Our thirteenth spotlight in the FACES OF HOPE: WE DO RECOVER series will focus on Brian Cain’s story, Overcomer.
Overcomer
I never dreamed of being the full blown drug addict that I used to be. My childhood was good like most “normal people,” but after growing up and getting out on my own I found out life was a little rougher than I thought. At first, I was more of a social user, weekends and parties mostly. I would drink until I passed or blacked out. After a while, the drinking wasn’t enough anymore, and I crossed the line that I had sworn I would never cross. This became the point of no return. Before too long, I didn’t even know who I was anymore. My life of laughter turned into a life of misery. I was only interested in seeing how high I could get that day. Being a drug addict is a full time job… never enough time in the day. Finally an intervention came my way. I was sent to a recovery center in Erlanger, KY I was so ready for help. There I found a fellowship like no other. It took some time to learn how to deal with life on life’s terms. Even though I was in a house with a bunch of addicts, I didn’t surrender easily. I fought it and fought it. I thought I still knew everything. Finally I gave in and said let’s just try this recovery thing. It was never easy and still isn’t. I have to suck it up every day. Everyday I get up and start my day farther behind than anyone else and I have to work on me… yes I said me. Every day is a struggle because I can’t hide behind the needle anymore. I had to finally grow up and take whatever life throws at me. As my length of sobriety gets longer it seems like it doesn’t always translate to easier. Today I’m proud of myself. I never thought I’d get out of that lifestyle alive.
Describe your ‘aha’ moment
I think I had a lot of aha moments, but what sticks out in my mind is all those sleepless nights, praying to god to help me. When I finally figured out that God was trying to help me help myself, I finally had to surrender.
Describe the feelings and emotions while in active addiction.
I felt nothing in active addiction. That was my goal every day… to stay as numb as I could, all day every day.
What is the driving force that keeps you going when times get tough?
That I’ve made it this far. When I made it to 4 years sober I had to sit down a moment and think of the times when I couldn’t get 5 minutes of sobriety. I also want my parents, wife, and kids to be proud of me instead of being ashamed of me. I go to work every day and work three times as hard because I want to finish ahead of everyone else just to show other addicts that life isn’t over. I am very thankful today.
What obstacles or roadblocks have you encountered along your recovery journey?
A lot of the time it’s tough. Sometimes, well a lot of the times, I want to throw a childish fit and say I give up, but I’ve came too far to go back to square one.
What is something that you want people who have never struggled with addiction to know?
You will know when you’re ready. Everyone’s bottom is different. Thank God I got to my bottom before it was too late. Help is out there. It’s something that you have to do, even when you don’t want to. Stay close to a good fellowship and God.
What advice do you have for family members of a person in active addiction?
Don’t give up. There is always HOPE!
Closing thoughts?
Life will always show up. Be prepared and you can overcome anything.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, please call Addiction Recovery Care at 606.638.0938 or visit them on the web at www.arccenters.com.
There is hope. There is help.
