53. The Importance of Humor
Believe it or not, humor plays a crucial role in substance abuse and recovery. Laughter has the power to break down barriers and create a sense of camaraderie among individuals facing the challenges of addiction. In the midst of recovery, humor serves as a coping mechanism, helping individuals navigate the emotional turbulence that often accompanies the process of overcoming substance abuse. It provides a means to lighten the weight of self-reflection and fosters a positive mindset, promoting resilience and perseverance. Moreover, shared laughter in support groups or therapy sessions can strengthen social bonds, creating a supportive environment where individuals feel understood and encouraged. By incorporating humor into the recovery journey, individuals not only find moments of joy but also develop a healthier perspective on their experiences, contributing to long-term well-being and a sustained commitment to sobriety.
Among my various stints in rehab, there were numerous instances when laughter became a lifeline, escaping my lips with such intensity that breathing became a challenge. Despite these stretches in rehab being some of the darkest times of my entire life, I often find myself looking back and laughing to myself as I remember certain events that unfolded during those times. Reflecting on those challenging stretches, I realize that even within the depths of hardship, humor serves as a resilient companion, offering respite and a glimpse of positivity during the darkest of times.
My initial experience in rehab dates back to February 2018. It was a period in my life when I was completely broken and scared of what the future held for me. The daunting prospect of a challenging detox loomed before me, and uncertainty clouded my belief in my strength to persevere. Despite these uncertainties, I successfully navigated the detox phase and transitioned to the rehabilitation segment of my stay, a move that entailed a shift to a new wing in the hospital where I would share a room with a roommate. My roommate, whom I'll refer to as "Miami" for confidentiality purposes, was a 40-year-old crack addict with a serious drinking problem. A New York City native, Miami found himself in this particular rehab due to a court-mandated intervention. Homeless, estranged from his children, and with a history of recurring struggles with addiction and the criminal justice system, Miami epitomized the term "institutionalized." Being institutionalized refers to a state where an individual has spent a significant amount of time living in and adapting to the routines, norms, and structures of an institution, such as a mental health facility, prison, or long-term care facility. The term is often associated with a person becoming accustomed to the institutional environment to the extent that reintegration into society becomes challenging. The rehab's bedrooms had thermostats encased in clear, lockable boxes to prevent tampering. They always remained set to a specific temperature and locked. On my first night as Miami's roommate, he looked at me and said, "Yo, Cal (this is how he pronounced my name), tonight... we're sleeping in Miami." Puzzled, I watched as he cleverly used a pencil to pick the lock so that he could crank the thermostat to a sweltering 95 degrees. This nightly ritual became our shared routine. Despite my discomfort in the tropical room, Miami, accustomed to sleeping in harsh conditions due to homelessness, reveled in the warmth. I would be stripped down to my boxers and still profusely sweating while Miami slept like a baby on the other side of the room. Eventually ousted from rehab for a confrontation with another patient, Miami vanished from my life. I often find myself pondering his fate, but the memories of his nightly declaration, "We're sleeping in Miami tonight, Cal," consistently bring a smile to my face. In hindsight, Miami inadvertently infused my early rehab experience with comfort, concluding each challenging day with laughter and camaraderie.
There’s another memory from that first stint in rehab that remains rent-free in my mind. The TV room was a communal space for patients. On this day one of the counselors had us gather in the TV room for the group she was running. Groups could be boring at times, especially after a long day, in the same way school can sometimes be boring for children. About 20 minutes into the group, a fellow patient, whom I'll call "Tooth," dozed off. Tooth, much like me and Miami, struggled with severe alcohol dependency. I wasn’t particularly fond of Tooth. He just rubbed me the wrong way. To this day I’m not even sure what it was about him that I didn’t like. As a consequence of years of neglect compounded by alcohol abuse, most of Tooth’s teeth had rotted. Tooth cared more about booze and alcohol than he did taking care of his teeth. His addiction, like mine and so many other addicts, had his priorities all out of whack. In one of his jail stints, Tooth was fitted for and given dentures. The dentures that were made for him were way too big for his mouth. They made his teeth look like a horse’s mouth. Jail apparently doesn’t provide you with top-notch dental services. During the group session, Tooth dozed off, his limp form in the chair with his head slumped backward so that his mouth faced the ceiling, emitting occasional snores. Suddenly, Tooth let out a massive snort, jolting upright, leading everyone to believe he had awoken abruptly. However, he continued coughing and gasping for air. The revelation unfolded that Tooth's dentures had dislodged during his nap, slipping halfway down his throat. He was literally choking on his dentures. Swift medical intervention ensued, employing the Heimlich maneuver to prevent a life-threatening situation. Eventually, the dentures were dislodged, and despite Tooth not being my preferred companion in rehab, his good sense of humor prevailed. After the incident, the entire group, including the counselor, erupted in tears of laughter upon realizing Tooth's unusual predicament. Though infrequent, this experience sometimes resurfaces in my thoughts, never failing to bring a smile to my face.
The role of humor, especially in the context of substance abuse and recovery, is undeniably transformative. It can transcend the challenges of addiction, fostering camaraderie, resilience, and a positive mindset during the arduous journey towards sobriety. As I reflect on my own experiences in rehab, marked by the darkness of detoxes and uncertainty of the future, moments of shared laughter still manage to bring a smile to my face to this very day. From Miami's nightly rituals that added extreme warmth to our bedroom to Tooth's unexpected denture mishap, humor became an unexpected ally in the face of adversity. These memories, though marked with the struggles of addiction, now bring a smile to my face, underscoring the therapeutic power of laughter in navigating the complexities of recovery. Through humor, individuals not only find moments of joy but also forge bonds that contribute to long-term well-being and a sustained commitment to sobriety.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to help spread awareness today.
