I recently reached the one-year milestone and thought of my journey. I also thought of the people who helped get me here. My wife, my sponsor, and a few friends I met along the way in recovery. One thing that struck me was that my journey, although my own, was not alone. As an Army veteran, like many, I struggle with PTSD. With that comes feelings of isolation and anxiety once you leave the military family you’ve known most of your adult life. The feeling that it’s you against the world. This bottle or pill may numb you long enough to endure another night.

That was all an illusion. It was a mix of pride and self-inflicted mental pain. I wasn’t unique or alone. My eyes were closed to what was around me. It took getting sober and seeking help to open my eyes and ears to what was in front of my face. I was not alone, I was not unique, and I was not without hope.

One of the tools that helped me see that was a fantastic book of sharing from Veteran and author JR Weaver, “The Addiction Manifesto.” This testimony and collection of stories reminded me that I was walking a road that countless veterans had walked before me. If I could shut my mouth for a moment and open my eyes, I could read the story of some unique humans who struggle and work at recovery daily. Veterans like me who succeeded in recovery.

This collection of testimonies highlights the daily struggle to follow the mantra: “We can bleed, puke, cry, and crawl…but we will never give up and never stop moving forward.” I recommend this collection of interviews and the recovery story by JR Weaver not only to veterans of our country’s longest war. But anyone seeking recovery. Those who may feel like the only person struggling in their world. You are not alone. Seek out help and resources. Ask those who have walked that trail before you for guidance.

Don’t give up.

The Sobees #QUITLIT Score: 3.5 out of 5

Phillip Vitela

Photographer, Veteran

Sober Curator – Olympia, Washington

Hello there. I’m Phillip Vitela, Photographer, Veteran, Lover of adventure… and sober! During this chapter of my life, I’ve discovered a great adventure: life in sobriety. It’s bright, full, and filled with new, clear experiences. I’m excited to join the sober curator and eager to share my adventure through photos with you.

Follow Phillip at @a13photographry on Instagram.

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