Still Standing: A Story of Pain, Hope, and Survival By Mikey Maconey

My story of pain hope and survival: Three and a half years ago, I was a shadow of a person, consumed by a meth addiction that stole everything—my family, my dignity, and my future. But today, I stand here sober, with 3.5 years of hard-earned freedom from addiction. This is my story—a raw, emotional tale of survival and redemption, proving that even in the darkest moments, hope is never lost.

Still Standing: Still Standing: A Story of Pain, Hope, and Survival

Hitting Rock Bottom

Meth addiction didn’t just take over my life—it devoured it. By 30, I was living on the streets, barely surviving day to day. The turning point came one cold morning when I was panhandling outside a gas station. A stranger tossed a crumpled dollar at my feet without even making eye contact.

When I bent down to grab the money, I caught my reflection in a car window. I didn’t recognize the person staring back—sunken eyes, hollow cheeks, and a look of pure defeat. Something inside me broke that day, and for the first time in years, I felt the weight of what I’d become.

I cried. Not quiet tears, but loud, soul-shaking sobs that left me gasping for air. Strangers stared, but I didn’t care. That was the moment I realized I couldn’t keep living like this.

The Beginning of Addiction Recovery

The next day, I stumbled into a free recovery program at a local church. I didn’t have hope, but I had desperation. Recovery wasn’t instant, and it sure wasn’t easy.

In the beginning, I felt like an outsider. I only had an 8th-grade education and struggled to understand the recovery materials. Relapses happened—twice in my first year—but I kept showing up.

What kept me going was one simple piece of advice from another recovering addict:

“You don’t have to understand everything to get sober. You just have to keep trying.”

Building a New Life

Willingness became my superpower. I was willing to go to meetings even when I felt like a failure. I was willing to take small, humble steps—like flipping burgers or cleaning floors—to rebuild my life. I was willing to apologize to the people I’d hurt, even when it terrified me.

One day at a time, I built a foundation for my sobriety. I didn’t need to be perfect or smart—I just needed to keep going.

Finding Purpose Through Sobriety

Today, I have a life I never dreamed was possible. I’ve mended relationships, found stability, and even discovered a passion for helping others struggling with addiction.

I may not be the most educated person in the room, but I bring something priceless to the table—lived experience. I know what it feels like to hit rock bottom and claw your way back up. I’ve walked the path of addiction recovery, and I know it’s possible for anyone willing to take the first step.

Hope For Anyone Struggling

If you’re reading this and thinking it’s too late for you, I want you to hear me: It’s not.

You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be willing to take the next step.

Recovery isn’t about being flawless; it’s about being persistent. It’s about showing up for yourself, over and over again.

Conclusion

My journey of addiction recovery has been messy, painful, and far from perfect—but it’s also been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.

If I can rebuild my life from the ashes, so can you. One step, one day, one moment at a time.

Keep going. You’re worth it.

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