discover or rather uncover the person I had been hiding all these years!

Q. Knowing what you do now, what would you tell your pre-recovery self about recovery?

A. That its going to be okay, and that there is light at the end of the tunnel! And also to just hold on, and take it day by day, and you will be rewarded with the greatest gift you could ever give yourself!

Q. What would you say to someone who is thinking about recovery?

A. That you are so worth it and that although it is extremely hard at times you deserve it!

If there is anything else you want to add, please do …

I never in a million years would have thought that I would be so happy and fulfilled being sober, but here I am, and the only thing I regret about being sober is not doing it sooner!