Living with Chronic Illness in Recovery: Drew's Story
When you find recovery, only to find out you have a chronic illness that will impact you the rest of your life, what new levels of acceptance are needed to shift to a new way of life all over again?
What happens when you finally find your footing in recovery, only to be hit with a chronic illness diagnosis? In this heartfelt episode of 'Recovery (Sort Of) - The Podcast', hosts Billy and Jason sit down with Drew to explore his journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Drew opens up about the jarring reality of adjusting to life with MS after already battling addiction.
He shares the physical challenges, like vision problems and weakness, that have made daily tasks and work difficult. But it's not just about the physical toll; Drew dives into the emotional rollercoaster that comes with accepting a new 'normal'. This episode doesn't shy away from the tough questions: How do you cope when life throws you another curveball? What new levels of acceptance are required? Drew's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
He discusses the vital role of a strong support system and spiritual practices in navigating these tough times. Writing has been a therapeutic outlet for him, helping to process the complex emotions tied to his condition. The conversation also touches on how the pandemic has affected the recovery community, especially with the shift to Zoom meetings. Despite these hurdles, Drew finds inspiration and acceptance in his journey, offering hope to anyone facing similar struggles.
This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not just about staying sober; it's about finding strength and support to face life's toughest challenges.