I always thought I was different. When in my family, at work, or in social settings, I never could let my uncomfortable feelings free and hammered all those feelings inside with alcohol and drugs. It worked. Until it really did not. That spiral into addiction left me confused, hurt, gloomy, and completely lonely. Smiling on the outside, going about my responsibilities, and fooling myself that I was all right; only on the inside, I was sure I was sinking.
When I first found an online sobriety community, I really was a bit skeptical. At first, reading other folks’ stories of recovery from addiction seemed comforting yet far removed from my reality. I felt an online environment could not have any real weight in life. This was when I first found In The Rooms. Initially, I lurked around—just read through some posts, attended some online meetings, and tried to feel more than shame.
Slowly, I started to comment, ask a few questions, and, in turn, began sharing my story. What then followed was a surprise: replies from strangers with empathy, encouragement, even humor. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen. The In The Rooms community became my lifeline—reaching out without judgment.
Gradually, I began inserting the tools and habits shared by others into my life—going to meetings locally, journaling, practicing mindfulness, and even dabbling in some toolbox suggestions like Practicing Gratitude in Recovery. These things kept me grounded. I wasn’t trying to create a new identity for myself—I was slowly returning to who I had been all along.
I built connections over time, both online and face to face. I found out that vulnerability does not weaken us—it strengthens us. Today, my personal recovery journey continues. I’m not perfect, but I am not alone anymore. With this way of working through the program, I found my spot in the sober community of In The Rooms—as a place to offer and receive support.
I get why you might hesitate to reach out. Don’t let fear keep you there. Your recovery story matters. There is somebody somewhere who needs to hear it—and feel less alone—because of you.
Editor’s Note: If you’re looking for more support, inspiration, or stories that speak to your recovery experience, we invite you to explore our Blogs & Articles section. Stay connected with the In The Rooms community on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and twitter for daily encouragement, real voices, and reminders that healing happens one moment at a time.
