Cyberbullying isn’t just something that happens to teenagers—it can affect adults, too. I learned this the hard way after I got sober and started sharing my story online. What I thought would be an opportunity to inspire and connect with others in recovery quickly turned into a nightmare. Strangers hurled insults, accused me of things I hadn’t done, and even made threats. It was a level of cruelty I hadn’t expected, and in my early recovery, it shook me to my core.
But through my recovery journey, I found ways to navigate the bullying and come out stronger. The principles I learned through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and my personal growth helped me handle one of the toughest emotional challenges of my sober life.
Finding Strength in Support
One of the worst parts of cyberbullying is the isolation. It can make you feel like the whole world is against you. But I knew from recovery that keeping pain bottled up only made it worse. I confided in my sponsor, shared in meetings, and reached out to trusted friends.
I learned that I wasn’t alone—others had been through similar experiences and had found ways to cope. Therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, played a major role in helping me reframe my reactions and emotions.
Letting Go of Resentment
Resentment is a dangerous thing for people in recovery. Holding onto anger and bitterness only fuels the desire to escape—and for many of us, that escape used to be alcohol or drugs. Instead of dwelling on the cruelty, I focused on the things I could control. I learned to set boundaries by limiting my time on social media, blocking harmful individuals, and reminding myself that my worth isn’t determined by online opinions.
Shifting My Perspective
Cyberbullying forced me to confront old insecurities. I had to remind myself that negative comments did not define me, nor did they reflect my true self. By staying committed to my recovery, I grew stronger in my ability to handle adversity. I also learned to see online cruelty as a reflection of the bully’s own struggles rather than a personal attack on me.
Seeking Guidance and Purpose
Prayer and meditation helped me stay centered. When I felt overwhelmed, I stepped back and reconnected with my purpose. Instead of seeking validation from strangers online, I reminded myself of the progress I had made in my sobriety.
I also found a way to turn my experience into something positive by helping others facing similar challenges. Learning about different perspectives on addiction and recovery, such as those discussed in drug decriminalization and legalization, gave me a broader understanding of the issues at play.
Final Thoughts: Staying Sober, Staying Strong
Cyberbullying is painful, but it doesn’t have to define us. Recovery has taught me that my worth isn’t determined by what others say online. I don’t need to engage in negativity or prove myself to strangers—I just need to keep living my truth, staying sober, and helping others along the way.
If you’re dealing with cyberbullying in recovery, remember: You are not alone. You are worthy. And no amount of online cruelty can take away your progress. Keep going, and don’t let the words of others dim the light of your recovery.
