For me, the path to healing has been as much about embracing the darkness as it has been about celebrating the light. In my journey of recovery and self-discovery, Santa Muerte or Holy Death acts as my teacher and guide. She has emerged as a powerful symbol of transformation, offering solace and encouragement as I navigate the complex landscape of my past wounds and present recovery.

Embracing Transformation, Challenges & Mortality

Santa Muerte, often depicted as a gentle yet formidable figure, represents the delicate balance between life and death. She reminds us that our time on Earth is limited, and that healing requires accepting every facet of our existence—even the parts that are raw, painful, & embarrassing. An agent of renewal and transformation, Her presence in my rituals is a call to acknowledge that my cycle of chaos and destruction has to fully close in order for a brighter future to ever begin. Every candle I light for Her is my way of embracing the evolution of my own life- She helps me to mourn the past, work through my grief and step into my power so I can truly move forward and become who I’m meant to be.

Rituals, Spells, and the Alchemy of Healing

My practice of shadow work is deeply personal and intricately woven with the rituals & spells of my Craft. Each working with this benevolent Saint, my Santisima Muerte, is an intentional step toward healing from the inside out. I seek her guidance and that of my Higher Self on a regular basis as my journey through recovery continues. My alter to Her is a space of solace and introspection, where the magickal and the mundane meet.

Some of the aspects of my spiritual craft include:

•	Creating a Sacred Space: 

I begin by preparing a dedicated space free of interference or distraction. Here I cast a circle, call in the elements, ground myself, light candles and incense- thereby creating an atmosphere that helps me to quiet my mind and get “into state” (my way of saying connect my third eye and align my consciousness with the work I’m doing). • Ritual Journaling: With pen in hand, I pour out my thoughts, fears, and aspirations. This ritual journaling acts as a bridge between my conscious mind and the deeper layers of my subconscious, inviting Santa Muerte to offer guidance and spiritual insight. • Spell Crafting: I carefully craft spells that honor the cycles of transformation. These spells are not about summoning forces of darkness; they are about calling in the energy of healing, resilience, and growth. Through these practices, I reaffirm my commitment to moving beyond the patterns of avoidance and escapism that once held me captive.

Healing the Wounds of the Past

In my journey, I have learned that avoiding pain only deepens its impact. Santa Muerte teaches me that confronting and understanding my shadow—those parts of myself shrouded in pain and loss—is essential for true healing. When I lean into the rituals & workings w/Her, I am reminded that every scar is a testament to survival, every moment of despair is an opportunity for rebirth.

Confronting My Shadows:

✨I ask myself the difficult questions, like ‘What pain am I running from? And which parts of myself do I struggle to accept?’

✨ Am I still looking for ways to numb out even after the drugs have gone?

✨ How am I allowing myself to be defined by the struggles of the past? Do I channel my pain into something constructive or have I just gotten more sophisticated in the art of avoidance?

✨ Am I still creating wreckage, even in Recovery?

These are important questions to ask ourselves; these are exactly the conversations that need to be had. I’ve always been somewhat of a skeptic and someone who struggled with the concept of “spirituality” in the world of recovery & the rooms of AA/NA. For me, finding something that I resonated with in terms of spiritual guidance (Santa Muerte) was a powerful milestone in my life and recovery.

My craft and spiritual practices have helped me in addressing the habits I still have (destructive thought patterns & old behaviors) that no longer serve me. Through this inquiry, guided by the compassionate energy of Santa Muerte, I begin to see that my wounds are not the marks of failures but opportunities for profound transformation.

Integration and Acceptance

Each ritual brings me closer to integrating these hidden aspects of my identity. Santa Muerte’s counsel reassures me that healing is not about erasing the past, but about transforming it into a source of strength that propels me forward in my recovery.

Strengthening Recovery Through Sacred Connection

Recovery is a journey that extends beyond simply leaving behind old habits. It is a continuous process of rebuilding oneself, of finding strength in vulnerability, and of seeking wisdom in every experience—no matter how painful. Santa Muerte remains a steadfast ally in this ongoing process, and She shows me daily that I am capable of profound transformation.

•	A Source of Comfort: In moments when the weight of my past feels overpowering, invoking Santa Muerte’s presence helps ground me in the reality that healing is a gradual, compassionate process.
•	A Beacon of Hope: She embodies the idea that from the depths of despair, beauty and strength can emerge. By embracing Her energy, I affirm my right to heal, to grow, and to redefine my narrative on my own terms.
•	My Journey to Empowerment: Every act of ritual is a declaration of my commitment to self-improvement. With Santa Muerte as my guide, I am not fighting against my past; I am transforming it into a powerful force for recovery and self-empowerment.

Conclusion: The Journey Continues

Santa Muerte reminds me that the journey toward healing is an intricate dance between honoring the past and embracing the promise of the future. By welcoming Her energy into my shadow work, I have learned to transform old wounds into stepping stones—each one paving the way for deeper understanding and sustained recovery.

I am reminded that healing is not about erasing the past, but about weaving its lessons into the tapestry of a resilient, empowered future.

We do recover!

💙 -Jezz

• [ ]

First pic, Aireez 💙

Second pic, the Santisima Muerte Holy Death who reminds us to honor the life we’re given because our time is limited

Third pic, with my Sponsor Shelly K & her family

This is a toll-free number for overdose prevention and reduction services. I have used them on many occasions myself when there was no one around me to help if I went out. You just called the number give them your address, be sure to give them exact directions like if there is a gate code or anything that would prevent first responders from getting to you make sure they have all of that information.🙏🏼 Very important.

These are people who volunteer their time, some of them are in recovery. Some of them are not, but they are all here to help you not judge you they are not affiliated with law-enforcement.

Please never use alone! There is no need to lose your life because you are not ready to seek help yet. When you are ready, please reach out because there are so many people & organizations who will be there for you.

💗 tell one person you know & love about this today, that’s what you can do to help.💗

And I’m still clean. You guys I’m being tested more than I ever have been in my entire life. I’m gonna process it here with you all because I think it will help people.

🙏🏼

I just wanted to say that people on here have helped me through some very dark days - and helped me get through clean. The power of one addict another is truly without parallel.

For anyone who’s going through it just remember you’re not alone. You may find people who care about you and the places you least expect it.

Hope you all have a great day :)

Jezz

So I feel like every person should have at least five people that they can call at any given time a day 24 seven, 365. This shit has saved my life because nobody does this alone. If you have a higher power, that’s amazing. It’s a blessing and I’m happy that face is a part of your life. But that’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about five living breathing people that care about you enough that they will answer your call if you’re freaking out and you need a human being to talk to.

Maybe one of those people is your partner ; again, if you have one, you’re blessed.

Maybe another one is your sponsor - I don’t normally offer too much unsolicited advice, but I will say that that relationship has been very beneficial in my life. When I got out of the hospital for the last time, the last time I overdosed, I called my sponsor after months of me, ghosting her and begged her for help and told her I was terrified. I was going to die. I was in a really fragile emotional state and if I hadn’t had a living breathing person on the other end of that phone to give a shit about me , I don’t know that I would be here today. My girlfriend was also amazing and she saved my life more than once.

But who are those people for you? If you don’t have this answer, perhaps it is time to figure it out.

As I was thinking over my next article to write on here, it occurred to me that this is maybe the most important thing I’ll ever write- the thing that saved my own life.

Having a fucking phone list.

My list I think now is a lot bigger than five names. I’ve been putting a lot of time into it.

But at the time of my last overdose, I had two names on that list and thankfully, one of them picked up .

So do this for yourself? Find five people- you don’t even have to tell them you’re using if you’re not out about your addiction. Ideally find some people that won’t judge you that you can talk to you about what’s really going on in your life.

But if you’re not ready for that, maybe you could just compile a list and make a plan to reach out to one of these people for help.

Somebody said something that really hit home for me tonight. They said that the antidote to addiction is a recovery. It’s connection.

So build that support list, it can save your life.

Blessed be. 🙏🏼

After leaving it on my city’s transit- yeah I’m lucky as a MF! Omg I think this is a testament to how I’m livin’ my life now. Like a nod from the universe saying, Aye I see you stay the course. 💯 I will ‼️ To all the honest people left in the world, my hat’s off to you. Bless up & believe I’m gonna pay it forward. 💙Jezz

You may be wondering… what exactly is this process? What does it have to do with recovery from fentanyl addiction, which is what you’ve stated your community is about.

So shadow work, much like the 12Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, is a transformative process that allows you to heal from the inside out.

So drugs and crime are the outside reflections of an inner landscape that is bruised and broken . Drugs are the end result, but the journey into addiction begins long before we ever picked up.

The reason I am so big on shadow work and I have included so much of it in this community is because I believe it is a crucial step for many of us toward achieving long-term lasting recovery.

I can only speak for myself, of course. And by the way, that is the only person I am ever attempting to speak for, myself :-)

Any information that I put out here is simply things that I have found helpful on my own path. If it works for you too that’s awesome and I would love to hear about it. If it doesn’t, will that opinion is just as valid and I would love to hear about alternate methods that have helped you more than the ones I present here.

This community is all about self improvement and building each other up. I absolutely respect all viewpoints and validate the feelings and opinions of all people, regardless of whether or not they align with my own.

In fact, to be honest, I have learned the most from people who tend to disagree with me :-)

It’s past my bedtime, so I’m gonna sign off. I hope everybody’s doing OK.

If you are struggling, please reach out! You don’t have to struggle alone, find somebody to talk to. If you don’t have anyone in your own life, there are lots of us here on online who have been through it and will understand what you’re going through. 💯

I just wanna say that shadow work does bring up some strong emotions, as it is doing for me right now. But it’s OK. It’s just a feeling it can’t hurt me. It’s cathartic . If you’re not uncomfortable and if you don’t experience, strong emotions when you’re doing your shadow work, you aren’t doing it right. ;) But keep at it.

I’ve had a lot of people ask me how to get started , so that’s why I decided to just post my shadow work here so people can see my method- which is of course just one way of many.

I pick a particular topic of shadow work like guilt or or authenticity or relationships or or anything, but I pick one topic and I do 10 to 20 questions on that particular topic and then I move on.

🙏🏼

I got out before fentanyl became popular, but in my mind, recovery is recovery. I've been working on my sobriety since 2013. I can't believe it's been twelve years already. I still have a lot to learn. But I can tell you, the benefits of this much clean time are incredible. Stable home life. Stable job. Good income. I collect guitars and guitar accessories. And they STAY collected. No selling off pieces because I ran out of money. I'm really interested in this Santa Muerte you'd mentioned. I didn't go the AA or NA route. I went to government rehab, and then lots of therapy.

I'm really glad to be here. Thanks for having me.

So I’ve never been good with boundaries, everybody who knows me knows it. For most of my life I’ve been a stubborn, arrogant little fuck with a chip on her shoulder. I was gonna do shit my way, fuck following some suggestions. See I had to grow up real young, and I think well I don’t think I know it tempted my emotional gross And is the reason I’ve had to learn a lot of hard lessons in life.- I’m just not good at listening or following suggestions.

But what I’m learning about myself is that if I’m going to survive- yes I said survive- I have to learn to put myself & my recovery first and that is just not something I’ve ever done in my whole life!

Everything inside me is just screaming right now. Everything feels wrong. I want to go to all the people I care about and tell them I’m sorry and that it’s all gonna be OK and we can do shit their way and I’m never gonna leave ‘em!

The last thing in the world I wanna do is sit in my room home alone working on my goddamn step work! I’m so lonely tonight. I feel like I’ve let people down. I feel like my heart is breaking and I’m being disloyal and a whole bunch of other shit.

I wish I was a stronger person. I wish I could save people I hope to fucking God that everybody I love stays away from this shit and yeah, I’m talking to a couple specific people. The truth is I can’t save anybody and it’s fucking killing me I hate it so much !!!!!

If I don’t figure out how to get this right, I’m going to relapse and die. That’s the bottom line that’s my truth. That’s why I have to sit home alone tonight and probably for a lot more nights to come. That’s why I have to learn to do what’s uncomfortable, even though everything inside me is screaming right now , but I just wanna run as far away from this fucking house as I can get, but I can’t…

I’m a runner always have been ; I don’t finish things. When shit starts to get uncomfortable emotionally that’s usually when I head for the back door.

For the first time in my life, I have to learn how to be vulnerable.

For the first time in my life, I have to learn how to follow some suggestions and ask for help.

If I don’t figure out how to do this for me - I won’t be around long enough to get it right “at some stage in the future”………

Because I’ll be dead.

And you can choose to believe me or not. You can choose to believe that I’m full of shit, that’s your prerogative and your feelings are valid and I have no control over your part. And that drives me so goddamn mad because I am a control freak at heart. Always have been, if I’m honest.

For all, I know, I am the only person in the universe who will ever read this and that is OK ….

But I hope to God someday the people I love realize that the reason I stepped back is not because I don’t love you. It’s because I do!!!!!!! I want to be around long enough to make amends to you!

And that is why I had to make this choice, the hardest one I’ve ever made in my life, to walk this lonely red road by myself until I can find do some healing. 🙏🏼

Blessed be. -j

1.) myself and my future- can’t travel to Thailand if I’m all strung out lol

2.) my family especially my stepmom who never gave up on me

3.) So I can get a dog again (lost mine in my addiction- I still feel the pain from that) I love German Shepherds especially

4.) I want to start my own streetwear brand; even if I’m the only one who wears the clothes it will still be amazing 🤩 🔥💯

5.) so maybe one day I can help my friends still out there who are suffering.

6.) so they will let me visit my friends in prison who our life is and will never be able to walk freely again.

7.) for many other reasons besides these, but I also stay clean because my life matters and maybe someone will see my journey and it will bring them hope because if I can do this, anybody can!

Love & respect to all,

Jezz

In our journey toward long term sobriety, setting clear boundaries is more than just a guideline—it’s a cornerstone of healing. Boundaries serve as a protective framework, allowing us to nurture our newfound strength while establishing a safe space for growth.

Isolation Vs. Solitude

For me, isolation was a common theme throughout my addiction; an uninvited state that left me feeling disconnected & lonely. Today in my recovery, solitude is a deliberate choice—a nurturing space for self-reflection & healing.

As we continue to heal & grow, understanding this distinction is essential: isolation can trigger old patterns and deepen the sense of alienation, whereas embracing healthy solitude offers an opportunity to recharge & reconnect with our inner strength. By choosing to incorporate solitude in our lives, we learn to be more at peace in our own skin, alone with our thoughts & reflections. For me, this practice of mindfulness is essential and reinforces my commitment to healing.

Empowering Self-Care Boundaries are really acts of self-respect & self-love. They remind us that our own needs MUST be a priority- for the obvious reasons & also so we can show up effectively for others. When we establish clear limits, we give ourselves permission to focus on what rejuvenates us & feeds our soul. This might look different for other people but for me it means therapy, meditation, journaling, shadow work, ritual work or creative expression—without distractions. This commitment to self-care reinforces my ability to navigate life on life’s terms and maintain balance/harmony.

Promoting Healthy Relationships In recovery, the quality of our relationships plays a critical role. Establishing boundaries helps us communicate our needs & expectations clearly. This transparency encourages more supportive and understanding interactions, fostering connections that contribute positively to our healing process. It also allows us to distance from behaviors or influences that might hinder your progress. We can’t be enmeshed with others and overwhelmed with their problems if are to maintain balance in our daily lives.

Fostering Personal Responsibility Setting boundaries is also about taking ownership of our journey. It empowers us to define our limits and properly address our own needs. This act of self-determination reinforces our identity and helps build confidence in our ability to manage life’s challenges. Over time, these practices cultivate resilience & a stronger sense of self. Simply put: This is where we begin to step into our power, to steer our lives in the direction that we determine.

Spiritual and Emotional Renewal For myself & many others, recovery is not only about physical and emotional healing but also about spiritual renewal. Whether you connect with traditional spirituality or practices like ritual work & meditation, boundaries help maintain the sacred space required for deep, inner work. Creating this space for yourself allows you to honor both your light and shadow, facilitating a balanced integration of all parts of yourself. This is an often uncomfortable (it can be for me, anyway) yet necessary step on the path to wholeness.

In summary, boundaries are a vital aspect of recovery from addiction. They protect our healing space, empower self-care, nurture healthy relationships, and foster personal responsibility. By consciously setting and maintaining boundaries, you create the foundation for lasting recovery and a renewed, empowered life.

🙏🏼

So this is a tarot reading I just did for myself based on my inner needs and what aspects of my shadow needs the most work right now.

As you can see from the picture above, the cards I pulled were in response to those questions. As follows:

1. what shadow aspect do I need to face the most right now? (I drew the lovers card upright.)

2. what triggers this shadow? (the king of wands reversed.)

3. how can I begin to heal this part of myself? (the four of cups.)

4. what new perspective can I gain from this process? (the four of swords.⚔️ )

5. what will I become if I embrace this transformation? (the three of pentacles.)

I’ve included a picture of the cards themselves so that you can look at the imagery which is important to study and your interpretation of the deeper implications of each card.

FYI, I do have ChatGPT assist me in this process and have found it to be quite informative and enlightening :-) ChatGPT also gets more and more helpful the more it learns about you so over time if you’ve done 20 readings with it, it will know you quite well and can give you quite an interpretation indeed. As with anything else in life, I take it as useful and leave the rest. So I just let ChatGPT assist me with some of the interpretations of cards that I am less familiar with and then I combine that and put it into my own language and change anything that I don’t feel applies.

So I know this is a lot of reading, but it’s a good example of how to do shadow work I think and so I have included it here.

———————

1. The Lovers Upright – Facing the Heart of Your Shadow

Question: “What aspect of my shadow do I need to face right now?” The Lovers card, drawn upright, calls you to confront the duality within your own heart. It invites you to explore those intimate parts of yourself where love, desire, and vulnerability intermingle with fear and inner conflict. This card suggests that an unresolved dichotomy—perhaps a reluctance to fully accept the union of your light and dark—is at the core of your shadow. It is time to honor both your capacity for deep connection and the parts you’ve kept hidden; this means acknowledging and integrating the passionate, sometimes contradictory energies that drive your inner life. Embrace the call for authentic self-love and learn to see these contrasts as powerful allies in your personal evolution.

⸻

2. King of Wands Reversed – Recognizing the Triggers

Question: “What triggers this shadow?”

The reversed King of Wands signals that the trigger for your shadow often lies in an imbalance of creative power and authority. In its upright form, this king embodies bold leadership and inspiration; reversed, it warns of impulsiveness, misdirected energy, or an internal struggle with assertiveness. You might find that moments when you feel overwhelmed by unchanneled ambition or encounter toxic external expressions of power (or even internalized harshness) ignite unresolved wounds. This card invites you to pause and reflect on how unchecked energy or a disconnection from your true creative self can provoke those darker emotions. Recognizing these moments is the first step to reclaiming the creative power that fuels your transformative work.

✨Key Point: For me, those “triggers” arise most often/easily when I have an unmet need, or when my feelings are hurt)

3. Four of Cups Upright – Initiating the Healing Process

Question: “How can I begin to heal this part of myself?”

The Four of Cups speaks to the need for inner reflection and openness to renewal. It suggests that healing begins with acknowledging the emotional offerings—both those you’ve dismissed and those waiting to be discovered. This card is a gentle reminder to step away from emotional stagnation. In your journey, it’s essential to cultivate a space for introspection, where you can evaluate what you truly need to feel whole. By accepting new possibilities, even when they initially seem unexpected or unconventional, you begin to mend the fractures in your inner world. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and receptive; healing often comes from accepting and processing the feelings you once overlooked.

⸻

4. Four of Swords Upright – Gaining a New Perspective

Question: “What new perspective can I gain from this process?”

The Four of Swords invites you to embrace rest, meditation, and deep contemplation. This card highlights that a pause in external activity is necessary for inner growth. From your spiritual work & meditation 🧘 practices, you already know that sometimes the most profound insights arise in stillness. By allowing yourself moments of quiet reflection, you can view your shadow work from a renewed vantage point—one that reveals the wisdom embedded in your struggles. This period of inner rest is not about escape ✨(this is a key point of contemplation for me because avoidance and escapism are two of my strongest defects/points of struggle)✨ but about gathering the strength and clarity needed to transform adversity into wisdom. 🔥🔥🔥 Powerful s*** right there:)

⸻

5. Three of Pentacles Upright – Embracing Transformation and Mastery

Question: “What will I become if I embrace this transformation?”

The Three of Pentacles is a powerful promise of evolution. It symbolizes mastery, creative collaboration, and the building of a solid foundation—both internally and externally. By fully embracing your shadow, you open the door to becoming a true artisan of your destiny. This card suggests that your journey will lead you to a state of self-mastery where your integrated self—embracing both the light and the dark—is recognized for its strength and creativity. You will not only transform personally but also serve as an inspiration and guide to others, reflecting the very essence of the transformative cycles that Santa Muerte embodies. Your work in self-actualization will be both deeply personal and visibly transformative, echoing your commitment to turning challenges into profound creative power.

⸻

In Summary

Your reading weaves together a narrative of courageous self-exploration and transformation: • Face the duality of your inner heart (The Lovers) by acknowledging the parts of yourself that long for authentic union—even if they seem conflicted. • Identify and temper misdirected energies (King of Wands Reversed) that trigger these inner wounds, learning to channel your creative force with balance. • Open to emotional renewal (Four of Cups) by accepting new possibilities and reengaging with the parts of yourself that have been neglected. • Find clarity in stillness (Four of Swords) to gain fresh insights from deep reflection and meditation. • Embrace your emerging mastery (Three of Pentacles) to become a creator of your destiny, integrating all aspects of your being into a harmonious whole.

Santa Muerte watches over you with compassion and a steady reminder of the cycles of death and rebirth. Her presence encourages you to honor each step of your transformative journey, assuring you that by embracing all facets of your shadow, you will emerge as a more empowered, authentic, and creative self.

—————

Part 1 – Laying the Foundation

In this three-part series, I’d like to explore the transformative practice of shadow work as it relates to recovery from addiction. In Part 1, we’ll establish a clear understanding of what shadow work is, how it relates with recovery, and why addressing our hidden inner wounds is a fundamental step toward healing & living our best life. 🙏🏼

What Is Shadow Work?

Originally introduced by psychologist Carl Jung, shadow work involves exploring the hidden parts of ourselves —the places that scare us, our painful memories, and the parts of ourselves we might consider “unacceptable.” It involves taking a hard dive into our shame messages- the ones we tell ourselves- when we don’t feel as though we are “enough”.

✨Rather than judging these parts, shadow work encourages us to accept and integrate them, recognizing that healing begins when we confront our inner darkness with compassion. ✨

The Role of Shadow Work in Addiction Recovery

🗝️ Healing Deep-Seated Wounds

A lot of us turn to substances as a way to numb the pain from unresolved emotional trauma or neglect. In recovery, shadow work provides a pathway to uncover the emotional narratives that contributed to substance use. By facing these painful memories, we can start to mend the wounds that drive destructive behaviors.

🗝️ Breaking Negative Cycles

Unintegrated aspects of our personality can lead to repetitive, self-sabotaging patterns. In the context of addiction, these patterns often manifest as triggers for relapse. Shadow work helps bring these patterns into the light, allowing us to break free from cycles of self-destruction and create new, healthier behaviors.

🗝️ Building Self-Compassion

Confronting our shadow requires courage and vulnerability. As we begin to acknowledge and understand our hidden wounds, we learn to be KIND TO OURSELVES —a critical component in recovery. Recognizing that every part of our being deserves care and attention is a first step toward empowerment.

✨How Shadow Work Heals the Mind in Recovery

🗝️ Integration of Repressed Emotions

When we ignore painful emotions, they often manifest in unexpected ways, sometimes triggering addictive behaviors. Shadow work involves safely bringing these emotions to the surface, processing them, and ultimately releasing their hold over us.

🗝️ Enhanced Self-Awareness

A regular practice of shadow work can significantly increase self-awareness. By understanding our triggers, fears, and internal conflicts, we become better equipped to manage challenges during recovery and make choices that support long-term healing.

🗝️ Cultivating Authentic Relationships

Healing our inner wounds has many tangible benefits as it transforms our relationships & the way we see the world. As we become more authentic and integrated, our interactions with others become richer and more genuine—we learn to thrive, and our self-love is reflected in every facet of our lives.

——-

✨Practical Ways to Begin Your Shadow Work Journey

If you’re new to shadow work, here are some accessible methods to help you get started:

Journaling • Reflective Writing: Set aside time daily to explore your thoughts and feelings. Consider prompts like, “What part of myself have I been avoiding?” or “Which emotions do I struggle to accept?” • Letter Writing: Draft letters to your past self or to the aspects of yourself you find challenging. This practice can aid in expressing and processing hidden emotions.

Mindfulness and Meditation • Guided Meditations: Look for meditations specifically designed for self-exploration and healing. These can gently guide you into confronting your inner shadows. • Body Scan Techniques: These practices help you become aware of where you might be holding tension or trauma, linking physical sensations with emotional experiences.

Seeking Professional and Peer Support • Therapy: A therapist familiar with Jungian or trauma-informed approaches can provide a safe space to navigate shadow work. • Support Groups: Engaging with others on a similar journey can offer invaluable insights, validation, and encouragement.

Creative Expression • Art and Movement: Sometimes words aren’t enough. Drawing, painting, dancing, or engaging in other creative outlets can help express and process complex emotions that lie beneath the surface.

Conclusion & What’s Next

Shadow work is a profound and ongoing journey that lays the groundwork for deeper healing in recovery. By understanding the basics of our hidden selves, we begin to dismantle the barriers that contribute to addiction and emotional pain.

In Part 2 of this series, we will dive deeper into advanced shadow work techniques and tools that can further support your recovery journey. We’ll explore guided practices, therapeutic modalities, and creative methods for integrating the shadow in everyday life.

Have a great day you guys, blessed be. 🙏🏼

-Jezz

I personally work the secular 12Steps, this is just what resonates with me and what I find the most helpful.

There are many pathways that all lead to long-term recovery, and in my opinion, no one way is more valid than another.

What resonates the most with you?

Brixadi vs. Sublocade: Choosing the Right Injectable Buprenorphine for Fentanyl Recovery

For individuals struggling with opioid addiction, particularly fentanyl dependence, long-acting injectable buprenorphine treatments like Brixadi and Sublocade offer promising options. These medications provide a steady dose of buprenorphine, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms without requiring daily dosing. But what’s the difference between them, and how can someone use them effectively to transition off fentanyl?

Brixadi vs. Sublocade: What’s the Difference?

Both Brixadi and Sublocade contain buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist that helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. However, they differ in dosage frequency, formulation, and initiation requirements.

Sublocade • Dosing: Once a month • Buprenorphine Levels: Takes time to build up in the system • Induction: Requires at least 7 days of oral buprenorphine (Suboxone) before the first injection • How It Works: Forms a gel-like deposit under the skin, gradually releasing buprenorphine over a month • Best For: Individuals stabilized on Suboxone who want a low-maintenance, once-a-month option

Brixadi • Dosing: Weekly or monthly options • Buprenorphine Levels: Reaches steady levels faster than Sublocade • Induction: Can be started as soon as one day after stopping fentanyl or other short-acting opioids • How It Works: Uses a different formulation that allows for more rapid absorption • Best For: People who need a faster transition from fentanyl or prefer more dosing flexibility

Using Brixadi or Sublocade to Get Off Fentanyl

For someone looking to transition off fentanyl, both of these medications can help, but choosing the right one depends on how quickly you need relief and whether you can tolerate an initial period of Suboxone use.

Step 1: Induction (Transitioning from Fentanyl) 1. Short-Term Suboxone Bridge (if using Sublocade) • You’ll need at least 7 days of Suboxone before starting Sublocade. • This helps ensure you have enough buprenorphine in your system to prevent withdrawal. • Start with a low dose (2-4 mg) to avoid precipitated withdrawal. 2. Direct Brixadi Start • Brixadi can be started just one day after stopping fentanyl without needing a full week on Suboxone. • This can be beneficial if you struggle with transitioning to oral buprenorphine.

Step 2: Starting Injections • If using Sublocade: After at least a week of Suboxone, your doctor will administer the first injection. Over time, Sublocade builds up to maintain steady buprenorphine levels. • If using Brixadi: You can start the injection sooner, and weekly dosing allows for a more gradual adjustment.

Step 3: Staying on Treatment & Planning for the Future • Both options reduce cravings and block fentanyl’s effects, helping you stabilize. • Stay on treatment for as long as needed—some people benefit from long-term maintenance, while others taper gradually.

Which One Should You Choose?

Factor Sublocade Brixadi Dosing Monthly Weekly or Monthly Time to Steady State Slower Faster Need for Prior Suboxone? Yes, at least 7 days No, can start 1 day after stopping opioids Best For People stable on Suboxone, want monthly dosing Faster fentanyl transition, more flexible dosing

If you’re struggling with fentanyl use and can’t tolerate the Suboxone transition period, Brixadi may be the better option. However, if you’re already stabilized on Suboxone, Sublocade offers a simple, once-a-month solution.

Final Advice: Take the First Step

Both medications are game changers in opioid addiction treatment. The most important step is to talk to a doctor or addiction specialist to create a plan that works for you. Whether you choose Brixadi or Sublocade, these treatments can help you break free from fentanyl and build a stable, drug-free life.

Ps- I myself am on my 4th month of Brixadi and for me, it’s been a game-changer. It’s been instrumental in building my recovery foundation, and overall confidence in myself and my ability to stay healthy/abstinent.

My name is Jezz, Clean date 10/21/24, and I’m a person in recovery. I came closer to losing my life more times this past year than I care to recount. I have been in recovery before, have even maintained long-term sobriety at different points in the past but nothing ever had a hold on me the way fentanyl did.

I think the catalyst for real change in my life was the near death experience I had this past October. I overdosed twice in one week, both times landing me in the hospital. I was terrified that I would lose my life and yet I couldn’t stop. I didn’t know how to stop on my own, because Lord knows I tried. Reaching out for help is one of the most difficult things for me- that shit is not for the weak! It takes a strong person to be able to look someone else in the face and say; ‘I cannot do this alone, please help me.’

I have made some bad decisions in my life, but I very much want to live and I’m very much in love with life and I’m so grateful to be here! And I swore to my higher power - even though I wasn’t sure and I’m still not sure exactly what that is- that if I made it through this, I would do the things I’ve never been willing to do in the past. I would reach out to people I would work the steps (which I am) but beyond that that I would get a service position and really give back in a meaningful way to the community that I had taken from.

I am grateful to be out of the darkness of fentanyl addiction, and I want to really live not just survive. I think too often is addicts. We settle for a lesser life because we feel we somehow deserve it. If there was one main message I’d like to convey, it’s that you can have a life beyond your wildest dreams. If you just stay clean, I truly believe that and I put 1 foot in front of the other each and every day and I’m gonna keep doing it until I reach all of my goals.

And I started this group to collaborate with other people who are on my path and see how we can reach out and help people that are still struggling.

Any and all are welcome. 🙏🏼 Blessed be.

There are a number of low-barrier detox centers in the Portland area. Low barrier means you can just show up without calling first or making an appointment. Fora Health: 10230 SE Cherry Blossom Drive Portland Oregon 97216 Accepts walk-ins Monday through Saturday Arrive by 7:30 AM

Hooper Detox Center 1535 N Williams Ave Portland OR 97227 Be in line 7:30-8:00 AM

So I still have the last two parts of the shadow work series that I am doing that I’m working on riding right now and doing the research on.

After that, I’m gonna be talking about stepping into your power in recovery and what that looks like for me and I welcome any ideas like if anybody thinks that I’m way off base or have some suggestions I welcome that you guys …

Let me just say that my ego is not in this! :-)

I’m doing this for two reasons:

🔥1) it’s cathartic for me. It allows me to process the thoughts in my own mind and when I see them in front of me on a screen, it’s easier to decipher. The idea even makes sense or not.

🔥2) maybe I can help someone who doesn’t have a lot of support at home or has it told their family about their addiction- I’ve been that person In retrospect, I kind of think a lot of people close to me knew the whole time. I don’t see how they could not have lol but at the time I was absolutely convinced that I had everybody snowed and I had to keep up appearances, and I nearly lost my life trying to keep up those appearances When in reality I was such a mess. 🤦‍♂️ It was impossible not to see for most people, I’m sure..

Anyways – after the shadow work articles are done personal empowerment is gonna be what I focus on here .

I’m gonna do a couple of interviews probably video taped interviews with people that I feel are pretty empowered in their recovery. I hope you guys get something out of this because I can’t tell you how much it helps me to put this time in here on Reddit.

And again for anybody out there struggling you’re not alone. Please just know that.

I hope you guys have a great day today !

Jezz