The Choice to Stay Clean and Sober

I have had three close friends die on me within the last year. All three of their deaths were either directly or indirectly a result of drugs. Having a chemical dependence is just not worth all of the pain and losses that it causes.It hurts the people who love us, and more importantly, it hurts us and destroys our lives and our bodies.  
    Why do people use drugs and alcohol? Usually because there is something missing in their lives. There is a hole deep inside themselves that needs to be filled. Drugs and alcohol temporarily fill this void and makes them feel whole.
     But the void is still there when the chemicals wear off, and we are still empty. What we need to do is find that peace inside ourselves, not look for it outside ourselves. It is the same with people who turn to money to bring them joy. Or botox and liposuction for that matter. These things are just a temporary fix. The joy that it brings is not true joy. It is just an illusion.
    We need to learn to love ourselves, appreciate what we do have instead of wallowing in what we don't have. If we truly love ourselves, we won't want to hurt our bodies with chemicals. Drugs destroy our brain cells, our heart, our muscle tissue, our liver, and so on. our body is our temple. It is the shell that we were given to exist in this lifetime. Lets appreciate it and treat it with respect.
   I know that life can be hard. We have to endure pain and losses. There are many uphill battles that we have to face. But there is also much joy. To look into our child's eyes and see that purity and innocence, to marvel at a beautiful sunrise, to lay on the beach and feel the sand between our toes, to have that special feeling of warmth with our family during the holidays... the list goes on.
  On a different note, I have to reflect on the situation with my son. Because of my alcohol and prescription drug abuse, I do not have custody of my son. right now. The state has custody and he is residing with friends of mine The goal is still reunification with me, I visit with him a few times a week, and I am subject to random and scheduled drug tests. I HAVE to get my son back. This period of my life is the most important time that I have ever dealt with. This is a turning point, All eyes are on me. No matter what, I cannot turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve my anxiety or cover up my pain.
   Sooner or later we have to realize that chemicals are not the answer.The answer lies within us. We hold the key that opens up the door inside our souls.We have the power to free our minds, let go of our insecurities, fears, and distorted perceptions. We can't live or whole lives masking our problems and numbing ourselves. There is just too much to lose if we chose this path. Please, if you or someone you know is afflicted with addiction, GET HELP!!! There is help out there. There is so much more to life that we can experience. When we are numbing ourselves with chemicals, we are not really living!!! I am speaking from experience. Sobriety is the only way to live. staying sober can be a battle, but it is truly worth it in the end...