Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD. – Finding joy and happiness
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD. – Finding joy and happiness Why are joy and happiness so important for our mental health? On World Mental Health Day
8 October, 2021
1.) How long have you been in recovery from opioids and other illicit substances?
I have been clean and sober for one year and 7-months, and counting, from opioids and other illicit substances
2.) What helps you stay clean and sober? (i.e. coping strategies, positive people, places and activities, counseling, MAT, your children, etc.)
My family is a big motivation for me, in my recovery. I have 3-young children who I know need me and depend on me. So, getting high and using is no longer an option or something for me to turn to when I feel overwhelmed or stressed because I know the consequences of my use will not only impact me, but my children. I also participate in methadone maintenance, counseling and have surrounded myself with people who support my sobriety. I want to succeed in life and work toward becoming the best father, son, brother, nephew and friend I can be, and in order to accomplish this goal I must work on my recovery every day.
3.) What have you learned about yourself since getting clean?
I learned that I am actually a good person. In active addiction, I did things that I am not proud of; however, in my recovery I have found joy in helping others which has helped me feel better about myself.
4.) What advice or message do you have for people who are currently struggling with opioid use disorder?
The one piece of advice I would like to give people who are struggling with opioid use disorder is to give yourself a chance at recovering. Look at it this way, if you were to put a quarter of the time into your recovery that you invested in getting high, you could turn your life around for the better.
5.) How do you feel about the person you are today compared to the person you were in active addiction?
For the first time in my life, I can say that I like the person I am today. When I was using, I hated myself; I was so angry and ashamed of my behavior. Now that I am clean and sober, I am capable of loving and helping others because I have finally learned how to love myself.
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, PsyD. – Finding joy and happiness Why are joy and happiness so important for our mental health? On World Mental Health Day
Marguerite – Recovering from your old way of thinking When did you start struggling with addiction? My problems started after I had a sexual encounter
Elise – Turning tragedy into my life’s purpose My daughter, Giana Natali died from a heroin overdose on January 3, 2014. Giana was the youngest
Mike – My road to recovery How long have you been in recovery from drugs and alcohol? I’ve been in active recovery since January 11th,
Rebecca A short piece on what I have learned about shame I was raised in an alcoholic, abusive home and grew up to become an
Liv Self-care during the Pandemic As someone who has complex PTSD and is in recovery from substance use disorders, you could argue that I