ADOPTED & LOST | Battling ADDICTION, IDENTITY, SELF-HARM and REDEMPTION

Ray's adoption at birth left him with a deep-seated sense of displacement and solitude, serving as the "core wound" that shaped his journey into adulthood. As he navigated the complexities of adolescence, challenged with ADHD and learning disabilities, he grappled with a profound sense of disconnection and feelings of "being different."
Straying from the religious customs of his upbringing, Ray began to seek solace in self-destruction, including self-harm and substance abuse, desperately trying to fill the void within. His struggles led him down a tumultuous path, where the allure of drugs like Percocet and Xanax offered fleeting relief but ultimately deepened his sense of emptiness and the threat of losing his life.
Amidst toxic relationships, personal turmoil, anger, and rage, Ray eventually recognized the gravity of his situation and made the courageous decision to seek professional help and enter treatment. Despite facing adversity, Ray's resilience shone through as he embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing.
Today, Ray's life is a testament to his transformation. Finding purpose in nurturing his 12-step relationships, friendships, and tending to his garden, he has emerged from the shadows of his past. His journey has led him to become a beacon of hope for others, as he now walks alongside them as a successful therapist, using his own experiences to guide and inspire those navigating the complexities of adoption, addiction, and self-acceptance.
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00:05 - Struggling with identity growing up in a religious household
00:11 - Turning to self-harm and eating disorders as a coping mechanism
00:25 - First encounter with substances and the path to active addiction
00:46 - Losing everything: The low point that triggered a change
01:03 - Facing the fear of losing sanity as motivation to get help
01:14 - The first steps to sobriety and rebuilding from the ground up
01:42 - The role of a tough-love sponsor in recovery
02:09 - Finding peace and self-awareness in long-term sobriety
#crosstalkpodcast #sobriety #addictionrecovery
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[@damienlombana2354]

Such a great talk 💙💙