Feeling Lost in Addiction? Here’s How I Found My Way Back—And How You Can Too


Do you ever feel like your life is spinning out of control? Like you're drowning in emotions you can’t face, reaching for anything—anything—to numb the pain? Maybe it’s alcohol, maybe drugs, maybe something else entirely. Addiction has a way of sneaking in, wrapping itself around you like a comforting blanket, only to suffocate you in the end. If you’re in that place right now, I want you to know—I see you. I’ve been there. And I promise, there’s a way out.

For years, I buried myself in alcohol and cocaine, desperately trying to escape a pain that felt unbearable. At the time, I didn’t understand that my addiction wasn’t the real problem—it was just a symptom of something deeper. Trauma, self-worth issues, and a relentless search for love and validation had led me down a road of self-destruction. It wasn’t until I truly faced those wounds that I was able to break free.

How I Got Here: My Story of Addiction and Healing

My journey with addiction wasn’t just about bad choices or reckless behavior. It was about survival. Childhood wounds, early sexual abuse, and abusive relationships created a storm of pain I didn’t know how to process. When I discovered alcohol and cocaine, they became my escape route. They silenced the voices of self-doubt, numbed the heartbreak, and let me forget—for a while.

But addiction isn’t just an escape; it’s a thief. It stole my time, my health, my relationships, and nearly my life. At 27, after learning my dad was not my biological father, I hit one of my lowest points. The pain was too much, and I purposefully overdosed, laying in the shower fully clothed with water streaming all over me...I just wanted it all to end! My sister came home at just the right time and called the ambulance. At the hospital my stomach was pumped, it was one of the most painful experiences... When I woke up the next day, my heart still felt broken—but even worse, I was overwhelmed with shame for what I had done and the pain I had inflicted on my family by putting them through such a traumatic experience. Even then, it took years before I was truly ready to heal.

That healing didn’t happen overnight. It wasn’t a single moment of clarity, but a series of choices—hard, painful, beautiful choices—to fight for myself. With the help of my therapist Fred, who specializes in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and trauma recovery, I began to unravel the real reasons behind my addiction. Through mindfulness, spiritual practices, and deep inner work, I learned how to face my pain instead of running from it.

What Helped Me Heal

The road to recovery is never one-size-fits-all, but these are the practices that changed my life:

1. Therapy That Addresses the Root Cause

I used to think addiction was my enemy. What I learned is that addiction was my mind’s way of trying to protect me. Working with Fred, I explored the deep-seated trauma that fueled my self-destructive habits. NVC (Nonviolent Communication) helped me understand my emotions without judgment, while trauma therapy gave me the tools to heal from past wounds. If you could benefit from therapy with a compassionate and empathetic therapist I can give you his details. Just DM me!

2. Spiritual Practices That Grounded Me

I found solace in meditation, tarot, and journaling. At first, sitting with my emotions was terrifying. But over time, mindfulness meditation helped me become an observer of my thoughts instead of a prisoner to them.

One simple practice that helped me:

  • Sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and take deep breaths.
  • When painful thoughts arise, instead of pushing them away, acknowledge them.
  • Tell yourself: I see you. I hear you. I release you.

This practice allowed me to process my emotions rather than suppress them. I also like to light a candle and incorporate guided meditations or self-hypnosis to deepen the experience.

3. Writing as a Path to Self-Discovery

Journaling became one of my most powerful tools. It gave me a safe space to express my pain, celebrate my growth, and understand my triggers. It’s why I created Journey of My Soul: A Guided Journal, to help others navigate their healing process through reflection, intention-setting, and self-exploration.

4. Learning to Feel Instead of Numb

Recovery wasn’t just about stopping the substances; it was about learning to sit with emotions instead of running from them. It was about replacing self-destruction with self-compassion.

I had to re-teach myself that feeling pain didn’t mean I was broken—it meant I was healing.

If You’re Struggling, Here’s What I Want You to Know

You are not your addiction. You are not your past. You are capable of healing, no matter how deep the wounds.

If you’re feeling lost, start with one small step:
✨ Reach out for support. Whether it’s a therapist, a support group, or a trusted friend, you don’t have to do this alone.
✨ Create a mindfulness practice. Even five minutes a day of deep breathing can make a difference.
✨ Write your truth. Get a journal, pour out your emotions, and let yourself be seen.

Healing isn’t about becoming a "perfect" version of yourself. It’s about coming home to who you were always meant to be. And I believe in you.

For more guidance on your journey, my new book, Journey of My Soul: A Path to Self-Discovery and Empowerment, is designed to help you uncover your inner strength, release old patterns, and step into your power. (Releasing in June) 

Here are some powerful reads that have helped me and countless others navigate addiction, trauma, and personal growth—each offering wisdom, tools, and inspiration to guide you toward healing and transformation.

Healing from Addiction & Trauma:

  1. Unbreakable: A Journey of Healing, Growth, and Self-Discovery – Jamie O’Neill

    • An honest, and empowering guide about overcoming addiction, trauma, and self-destruction to find strength, healing, and purpose.

  2. The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk

    • A deep dive into how trauma affects the brain and body and how to heal through somatic practices.

  3. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts – Gabor Maté

    • Explores the roots of addiction with compassion and insight, offering a deeper understanding of why we seek to numb our pain.

  4. Breathing Under Water: Spirituality and the Twelve Steps – Richard Rohr

    • A spiritual perspective on addiction recovery, integrating mindfulness and faith-based healing.

  5. Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions – Russell Brand

    • A raw, humorous, and real take on recovery, blending personal experience with practical wisdom.

  6. The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober – Catherine Gray

    • A personal and uplifting journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and finding joy in sobriety.

Mindfulness, Healing, & Self-Discovery:

  1. Radical Acceptance – Tara Brach

    • A powerful guide to embracing yourself and your emotions with compassion instead of judgment.

  2. The Untethered Soul – Michael A. Singer

    • A transformational book about breaking free from limiting beliefs and emotional pain.

  3. Journey to the Heart – Melody Beattie

    • A daily meditation book filled with wisdom for healing, personal growth, and self-love.

  4. Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma – Peter Levine

  • Focuses on somatic experiencing to release stored trauma from the body.
  1. The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz
  • Simple yet profound wisdom for transforming your mindset and breaking free from old patterns.

Journaling & Personal Growth:

  1. Journey of My Soul: A Path to Self-Discovery and Empowerment – Jamie O’Neill
  • A transformational guide to uncovering your soul’s purpose, healing past wounds, and stepping into your power through reflection and self-exploration.
  1. Write It Down, Let It Go – A Journal for Reflection and Release
  • A guided journal to help process emotions, release negative thoughts, and cultivate self-awareness.
  1. Shadow Work Journal – Keila Shaheen
  • A great tool for deep inner work, exploring childhood wounds, and breaking free from limiting beliefs.
  1. You Can Heal Your Life – Louise Hay

  • A classic in self-healing and affirmations for creating a more loving, empowered life.


You are stronger than you know. And your journey is just beginning. If you’re ready to take that step, I’d love to walk beside you. Check out my offerings below. 

www.silvermoonholistic.com 

With love and support,

Jamie O. 










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