Hey y’all,

I’ve shared bits and pieces about my anxiety before, but something I don’t think I’ve ever really talked about here is that I’m also a recovering addict. Those who know me in real life know this, but I figured it was time to open up a little more so you can get to know me on a deeper level.

The Early Years & The Path I Took

Growing up was… interesting. We moved around a lot, but being born in Iowa, I always had country roots—though different from the deep South kind of country you find in Texas. In ‘98, we moved here for about a year before my parents (my mom and stepdad) decided they wanted to come back for good. We traveled through New Mexico and Kentucky before settling permanently in Texas, where I’ve been ever since.

Like a lot of teens, I had my rebellious streak. Sneaking out, skipping school, and eventually dropping out at 16. I wasn’t a great kid to my parents, and while I’ve made peace with that now, it doesn’t change who I was back then. I got into things I shouldn’t have—smoking, drinking, and drugs well before I should have even thought about them. I surrounded myself with people who weren’t always the best influence, and I made choices that, looking back, could have sent my life down a very different path.

But here’s the thing—I don’t regret any of it. Not because I’m proud of those choices, but because they shaped who I am today. And today, I am someone I am proud of.

Choosing Sobriety & Rebuilding My Life

At 23, I decided I was done. Done with the drugs, done with the lifestyle, and done with being someone I no longer recognized. I quit cold turkey—not just the hard stuff, but cigarettes too. Drinking never had the same grip on me, so while I can drink without it becoming a problem, I rarely do because, honestly? It just doesn’t appeal to me. It doesn’t align with who I am now.

If you’re doing the math, that means I’ve been sober for 16 years. That realization hit me hard recently—because now, I’ve spent half my life on each side of this journey. Half my life in addiction, and half in recovery. And that’s wild to think about.

I will say, I continued what’s now called “gardening” for a few years after I quit everything else. But in the end, even that wasn’t helping me face my anxiety—it was just numbing it. So, I let it go, too. Funny enough, that decision directly led to an incredible job opportunity, which was just another sign that I was on the right path.

Looking Forward: Healing, Sobriety & A New Perspective

As the years have passed, the world around us has changed. What’s legal, what’s not, how people view addiction, and the severity of what’s out there now—especially with the fentanyl crisis—it’s terrifying. I think about Lilith and her friends, and it scares me to know how much more dangerous things are for their generation.

That’s also why I’ve been thinking a lot about alternative ways to manage things like pain and anxiety. I’ve been considering CBD—not for any psychoactive effects, but purely for its healing properties. The idea of something natural that can help with pain, stress, and overall well-being without being addictive? That’s intriguing to me.

But then, my anxiety kicks in with that yellow light mentality. Would using CBD mess with my sobriety? Would it be a step backward? Or is it simply another tool for wellness, separate from addiction?

I know I’m not the only one who wrestles with these thoughts, and I’d love to hear what you think. Do you see CBD as a helpful tool, or do you think it’s just another way to chase a high? Do you believe it should be legal and accessible, or do you feel it crosses a line?

For Those on This Path—You’re Not Alone

If you’re walking your own road to sobriety—whether it’s from drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or something else entirely—I see you. I’m proud of you. And if you’re struggling, please don’t do it alone. There is help, there is support, and there are people (like me) who truly care.

If you ever need someone to talk to, drop a comment, send an email (justmehimandthedogs@gmail.com), or reach out to someone you trust. Sobriety isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it.

#WeDoRecover

Until next time,
Karissa