I Have Made My Choice
I have made my choice,
And leave with little weeping,
I have come with meagre voice,
To court the language of my people.
Michael Hartnett (1941-1999)
I don’t think that the poet Michael Hartnett would be too put out if I borrowed his delightful lines to describe my journey from active and chronic alcoholism to a full and meaningful life in recovery. His words set the right tone to celebrate my ‘Recovery Birthday’ of 44 years continuous sobriety on the 10th November 2021. This is the day I treasure as I celebrate joining a tribe, my anonymous tribe, who speak my language, a language of the heart, integrity and fellowship.
My Recovery Birthday
I share this day so that:
- People who still suffer from addiction can get the help that is there and so freely available.
- Family members, who for too long have suffered in silence can also live a life free of fear, stigma and shame.
- Work colleagues, who for too long have put up with the manipulation and the let downs without being able to say ‘enough is enough’.
- Communities worldwide that struggle with the concept that Recovery is the only sustainable alternative to Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD), Substance Use Disorders (SUD), Problem Gambling and other process disorders.
- Future generations, not yet born, will know that mine and your generation broke the cycle of addiction and created the lifelong alternative in Recovery; where freedom, choice and well-being become the new normal.
So today Wednesday 10th November 2021, I am grateful for what I have by way of my peace of mind, content with my lot and looking forward to being just the person I was born to be. To family, friends, colleagues and my tribe of Anonymous People who showed me the way forward and convinced me that:
Acceptance of my lot is the key,
Asking for help is ok.
Courage to do so
Comes from within.
Wisdom grows and grows,
The never-ending story of
Recovery.
Ní neart go cur le chéile – There’s no strength without unity
Paddy Creedon 10th November 2021
Help and Support Contact Information
HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline:
This confidential service has both a freephone Helpline (1800 459 459) and an email support service (helpline@hse.ie).
Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30am and 5.30pm.
