““In the face of it, we are powerless. All recovering persons come to a turning point in their lives precipitated by the pain of their addiction. Pain made me aware of my powerlessness and unmanageability. The only way out of the pain was to come out of hiding—I had to surrender. I had to embrace my shame and pain. In my own case the pain had become so agonizing that I was ready to go to any length. Embracing my pain led me to expose my pain, sorrow, loneliness and shame. This is what I had feared doing for so long. As I confessed how bad I really felt, I saw acceptance and love in the mirroring eyes of others. As they accepted me, I began to feel like I mattered. I began to accept myself. The interpersonal bridge was being repaired.””
