The real solution to the addiction epidemic

Did you know that over 138 million people in the United States, aged 12 and over, have illicitly used drugs in their lifetime?

Adam Vibe Gunton was one of them. At 12 years old, he was introduced to cocaine. And it continued well into his adulthood. Overcoming addiction has been quite the journey for Adam. He’s now a recovering addict.

Adam Vibe Gunton is the founder of Recovered on Purpose and author of the best-seller From Chains to Saved: One Man’s Journey Through the Spiritual Realm of Addiction. His journey from overcoming homelessness and drug addiction to becoming an influential voice in addiction recovery is both inspiring and transformative. Through his book and his work, Adam extends a message of hope and empowerment. He’s dedicated to helping addicts find recovery and sharing powerful stories publicly. Adam’s unique approach, combining personal experience and creative ideas, challenges traditional treatment methods, offering new hope to those struggling with addiction and their loved ones.

“Doesn’t matter how much knowledge you have about addiction and about your own addiction; it’s not enough to stop,” he explains on an episode of Honest Conversations with Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani. “You end up having to get help. And the beautiful thing now is that there’s a lot of help out there.”

Adam is more than just a statistic, though. He’s a testament to the power of resilience, showing that you, too, can take the crucial steps to reclaim your life.

Important note: There are tons of stories of overcoming addiction; Adam’s is one. The reality is, addiction is a serious concern affecting many. So always prioritize professional help if you or someone you love is struggling.

This story hopes to inspire and enlighten, but it’s not a substitute for expert advice. Seek help from your local recovery center if needed. You can also visit Adam’s Recovered on Purpose to learn more about overcoming addiction.

How Does Someone Fall Into Addiction?

It’s easy to imagine addiction as a monstrous beast, snatching unsuspecting souls into its gaping maw. The truth, however, is far more nuanced—a slow descent down a seemingly harmless slope.

For Adam himself, the drugs and alcohol were a way to have fun—at first. Then, one tragic event happened, and it sent him spiraling. 

“I’ve had this guilt for what happened, and I just consciously started using drugs to mask that,” he recalls. “And then everything that happened from then on, you know, I used drugs for. It was my solution.”

In the United States alone, statistics on the addiction epidemic are alarming—two-thirds of Americans say their lives have been affected by it, according to a 2023 poll. These numbers whisper a harsh reality—addiction can touch anyone, anywhere.

So, how does this gradual unraveling occur? Sometimes, it’s a casual experiment, a shared cigarette to try to fit in, a prescribed painkiller that lingers past its welcome. The initial comfort breeds familiarity, then dependence. 

Other times, addiction weaves its tendrils around emotional turmoil—the searing sting of loss, the gnawing ache of isolation, the deafening silence of unfulfilled dreams. In these moments, substances can offer a false solace, a temporary escape from the jagged edges of life.

Whatever the catalyst, the web tightens, blurring the lines between pleasure and necessity. Days bleed into nights, priorities shift, and the world shrinks to the next fix.

This isn’t a moral failing, but a human response to overwhelming pain. Recognizing this truth is the first step towards disentangling oneself from the web, the first glimmer of hope amidst the shadows.

Adam Vibe Gunton’s 3 Key Insights to Fight Addiction

So, how can you (or someone you know) break free from the grip of addiction and reclaim your lives? Adam’s experiences may just hold the key.

They’re not just stories of overcoming addiction; they are blueprints for anyone on the path to addiction recovery. Here are three insights, each to help you build a foundation for a life free from the shackles of addiction.

1. Having a Strong Support System Can Really Help

“Every addict knows we need to stop,” says Adam. “What we lose is the knowledge that we have love and support.”

This is why Adam stresses the importance of finding your tribe—people who offer honesty as well as support for relapse prevention. They become your mirror, reflecting your strength when you’re blind to it and your anchor during turbulent times.

A support system can come in many forms—family, friends, recovery groups, or a mentor who has tread a similar path. The key is ensuring these relationships are nurturing and positive, steering you on your journey to the self.

2. Talk to Someone Who’s Been Through It

Talking to someone who understands the intricacies of addiction, the cravings, the doubts, and the moments of unexpected vulnerability can be incredibly powerful. Even research suggests that shared experiences can increase the chance of sobriety.

“I wish that when I was 12, 13, 14, maybe 15, a man would’ve come into my life that had been through what I was about to go through and shared with me where it went,” Adam confesses.

Mentors, peers, or anyone who’s been through something similar can validate your experiences, dispel feelings of isolation, and offer practical strategies for navigating triggers and overcoming setbacks. More importantly, they can show you what is possible, that freedom from addiction is not a distant dream, but a tangible reality within reach.

3. Rediscover Yourself

Addiction often fills a void, masking deeper longings and unfulfilled passions. Those going through it often hear about the things that they shouldn’t do.

“What we have to do as a community is shift the focus completely away from everything that we can’t do and refocus on everything that we can do,” says Adam. “It’s all about what areas of your life [and] what strengths you have in your life to grow on to become the best version of who you possibly can.”

So to truly break free, make it an intention to find your purpose. It could be a creative pursuit, a rekindled connection to a beloved hobby, or even the simple act of helping others. It could be mastering a new skill, volunteering for a cause close to your heart, or nurturing a long-neglected dream.

No matter its form, your purpose gives you something to fight for, something to build, something that whispers its own promises of fulfillment and joy.

Reclaim Your Power

The truth is, the road to breaking free from addiction’s web is an arduous one. It’s paved with challenges and moments of vulnerability.

But, if it helps any, you are not alone. Adam’s been there, as well as so many others who’ve taken the steps in overcoming addiction. And when push comes to shove, remember Adam’s advice:  Seek out the support of your chosen family, find mentorship from those who have walked the path before you, and ignite a purpose-driven life.

“There are all kinds of different treatment centers and communities and things, but it takes the person working,” says Adam. “There’s a spiritual awakening that happens where you realize a total conscious shift towards drugs happens inside of you.”

If you’re seeking a beacon of hope and inspiration, explore Kristina Mänd-Lakhiani’s Honest Conversations on YouTube. There, you’ll find Adam’s story and countless others, each a testament to the unyielding human spirit and the transformative power of recovery.

Episode resources:

• Adam Vibe Gunton | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• Adam Vibe Gunton | ⁠⁠Facebook

• Adam Vibe Gunton | ⁠⁠Youtube

• Adam Vibe Gunton | ⁠⁠Website

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