Profiles in Recovery

Sheila Murray

Sheila Murray’s path to recovery is rooted in science and self-empowerment. She’s one of a growing number of people who have discovered effective alternatives to 12-step programs.
Murray credits SMART Recovery® – the most popular AA alternative – with helping her overcome alcohol addiction. She followed SMART’s program for self-directed change, based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
“I discovered that I could be in charge of my thoughts, feelings and behaviors – and to question my irrational beliefs rather than just accepting them,” Murray says. “SMART has shown me how to lead a more balanced life . . . I use the SMART Tools not just for my addiction, but as a basis for my new lifestyle.”
Murray’s own experience was so positive that she now volunteers as a facilitator for SMART Recovery in the United Kingdom.

Volunteerism:
SMART Recovery Facilitator, United Kingdom.  Volunteer on Service Users’ Group for the West Lothian Drug and Alcohol Service in Scotland.

What I lost to addiction:
My home, good friendships, self esteem, family, appearance, job

At my worst, I was:
Losing my own home, being arrested several times and being held in the cells

What worked for me:
Finding SMART Recovery – realizing that if I chose this addictive behavior then I could also choose to stop it. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy mainly.

Favorite recovery quote:
You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself” ~ Glinda the Good Witch, from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

When cravings come:
Stop what I’m doing, take a few breaths, and find something else to do until it passes.  I have photos in my mind that go from happy drinking – right through to lying in the street, or in the cells.  Euphoric recall is a dangerous place.

On my bucket list:
Continue to gain as many qualifications as I can. Become a fully qualified counselor.  Go to Jersey with the family.  See Neil Diamond live.

Best advice for newbies:
Take each day/hour at a time.  Don’t make unrealistic demands on yourself.  Congratulate yourself on any successes instead of just beating yourself up about your “failures.”  Try to be positive and do something every day – however small.  Go to SMART Recovery meetings.

What I value most in recovery: I’m still here to make amends in one piece, I have my family and am reunited with good friends.  Being in a position to help others and put this awful addiction to good use.  Being in the right state of mind and able to study.

What I learned about myself:
That I have more resolve/strength that I thought possible.

I get inspired by:
My counselors other people in recovery, anyone who is a positive influence on my life.

Proudest moment:
Receiving my NQ Intro to Counseling Certificate, SMART Recovery Facilitator Certificate and Certificate recognizing my commitment to SMART Recovery

Thoughts on relapse:
Keep trying – take the relapse, learn from it, put it in the past where it belongs.  You can’t change it – move forward and kick start again.

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If you’re a person in long-term recovery who wants to share your insights, please contact us at [email protected].