Addiction is an adaptation.
It’s not you.
It’s your cage. Johann Hari
About SeekHealing
Healthy relationships are proven to be the number one factor in relapse prevention. For many different reasons, modern life has made these types of connections harder and harder to find — especially for those who find themselves outcasted for mental health issues and self-destructive addiction behaviors.
SeekHealing is building intentional communities, both online and offline, to connect those who’ve taken the first steps towards healing and shame-free living: seekers. Whether you struggle with a chemical addiction or not, the medicine of authentic connection is something we all need.
Asheville Pilot Program 2018
Our first grassroots program is underway in Asheville, NC.
My name is Michael, and I’m a seeker.
Age: 29
Occupation: Judicial Law Clerk
Hardest part of my journey: The crushing feeling of loneliness. I had this feeling that life was a zero-sum game, and it was me against everyone else - always trying to get one over on them. It wore on me more than anything else.
How connection helped me heal: Once I found a community of people like me; people who thought like me, who felt like me, who I could relate with; it started to get easier. For me it was awesome sober people who are diehard fans of touring jam-bands like Phish. I met people who were just like me who had found their way into recovery, and I identified with them. It made me feel like it was possible for me too.
My name is Courtney, and I’m a seeker.
Age: 26
Occupation: Full-time Mom
Hardest part of my journey: Going to prison for seven months. I did things in active addiction that make my soul cringe now.
How connection helped me heal: Meeting and learning how to trust others who have been through what I’ve been through has helped me tremendously. I wouldn’t be where I am today without joining an amazing church as well as a relapse prevention group. Building a strong and real relationship with my partner who has also been critical to my success. Knowing my resources and taking advantage of them was a huge step for me to take in my personal growth, and I also fully believe that you can’t keep something without giving it away; I help others change every chance I get because if no one had stepped up to help me, God only knows where I’d be today.
My name is Wesley, and I’m a seeker.
Age: 33
Occupation: Ibogaine-Assisted Detox Therapy Provider
Hardest part of my journey: Learning to live in a world best described by tears.
How connection helped me heal: I chose a new family for myself, I think it’s important we have a passion and a reason to wake up in the morning. Iboga offered me that and I ended up doing something where I was supported by others. I spent a lot of my life isolated, and I had to find people who supported me, and who I didn’t feel so weird around all the time - and if I was, it would be ok. The people I met through Iboga Life gave me that. They accepted me as I was and loved me and I loved them in return.
My name is Tyler, and I’m a seeker.
Age: 31
Occupation: Small Busines Owner
Hardest part of my journey: The physical pain I had to manage only to realize that the pain management method a doctor prescribed me was worsening my overall health.
How connection helped me heal: Teaching myself and becoming passionate about how to cultivate plants and tend to a garden. Taking care of a plant that has complex needs and being responsible for its life. Feeling that sense of belonging & purpose by literally getting my hands dirty and learning how to feel what a growing thing needs in order to survive.
My name is Don, and I’m a seeker.
Age: 45
Occupation: Landscaping architect
Hardest part of my journey: Choosing to be homeless and sleeping outside in the woods for a month rather than continuing in the direction I was going, which would have killed me.
How connection helped me heal: Regularly attending NA meetings with people who loved me and challenged me and supported me. Then, I discovered how much it helped me heal and stay sober to talk about journey and help other people, meeting other people in recovery and having hard conversations with them about where they’re at. For me it has ben all about meeting and making friends with people who understand what I went though and who don’t judge me.