By Deb King, Addiction Counselor & Life Coach There was a time when my life felt like it was crashing faster than I could catch it. The party was over, but the madness wasn’t. The fun of getting high and drinking had long since left the building, but I couldn’t stop. I didn’t know how to stop. If you’re reading this and you’re in that same place—where the chaos is no longer thrilling and the silence in your own mind is louder than ever—I want to tell you something that changed my life: You don’t have to stop forever. Just stop for today. Or for an hour. Or even just five minutes. That’s where it started for me. In recovery, they call it “future tripping.” It’s when your brain fast-forwards to every event, holiday, or milestone and convinces you there’s no way you could possibly make it through without drinking or using. I remember thinking, " How will I toast at a friend’s wedding? What about my birthday? What about next New Year’s Eve?" Those thoughts felt paralyzing. But here’s what I discovered—when I brought my thoughts back to right now , the fear faded. I wasn’t overwhelmed anymore. Because the truth is, I can do anything for five minutes. And so can you. In early recovery, your brain can be your worst enemy. It’ll whisper things like just one more time,  or just wine, no hard liquor,  or I’ll get clean after this weekend.  That’s not the real you talking. That’s addiction doing what addiction does— lying to you . It’s your mind, clever and manipulative, trying to keep you sick. There’s a reason why, in 12-step programs, they have all those little sayings. Yes, they can sound cheesy. Yes, they can feel annoying. But they’re true . And the one that saved me the most was: One day at a time. One day at a time, I didn’t have to figure out the next six months. One day at a time, I could breathe. One day at a time, I could choose not to drink or use—just for today. Because that’s what recovery really is. It’s not about perfection. It’s not about doing everything “right.” It’s about choosing life— your life —over and over again. Every hour. Every day. One brave moment at a time. Let me be clear: Addiction isn’t a choice. But recovery is. And if you’re ready to take that first step—or even if you’re just thinking  about it—I’m here to walk alongside you. Get In Touch I strive to bring my genuine and authentic self to each session, as research has shown that this is a crucial factor in successful therapy. It is my mission to provide a warm, non-judgmental environment where individuals can work through their struggles with addiction and break away from negative patterns. I am passionate about empowering individuals to heal and transform their lives through a supportive therapeutic relationship. Deb King 📞 Call Me : 949-539-9680 📧 Email Me : debswking@recoveryseekerscounseling.com Recovery Seeker’s Counseling CADC III #BOOOO2450422 – California LCDC #15247 – Texas