Victoria's Story: One day a time, from addiction to recovery
“Vivir con Fobias y Fobia Social: Del Miedo Constante a la Esperanza”.
The first signs
From a very young age, I felt an intense need to consume sugary foods, refined carbs, and fried foods. When I didn’t have them, I experienced anxiety, distress, and even physical trembling. I would cry without understanding what was happening to me. At home, I was often scolded for eating this way, which led me to hide so no one would see me. Even though I knew it was harming me, I couldn’t stop. At the same time, I grew up rejecting myself, feeling inadequate about my appearance and disconnected from my own well-being.
Replacing one addiction with another
At 13, I began seeing a psychiatrist and was prescribed medication. Over time, I developed a growing need to take more, increasing the dosage without supervision. Later, I turned to alcohol. I didn’t like the taste, but I liked the effect, it helped me escape what I was feeling. Even though I knew it was wrong, there came a point when I no longer cared about living. I began to feel that dying might be a relief.
Hitting rock bottom
The abuse of medication, alcohol, and unhealthy eating habits deeply affected my physical and emotional health. I gained weight, and my self-rejection grew stronger. I lived feeling frustrated, angry, without purpose, and hurting my relationships. Over time, alcohol became part of my daily routine, along with painkillers to cope with the hangovers. Without realizing it, my entire life revolved around using.
The breaking point
At 29, I decided to stop drinking, but what came next was extremely difficult. I experienced intense anxiety, desperation, insomnia, constant anger, and a deep sense of emptiness. Nothing seemed to make sense anymore. I arrived at the group feeling lost, convinced that there was no solution for me.
A new beginning
Listening to others’ experiences was key for me. Little by little, I began to understand my own history with addiction, including my dependence on medication and patterns I hadn’t even noticed. In every meeting, I found peace and relief. Today, I understand that what started with food evolved into more serious addictions. Through a 12-step recovery program, I am learning to manage my emotions without turning to substances or harmful behaviors. Today, I know there is hope, and that it is possible to live one day at a time.
El encuentro que marcó la diferencia: Emocionales Anónimos
Eliana encontró verdadera transformación cuando llegó a Emocionales Anónimos, una comunidad donde pudo compartir su dolor sin vergüenza y escuchar historias similares a la suya.
“Encontré personas que escuchan y entienden mi historia. Ahí descubrí que mis miedos se disuelven cuando los enfrento acompañada.”
La práctica espiritual y emocional del programa la ayudó a revisar su historia de una forma nueva, menos cruel, más compasiva.
“Acepté mi pasado, perdoné a mi familia y me perdoné a mí misma.”
Aprendió a poner límites con amabilidad.
A soltar el miedo a la reacción de los demás.
A elegir su bienestar.
Y, sobre todo, a descansar.
Recuerda, los grupos Emocionales Anónimos ofrecen un entorno seguro y comprensivo donde puedes compartir tus pensamientos y emociones sin temor a ser juzgado. Al escuchar las experiencias de otros miembros que han superado desafíos similares, puedes obtener esperanza y perspectiva.
Además, el apoyo emocional y el sentido de pertenencia pueden ayudarte a sentirte menos sola y más motivada para buscar tu recuperación.