I hope people don’t misunderstand my intentions when I talk about my struggle with addiction. Lately, I’ve been sharing a lot about that journey, and I can’t help but wonder if some might think it’s about seeking attention or being overly proud of my recovery. But let me clarify that: what I share isn’t for praise or recognition. Sure, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but the real reason I talk about it so much is simple: I want others to learn from my experience.
I’m aware that some might view talking about addiction repeatedly as self-indulgent or even as if I’m reveling in past mistakes. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Talking about it is my way of showing others what’s possible and reminding anyone still fighting their battles that there is a way out. And if I can offer even a little hope, it’s worth sharing—every time.
One of the things about addiction is that it thrives in silence and secrecy. You feel isolated when you’re in it like you’re the only person going through it. Shame plays a huge role in keeping people trapped in that cycle. So, when I talk about my journey—when I share those dark moments and the steps I took to get to where I am now—I’m doing it to break that silence. To take away the power that shame holds over people. I believe that the more we talk about it, the less stigma there is, and that’s something I care deeply about.
I never set out to become a spokesperson for recovery or to be someone who constantly brings up addiction as part of their identity. In fact, there was a time when I thought the last thing I’d want to do was revisit that chapter of my life. But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that my story isn’t just for me. It’s for the people still caught in that struggle, the ones who think they can’t talk about it, or worse, think they’re beyond help.
Addiction, by its very nature, is isolating. It makes you feel like you’re in this battle alone. And that’s a dangerous mindset because when you feel alone, you’re less likely to reach out for the help you need. That’s why I speak out. I want people to know they aren’t alone, that there’s a whole world of support out there, and that recovery, while difficult, is entirely within reach. If my words can be a lifeline to someone who feels like they’re drowning, then I’ll keep talking about it.
Recovery is a process, one that’s filled with ups and downs, moments of triumph, and moments where you question whether you can keep going. It’s not a linear journey; for many, it’s not a solo one. I had support along the way, people who believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. That’s why I choose to be vocal about it now; not everyone has that. If someone stumbles across my story and feels even a flicker of connection or hope, then it’s worth every word.
I know there’s a fine line between sharing to inspire and over-sharing to the point of exhaustion. Trust me, I’m mindful of that. But I also know how much it can mean to hear from someone who’s been there—someone who’s walked that same painful path and come out the other side. When I was in the thick of it, I looked to others who had made it through, and their stories gave me strength. I’m just trying to pay that forward.
It’s not about reliving the past for the sake of it. It’s about using the past as a tool to help others navigate their present. I talk about addiction and recovery because it’s a part of who I am now, not in a way that defines me, but in a way that shapes the way I interact with the world. And if I can help others see that recovery doesn’t have to be a source of shame, that it can be a badge of honor, then I’m doing something right.
The truth is, there are so many people out there who are struggling in silence. They don’t feel like they can talk about what they’re going through because they fear being judged, seen as weak, or dismissed. That’s exactly why we need to have more conversations about addiction, not fewer. The more we talk about it, the more we normalize the fact that this is a battle millions face and that facing it doesn’t make you weak. It makes you strong. And coming out the other side? That makes you stronger than you ever knew you could be.
When I write or speak about addiction, I’m not looking for applause. I don’t need validation for my recovery. I’ve done the work and continue to do it every day, not because I need a pat on the back but because it’s necessary to maintain the life I’ve built. I speak because there’s someone out there who needs to hear it. Someone who feels like they’re stuck in a place they can’t escape. And if my words can reach that person and remind them that they’re not stuck and can find their way out, I’ll keep speaking. I’ll keep sharing.
I understand that not everyone will get it. Some people will look at my openness and think it’s too much. That’s okay. Over the years, I’ve learned that you can’t control how others perceive you and that you can’t always change minds. What you can do is stay true to yourself and your mission, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.
So, if I’m talking about my struggle with addiction, it’s not because I’m seeking attention. It’s because I’m hoping someone else can learn from my journey. It’s because I believe that sharing our struggles is how we move forward, find healing, and help others do the same. It’s not about me. It’s about the bigger picture. And if even one person finds hope in what I’ve shared, then I’ll know it’s all been worth it.
Stay disciplined. Stay resilient.
Jim Lunsford
Disclaimer:
I am committed to sharing authentic and meaningful content. To enhance the clarity and effectiveness of my writing, I utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool in the content creation process. While AI assists in organizing and refining my ideas, every thought, insight, and story shared on this website is genuinely my own. The use of AI does not alter the authenticity of my work; rather, it helps me communicate more effectively with you, my audience. My goal remains to inspire, motivate, and connect, and AI is simply a tool that supports that mission.
