Empowering Voices: Confronting Stigma in the World of an Addiction Blogger

In the ever-evolving world of online communities, my journey to establish a supportive space has been a tapestry woven with both profound insights and unexpected challenges. This exploration delves into my personal narrative as an addiction blogger, navigating the complexities of constructing a compassionate community within the very niche I am deeply passionate about. That’s me always learning the hard way.

As I peel back the layers of my own struggles and vulnerabilities throughout this process, this blog post unveils the intricate web of stigma encountered within the addiction realm, a realm I am dedicated to empowering.

Join me on this introspective journey as I share the nuances, challenges, and triumphs faced in my mission to create an all-inclusive, judgment-free, supportive, and empathetic space for my addiction and/or recovery and personal development community.

This narrative not only sheds light on my individual path but also holds a mirror to the broader implications for those committed to fostering understanding within the complex landscape of addiction. Together, let’s explore the intricate tapestry of experiences that shape my endeavor to build a supportive haven for those in need.

The Power of Community: How Addiction Niche Fails to Support the Newcomer

Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects millions of people around the world. For years, those of us struggling with addiction have faced stigma and discrimination, making it even more difficult to seek help and support. However, in recent years, people seem to believe that the stigma surrounding addiction has been decreasing. I am witnessing personally that this is not the case. I am an addiction blogger with a strong desire to help others, and it seems I am being stigmatized by some of the industry leaders in the addiction recovery niche, as well as other addiction recovery bloggers and influencers.

These bloggers are passionate about sharing their stories and experiences, creating a safe and non-judgmental space for others to do the same. Through their writing, they are helping to educate the public, change perceptions, and promote understanding of addiction and recovery, yet some seem to not remember that everyone has to start somewhere. In this article, we’ll explore the lack of community in the addiction blogging world and how their lack of acceptance of newcomers could be affecting those struggling.

I started this blog in June of last year. I have never mentioned it on my personal social media or even told many people I know about it. Why do you think that is? I thought that being seven years into my recovery would leave the stigma in the dust, but the fact is that “…they will always remember what you have done, kid, because they refuse to look past that and see what you’re doing.” As my Pop has always told me. He is absolutely right.

Those actively using hate on me because I am in recovery. My best friend, Trevor, tells me that they say I’m “stuck up now and think I am too good.” If I think I am too good, why do I jump when anyone calls and help in any way I can, even when I know I am going to get what I have come to call hurt for helping? I haven’t told anyone in my small town about my blog because I don’t need any other factors working against me. Apparently, this was a smart move.

I have been sending about five to ten guest post proposals a week since June of last year. I offer links on my site and the possibility of mentions on my social media and in future guest posts. On top of that, I am offering a fully SEO-optimized, keyword-researched guest post that is ready to rank for FREE. I request that they respond even if it’s to decline, even with the single word DECLINE. I mention that we can shake hands and part friends, respectively. Not one response. I get that there will be cold calls, but why do people that are not in the addiction recovery niche allow me to guest post and not those that should be the most supportive of my mission?

I live in a small town, and I was an addict before addiction was considered a disease. I could tell you things that happened to me that would leave your jaw on the floor. I will tell you when I realized what was really happening. I applied to a prominent online SUD therapy provider affiliate program because I was writing a line-up post about the best online help for addiction. The next morning, I received an email telling me that my application was REJECTED because my content does not align with their brand.

I sent them a reply that I won’t repeat here, but I don’t even cuss on my blog. How does my story of hope, strength, and inspiration on my substance use disorder blog not align with your substance use disorder therapy?

Authenticity is very important to me, so I try to be 150% transparent when writing my guest post pitches. I explain that I suffered from an addiction to heroin for all of my adult life and that seven years ago, I checked into a homeless shelter pregnant with a 450 credit score. I tell them that I now have a career, own my own 350k home, started a blog, etc. I want to help people. I want people to see that change is possible because it absolutely is.

It’s strange because I receive replies from many sites in the health & wellness niche and have several guest posts out there, but have yet to receive even one response from an addiction recovery blogger/influencer or any of the sites in the niche. (Update: I did hear back from one today, the day before publishing.)

It’s sad because I can see how badly this would deter some people. Many of the addiction bloggers are recovering alcoholics, which to some, I’m sure, is less messy. My bet is that this is a dream that many people have hung up because the niche makes it almost impossible. I am blown away by some of the individual bloggers and agencies on my list. If this is us modeling connection, it’s no wonder why people don’t seem to have any hope.

Addiction is an isolating disease that affects not only the individual but also our loved ones. The disease can create a sense of shame and guilt, making it difficult for many to seek help. However, being part of a supportive community can make a significant difference in recovery. Support networks provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and successes, offer encouragement, and provide valuable resources.

In addition, being part of a supportive community can help individuals develop new coping mechanisms, build healthy relationships, and improve their overall well-being. Support networks can also provide a sense of accountability and structure, which is essential in maintaining long-term recovery. My dream is to create such a community, and I have been trying since June of 2022 to no avail.

Addiction bloggers are supposed to play a critical role in breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction. By sharing our personal stories and experiences, we must humanize addiction and make it easier for others to relate. We should be helping to educate the public on the realities of addiction and recovery, dispelling myths and misconceptions. How are paid memberships and exclusion helping the people still sick and suffering?

Through my writing, I have encouraged others to seek help and support to reduce the shame and isolation often associated with addiction. The most popular addiction bloggers seem to all be alcohol specific, though this doesn’t mean that they don’t support all people in recovery. When I was actively using, I remember searching for drug-specific bloggers on self-hosted sites, and I didn’t find many. I am starting to think there may be a reason for this.

Many addiction bloggers have created supportive communities through their writing, and they seem to be more inclusive and don’t turn their backs on the new guy/gal/other. Here are a few of my favorite examples:

This is an awesome site with a beautiful message. Not only do they allow guest posting, but also the opportunity to become a sober curator and contribute regularly to their content. Allysse Bryson, the founder, couldn’t be a kinder, warm-hearted individual. Just the fact that they are so open to involving others is fantastic to me. You can visit this site here or by clicking on the name above.

UPDATE: After writing this, I actually received my first return email from Allysse, and we will be meeting in the coming weeks. Even if there had been a refusal, I would have been okay with it because the common courtesy was there. You don’t know how much this means to me.

Glennon Doyle is a writer, speaker, and activist. Her blog, Momastery, is a collection of personal essays on addiction, recovery, and motherhood. Glennon’s writing is powerful and inspiring, and she has created a community of individuals who are seeking to live their best lives. She, her partner, and her sister also have a podcast, We Do Hard Things. This is what I someday aspire to be. You are all amazing!

Sober Courage is also a site that openly offers guest posting and contact, even promoting many other addiction websites on the pages of the blog. Just from what I have witnessed by visiting the site, you can see that the founder, Maggies Shores (Magz), actually cares about people. I absolutely love her blog, and you will too.

Being part of an addiction support network offers many benefits. Here are a few:

Being part of a support network should provide a sense of accountability. Knowing that others are counting on us can help us stay on track with our recovery goals.

Support networks should offer encouragement and support when we need it most. They should help us navigate difficult situations and provide guidance when we are feeling lost.

Support networks should provide valuable resources, such as information on treatment options, support groups, and other recovery services.

Being part of a supportive community should provide a sense of camaraderie and connectedness. Knowing that others are going through similar struggles can help us feel less alone in our recovery journeys.

As I mentioned thus far, this has not been the case. I may have let it slide if it was three months with no replies, like, at all, but it will be one year next month that I have been pitching all of these bloggers/influencers and agencies, and I have gotten nothing.

I have even cut some slack due to the alleged traits and habits of the stereotypical substance abuser because I understand it, but I pitched some of the stigma-stomper’s and agencies in my own state that should be spreading a message of hope and supporting those in recovery, but I got nothing.

Building a supportive community takes time and effort, which I expected from the beginning. You have no idea how hard it has been when I am essentially on my own, and we won’t even go into what it has done for my ego. Pshhhh…. Here are a few of my strategies:

Being authentic is essential in building a supportive community. By sharing our own struggles and vulnerabilities, we create a safe space for others to do the same. This is the most important part for me. I keep it real. 100%. It’s kind of my thing.

Listening is a critical component of building a supportive community. By listening to others, we show that we value their experiences and are willing to support them. Listening also means giving them room to speak, and apparently, that is harder for some than it is for others.

Offering encouragement is an essential part of building a supportive community. By providing support and encouragement, we help others stay motivated and focused on their recovery goals. Positivity goes a long way in this world today. You would be surprised.

Sharing resources is an excellent way to build a supportive community. By providing information on treatment options, support groups, and other recovery services, you help others navigate the recovery process.

The impact of community on addiction recovery cannot be overstated. Being part of a supportive community can help us overcome feelings of shame and isolation, develop new coping mechanisms, and maintain long-term recovery. Support networks provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and successes, offer encouragement, and provide valuable resources.

In addition, being part of a supportive community can help individuals build healthy relationships, improve their overall well-being, and develop a sense of accountability and structure. How are those that are supposed to be modeling connection and non-judgment going to not welcome any newcomer to the addiction niche? What kind of example is this? Is this why there aren’t many self-hosted, single-creator, drug-addiction-specific bloggers out there? Success is hard when you are on your own.

Addiction is a complex issue that affects millions of people worldwide. For years, those of us struggling with addiction have faced stigma and discrimination, making it even more challenging to seek help and support. However, a powerful community of addiction bloggers will emerge, where we are using our platforms to break down barriers and build the biggest support network yet, meeting people from all paths to recovery where they’re at. Through our writing, we will be helping to educate the public, change perceptions, advocate prevention, and promote understanding of addiction and recovery together with all of our separate communities, making one large community and showing the world what connection really is.

This blog is my dream. Nobody ever thought I would live this long, including me. I am working tirelessly to be heard, make a difference, and leave the world a better place than when I found it. I won’t give up, but I had no idea how hard it would be. I thought I could just write. Not the case. I have taught myself SEO, keyword research, analytics, and the list goes on and on. Every day brings a new challenge, so having to deal with stigma is something I am becoming really… intolerant of. I will succeed. I have two small children depending on me with no plan B, so I’m not going anywhere, but the stigma surrounding addiction will be.

Finding addiction support networks is easier than ever before. Here are a few resources:

Online support groups, such as AA Online, SMART Recovery, and In The Rooms, offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to connect with others in recovery.

Recovery coaches provide one-on-one support and guidance to individuals in recovery.

Treatment centers offer a variety of support services, including group therapy, individual counseling, and family therapy.

If you have some experience, tips, insights, etc., please share below in the comments or visit the PNP Forums and start a conversation. Please be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe to my newsletter to get first access to my freebies, tips for recovery and personal development, and updates on all things PNP (Progressing Not Perfecting.)

Also, be sure to register for our free, all-inclusive, judgment-free, supportive community for those of us that are more progressors, less perfectors. You can also visit our page for The Fallen. Our online memorial for those we have lost in the war against drugs. You can send in your submissions to add your loved one(s) to the memorial page.

**I include affiliate links throughout this blog post. While they come at zero cost to you, they help support my work. If you buy through links on this page, I may earn a small commission. I only ever promote companies I personally use, love, and that I believe will benefit my readers. All products are items that I and/or my family and/or friends use and love. I stand by my recommendations. I appreciate you!**

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Who doesn’t love these boards? A great way to get in shape, build or strengthen your core, and master balance. When I managed a snowboard shop, I put one of these babies out front for the customers to use and my employees to mess around on, and they were a huge hit. I got one for my niece a few Christmases back, and I am still praised for it.

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