Selena K.: From Pain to Purpose on Addicts Anonymous
My thing is if I could give any advice that give yourself some grace and remember on certain days it's okay to not be okay, and if you're not okay, you you do what you need to you take care of yourself, but you don't have to use substances or mask what you're feeling.
Ever wondered how someone can transform their life despite facing chronic pain and deep-seated stigma? In this episode of 'Addicts Anonymous', Jim Rachels sits down with Selena K., who opens up about her tumultuous journey through addiction and into recovery. Growing up, Selena dealt with the emotional fallout of her parents' divorce and a leg surgery that left her in constant pain.
These early experiences set the stage for a life filled with struggles, including feeling like an outsider due to her father's alcoholism. As Selena got older, she tried to lead a normal life but found herself increasingly reliant on pain medication. Her addiction grew more severe after she got married, leading her to desperate measures like stealing from friends and family to get her fix.
The strain on her relationships was immense, causing her to lose touch with her kids and granddaughter. But hope came in the form of a compassionate counselor who helped Selena realize she didn't need substances to numb her feelings. Through counseling, she learned to confront her emotions head-on and found the strength to seek recovery. Today, Selena is in a much better place and shares her story to inspire others who might be struggling.
She emphasizes the importance of self-love and reminds everyone that it's okay to have tough days. Jim and Selena's conversation is raw, honest, and incredibly uplifting, offering a beacon of hope for anyone grappling with addiction. Tune in to hear Selena's powerful story and gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of addiction recovery.