THEN ONE DAY, I HAD AN EPIPHANY

Growth is painful.
Change is painful.
But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.

A decade ago when this picture was taken, I had just accepted my dream job and moved from Toronto to Florida. My friends still saw me as a ‘firecracker’ who was all about having a ‘good time’ but secretly I was dying inside, and my life was unraveling - quickly.

I was literally drowning in my addiction, consumed by my eating disorder, crippled by depression, and paralyzed by anxiety. There were many days when I honestly couldn’t stand to look at myself in the mirror. I didn’t know who I was anymore and hated the person I had become. It felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, and I didn’t know how to find a way out. I couldn’t last more than eight hours without a drink or a drug, and I didn’t believe I could exist and feel whole without using substances or starving myself.

If you feel like you don’t belong and don’t know how to find a way out, I understand. I see you. I was there. The darkness can feel overwhelming, and yet, RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. It is beautiful, and hard and messy sometimes, but it is WORTH IT. I was worth it.

As a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC), Recovery Advocate, and a person in long-term recovery, I understand that making the decision to enter recovery is one that involves great courage. I coach and companion to show others that THERE IS A WAY OUT. That there is no shame in asking for help - in fact, it may be one of the bravest things we ever do.

Alida Flannery

Alida Flannery, CARC, B.A. Hons
Founder / Epiphany Recovery