By Leah O’Neill, Founder of The Ridge Wellness and Recovery
In 2022, I faced a pivotal moment that would redefine my life. Years of battling addiction culminated in a severe health crisis that left me hospitalized for eight months. This period of confinement became a profound journey of introspection, healing, and transformation.
The Descent
Addiction is a relentless adversary, often creeping into one’s life under the guise of solace and escape. For me, alcohol became a companion that masked underlying pains and stresses. What began as occasional indulgence quickly spiraled into a dependency that overshadowed every facet of my existence. Relationships strained, then ended; professional aspirations dwindled, then ceased, and, most alarmingly, my health crashed, then burned.
Addiction makes liars of us all, and there was no one I was lying to more about the nature and extent of my use than myself. Despite my conviction that alcohol was the warm hug I desperately needed, it proved to be the cold hammer under which I was shattered.
A Wake-Up Call
I had known for months prior to that August day that the alcohol I was drinking was doing damage to my body. Myself and ‘the shakes’ were no strangers, there were many mornings that we spent together, waiting for the first shots of the new day to quench them. Countless hours spent hunched over the kitchen sink or the bathroom toilet, every part of my being desperate to expel the poison I had filled it with. Cuts and bruises, relentless in their determination to appear across my body, treated by the same medicine that caused them. More days forgotten than remembered. What I had not known was the fierce confrontation I would have with the consequences of my actions when ignoring alcohol’s effects on my mental and physical health stopped being an option.
The prolonged hospitalization that resulted from my addiction was not just a battle for physical survival but an awakening to the necessity of holistic recovery. Isolated, scared, and alone, I was left to face my vulnerabilities, regrets, and the imperative need for change.
Necrotizing pancreatitis, the first diagnosis I received, gave way to numerous issues. Days and nights blurred together as my consciousness drifted further from my grasp. TPN replaced bar snacks, call bells replaced drunk texts, medication replaced vodka. The sepsis came next and set in, not unlike how a black out does, slowly drifting over me, pulling me just out of reality’s reach.
Waking up, my body having decided to live, my mind still left with a choice.
Discovering the Healing Power of Movement
For weeks, I laid in bed, feet never touching the floor. Confined, stuck in a hospital bed and stuck in my head. For months, the walk to the bathroom required at least two people, a far cry from any substantive physical activity and a constant reminder of the freedoms my addiction was still taking from me. As my body began to heal, I realized that movement could be a conduit for reclaiming my life, taking back freedom, and emerging as the individual I wanted to be. Simple exercises evolved into structured routines, each movement symbolizing a step away from addiction and toward empowerment. This personal renaissance led me to pursue certifications as a Personal Trainer and Nutritionist, equipping myself with the tools to not only aid my recovery but to assist others in theirs.
The Birth of The Ridge Wellness and Recovery
Emerging from the hospital, I was thrust into a world I had long since navigated sober. Determined to be steadfast in my recovery, I searched out any support I could find. I attended meetings, found therapists, and researched addiction. What I found through my early recovery was that though these resources did aid in my recovery, there was an important component missing- movement.
The Ridge Wellness and Recovery was founded on the principles that aided my healing—integrating physical fitness, nutritional guidance, and compassionate counseling. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives, recognizing that recovery encompasses the body, mind, and spirit.
The Synergy Between Fitness and Recovery
Research underscores the profound benefits of exercise in addiction recovery. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to curb cravings, reduce stress, and improve mental health. A study highlighted by the Gateway Foundation found that committing to a weekly exercise routine resulted in decreased substance use and even complete abstinence for some participants. Exercise provides structure, fosters a sense of accomplishment, and serves as a healthy outlet for emotions—all crucial elements in sustaining sobriety.
A Personal Invitation
My journey from the depths of addiction to a life of purpose and health is a testament to the resilience inherent in all of us. At The Ridge Wellness and Recovery, we are committed to walking alongside you, offering personalized programs that blend fitness, nutrition, and counseling. Whether you’re taking your first steps toward recovery or seeking to reinforce your ongoing journey, we are here to support you.
Recovery is not a destination but a continuous journey of growth and self-discovery. Through movement, mindful nutrition, and a supportive community, we can reclaim our lives.
Together, let’s take one day at a time.
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