Getting sober at a young age has SO many benefits. There is an endless amount of reasons that someone would want to be in recovery when they’re young. I’ve thought of the 8 best things about being young in recovery.
8 Best Things about Being Young in Recovery…
1. You bounce back from your addiction a lot quicker than the old timers
The younger you are, the quicker you can bounce back from your addiction. Not to say that the old timers can’t bounce back quickly as well, but it’s pretty well known that young people bounce back pretty fast.
2. You can help other young people get sober, too
When you’re young in recovery, it is great to be able to help other young people get sober, too. You are not only an inspiration but a great role model and I know when I first got sober it definitely helped me to see a lot of young people in the rooms.
3. You can have fun and actually remember it
You might not think so, but you can have so much fun in recovery. And the best part – you remember everything! Being able to look back on the last 2 years of my life and remember everything feels wonderful!
4. It’s easier to start over (go back to school, save money,etc…)
When you’re young, it’s a lot easier to jump back into school, start saving money and all around just start your life over. You’ve had a lot less time out there in your addiction than others and have so much time to start your life and get on the right track.
5. You have your whole life ahead of you
Being young means that your life has only just begun! You have so much time and experiences ahead of you and so much to look forward to; there are endless possibilities!
6. You mature a lot quicker than other people your age
Typically, because of everything we’ve been through at such a young age as addicts and alcoholics, we tend to mature a lot faster than our peers and others our age. I know that I had to grow up quickly living the life I was, using drugs and alcohol. Then I had to grow up even quicker when I had to change my life.
7. Usually, you haven’t caused too much damage to your life yet (this doesn’t apply to all young people)
Keyword being usually because some people can cause a large amount of damage in a small amount of time; but if you’re lucky you haven’t wreaked too much havoc on your life yet and are able to clean your life up and make things better a lot faster.
8. People look up to you for being a young person in recovery (where your ‘normie’ friends may not be respected as much)
It is truly amazing to get this and be in recovery at a young age and people really respect you for that and look up to you. Your normie friends probably won’t get as much recognition for achieving a lot at this point in their lives yet, but you definitely will!
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll free 1-800-951-6135.