Men’s Health recently released 12 profiles of individuals who struggled with addiction in the past but who are now in recovery—and enjoying it. The feature comes after months of quarantine and social distancing due to COVID-19 in the United States, which has led to studies showing that Americans are generally drinking more alcohol than usual during the pandemic.
According to Men’s Health, which polled over 1,100 individuals, 75% of those surveyed said they’re close to someone with an addiction, and 40% said there’s been an increase in their cravings for addictive substances or behaviors because of the pandemic.
Men’s Health has built its reputation on stories and features on physical fitness, so to now prioritize sobriety as a form of health can help destigmatize addiction. By profiling individuals who all pushed past the stigma to ask for help and receive treatment, the magazine is helping to normalize addiction as an illness that requires professional help to recover from.
Below are some of the ways sobriety has helped the profiled individuals lead more fulfilling lives:
Becoming a Better Parent
Famous actor Danny Trejo is now 53 years sober from drugs and alcohol after going to his first 12-step meeting at the age of 15 and then getting sober in prison. The 76-year-old credits sobriety for helping him to become a better father by keeping him out of prison. He also said that his experience with rehab has given him the resources to help his kids who have abused drugs in the past.
“This program not only let me know where to take my kids; it surrounded me with a support system that was able to help keep my kids from using,” Trejo said. “The support group saved their lives.”
Connecting with Others
Pro skateboarder Brandon Turner became sober after serving a 17-month sentence for two DUIs and realizing that he had an alcohol dependency problem. It was in prison that he discovered AA meetings and afterward, he entered a 12-step program.
Thanks to his openness about his alcoholism, Turner now receives emails and messages from skateboarders and others who are trying to get help and has founded a skating program to teach skateboarding basics to those in recovery. He says he’s only able to keep going because of the support from his fellow skateboarding friends.
“It’s not just about getting sober,” he said. It’s about connection.”
Redefining Success
When hairstylist Jason Schneidman was addicted to crack and meth, he saw success as getting rich and buying nice things. After years of rehab and commitment to recovery, he slowly began to realize that what made him happiest was helping others by giving haircuts to the homeless.
Now sober for 17 years, Schneidman sees success as giving to others and paying it forward—not necessarily having wealth and personal achievements.
Find Fulfillment in Your Future Today
A future full of connection, personal success, and productivity isn’t out of reach, though it does require a lot of hard work. Decision Point Center can get you started on the path to recovery by getting you the tools and life skills you need to navigate daily stressors and situations. Located in Prescott, our licensed drug and alcohol addiction and substance use disorder treatment facility has helped countless individuals heal since 2004.
We’re pleased to offer a residential inpatient program, academic and career counseling service, relapse prevention, and a variety of enrichment activities designed to treat your emotional and mental health as well as your physical health. Our team knows what you’re dealing with and is ready to lend our support to help you reach your fullest potential.
Call Decision Point Center today to receive quality addiction treatment at (844) 292-5010, or contact us online if you’re in Prescott or elsewhere in Arizona.