It’s Never Too Late: How to Start Your Recovery Journey Later in Life
Addiction can feel like a lifelong battle, but one thing remains true: it is never too late to start the journey to recovery. Jay Schienberg’s story is living proof of that. At 70 years old, after decades of struggling with substance abuse, Jay is celebrating 14 months of sobriety—and he’s never been more hopeful for the future. His path was filled with obstacles, but Jay’s story teaches us that no matter your age or how long you've battled addiction, recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one are older and thinking about getting sober, here are a few important steps you can take to begin the journey:
1. Acknowledge That It's Never Too Late
One of the biggest hurdles for older adults is the misconception that “it’s too late” to recover or that the damage done is irreversible. The truth is, recovery is possible at any age. Jay, like many others, had his moments of doubt after years of addiction. But in 2022, he made the life-changing decision to move into a sober living home and start fresh. Jay’s story serves as a reminder: no matter your age, it’s never too late to make a change.
2. Find the Right Support System
For Jay, one of the most crucial parts of his recovery was moving into a supportive and structured environment. “Moving to the Stop the Heroin sober living community was the best decision I’ve made in years,” Jay says. Surrounding yourself with others who are on the same path and have the tools to help you is key to successful recovery. Sober living homes, rehabilitation centers, and support groups for older adults are great resources. These communities offer not just a place to stay, but a safe, clean environment that fosters accountability and support.
3. Address Physical and Mental Health
Recovery isn’t just about breaking free from drugs or alcohol—it’s about addressing the whole person. As we get older, the physical and mental toll of addiction becomes more apparent. Jay experienced these effects firsthand, but part of his journey was about addressing underlying health issues. “I needed to find a way to live,” Jay recalls, explaining how addiction led to both physical and emotional decline.
For older adults, it’s important to work closely with healthcare providers who understand the complexities of aging and addiction. Whether it’s managing chronic conditions, dealing with anxiety or depression, or rebuilding physical health, tackling these challenges is vital to long-term recovery.
4. Focus on Building a Routine
One of the most effective ways to sustain recovery is to build a new routine that promotes a healthy lifestyle. For Jay, living in a structured sober environment gave him the foundation he needed to rebuild his life, one day at a time. Establishing healthy habits, like attending regular support group meetings, exercising, and maintaining a balanced diet, are great ways to stabilize your life during recovery.
Creating a daily routine, no matter how simple, helps create stability. When you know what to expect each day, you are less likely to fall back into unhealthy patterns.
5. Surrender to the Process
For Jay, one of the turning points in his recovery journey was surrendering to his disease. “Lying, cheating, stealing, drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety—I had to surrender to my entire disease,” he says. Recovery requires honesty and the willingness to accept help. It's not about fighting addiction on your own but about learning to live life without the substances and behaviors that have been harmful.
Older adults may face challenges like pride, embarrassment, or even the belief that they should have “figured it out by now.” Jay’s story reminds us that recovery is not about what happened in the past, but the decisions we make moving forward.
6. Seek Connection with a Higher Power
For Jay, faith played an essential role in his recovery. “I’m very grateful to my higher power who led me here,” Jay says, reflecting on how his faith in a higher power helped guide him to a place of healing. For some, faith-based recovery programs or personal spiritual practices can provide the sense of purpose and strength needed to stay sober.
Whether it’s faith, spirituality, or connecting with something greater than yourself, finding that source of strength can be crucial to recovery. Many 12-step programs emphasize the importance of this connection, but even outside of those, focusing on mental and spiritual health is important.
Final Thoughts
Jay’s journey to sobriety shows us that there’s no wrong time to make a life-changing decision to get clean and sober. If you’re older and considering starting your own recovery journey, know that you are not alone. Resources, support systems, and communities like Stop the Heroin are here to help.
Remember, it’s not about how long it’s taken you to reach this point; it’s about what you do with the time ahead. The road may be difficult, but with the right support, honesty, and commitment, you too can find the peace and health you deserve.
