April 1, 2018 is (or was, depending on when people read this) Easter Sunday, a very holy day for many Christians, whose faith teaches them that Jesus Christ rose from the dead at that time.
Easter is all about new beginnings and renewal, but we don’t have to be religious to believe in fresh starts. Life often gives us the opportunity to begin something new, whether we do so by choice or by necessity.
Fresh starts aren’t easy, however. Even if we know a new start is the right step, such as beginning treatment and recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, the new start can still be difficult.
A little inspiration might help, so here are some inspiring substance use disorder quotes that can help you on our journey to recovery, quotes appropriate for Easter or any time of the year.
“When your past calls, don’t answer. It has nothing new to say.”
– Unknown (attributed to various people)
As you can see, this quote isn’t about recovery specifically, but it reminds us that holding on to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors of the past won’t help us when we’re looking to create a healthy new beginning.
“Whatever keeps you sober, do more of that.”
– Unknown
This quote acknowledges that there isn’t a one-size-fits all recipe for sobriety. People are different, their addictions are different, and so are the ways they approach recovery.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery of it.”
– Thomas S. Monson
Recovery and other types of new beginnings can be scary. These quotations acknowledges that we all face fear, but facing it can lead to healing and personal growth:
“You can get the monkey off your back but the circus never leaves town.”
– Anne Lamott
“Just ’cause you got the monkey off your back doesn’t mean that the circus has left town.”
– George Carlin
Speaking of personal growth, these quotations acknowledge that recovery is more than just quitting drugs and alcohol. It’s also requires people to address other problems in their lives, especially since these other problems might’ve prompted their substance use disorder in the first place.
The authors of these quotations speak from personal experience. Acclaimed writer Anne Lamott has written candidly about her alcohol abuse as well as her long-time sobriety. Late comedian George Carlin also struggled with drugs and alcohol himself. Both quotations offer the advice of people who faced such struggles personally.
Lamott, Carlin, and others have acknowledged that making new starts can be the beginnings of healthy recoveries.
But, how do people find these new starts? Another celebrity who has struggled with drugs and alcohol had some words to say about addiction and assistance:
“The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope.”
– Russell Brand
Comedian and actor Russell Brand acknowledges the helplessness that drug addiction and alcohol abuse can create. Addiction hijacks people’s minds and bodies. Alcohol and drug abuse creates changes that make people want drugs and alcohol more than anything else in their lives.
Brand made the documentary film Russell Brand: From Addiction to Recovery to discuss addiction and explore the different ways people address it. He has also discussed his addiction and treatment elsewhere.
Demi Lovato is another celebrity who has discussed her addiction. Lovato also has an eating disorder, which is a mental illness. Many people who struggle with substance use disorder also have mental illnesses. Having both conditions at the same time is known as a dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorder, or comorbidity.
Like Brand, Lovato discusses addiction in a documentary. Lovato’s documentary is called Simply Complicated. During the documentary, Lovato recounts how she was using cocaine during the making of another documentary about her. She also talks about how exercise has helped her recover:
“Working out is a form of meditation to me because I’m not focused on anything in my head. It can transport you to a totally different place. I’m on a journey to discover what it’s like to be free of all demons.”
– Demi Lovato
Anyone can face such demons, as the next quotation indicates:
“Hello, my name’s Betty Ford, and I’m an alcoholic and drug addict.”
– Betty Ford
Former U.S. first lady Betty Ford was known for her honesty. After undergoing treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, she helped found a rehab center that bears her name that helped treat many others. Ford would greet patients at the center with this quotation, which resembles what many people at sobriety meetings might say as a form of introduction.
Such meetings, and other forms of treatment, emphasize the importance of social connection. Betty Ford was willing to count herself as a member of a larger group. She found sobriety with others and devoted her life to helping others.
Help and inspiration come from a variety of places. The sources of help and inspiration are less important as the willingness to consider such sources in the first place. We don’t have to limit our fresh starts to Easter. New beginnings can come at any time.
