At 24, my life was consumed by drug addiction, but an icy swim changed everything.

For years, I called a seaside flat my home. The salty ocean air, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, it was my little piece of paradise. But despite the idyllic setting, there was a darkness that consumed me. I lived a life of addiction, constantly chasing my next high. But everything changed one brisk September morning in 2020, when I took my first step into the ocean.

As the freezing water enveloped my body, I couldn't help but feel alive. It was a stark contrast to the numbness I had grown accustomed to. You see, before that moment, I was drowning in my own despair. The drugs had become my only escape from the harsh realities of life. I still remember the first time I took MDMA, how it transported me away from my troubles and into a state of euphoria. I was hooked.

My 20s were a blur of experimentation and reckless behavior. But it wasn't until I was 24, when a series of major life stressors hit me, that my drug use turned into a full-blown addiction. It became my crutch, my way of coping with the pain and chaos. I took drugs daily, anywhere and everywhere I could. It was a constant cycle of highs and lows, with no end in sight.

But to the outside world, it seemed like I was having the time of my life. Little did they know, behind the partying and the laughter, I was struggling with destructive depression. My addiction had taken over my life, making it impossible to hold down a job or maintain healthy relationships. Even basic tasks like eating revolved around my habit. I remember joking with my friends about needing to "line my stomach for drugs," but deep down, I knew it was a problem.

As my addiction consumed me, I started experiencing frightening side effects. Every time I took drugs, I would start hallucinating, hearing voices, and seeing things that weren't there. My mind was constantly fixated on delusional thoughts, and I started to become paranoid and distrustful of those around me. The mental torture was too much to bear, and I found myself taking more drugs in a desperate attempt to quiet the noise in my head.

But then, I saw a documentary about cold water immersion and how it had helped a man named Wim Hof cope with his wife's suicide. The more I learned about it, the more intrigued I became. Could this be the answer to my addiction? Could it bring me the peace and relief that drugs never could?

Without hesitation, I made my way to the beach and took my first plunge into the cold ocean waters. It was a shock to my system, but in a way, it also felt invigorating. I started making it a daily ritual, and soon enough, I noticed a difference. The water on my skin made me feel alive, like I was truly connecting with nature. It gave me a sense of transcendence, making me realize that my problems were small in the grand scheme of things.

As I continued my cold water swims, I started to feel more confident and grounded. I no longer needed drugs to feel a sense of euphoria. And through this new hobby, I met a group of like-minded individuals who became my friends and support system. They helped me break away from the crowd that enabled my addiction, and together, we formed a local group called Just Dips for people to meet up and swim together.

Now, three and a half years sober, I can confidently say that the ocean gave me my life back. It's my daily dose of joy, peace, and connection. And even though I no longer need to swim every day, I still make sure to take a plunge a few times a week to stay grounded. I no longer wake up in a frenzy, unsure of how I'll make it through the day. And most importantly, I no longer feel like I'm drowning in my own despair.

The ocean gave me a new lease on life, and I will forever be grateful for its healing powers. It may have started as a desperate attempt to beat my addiction, but it became so much more than that. It's a reminder that we are all a part of something bigger, and that in the face of nature's power, our problems seem insignificant. So, if you ever find yourself in a dark place, I encourage you to take a plunge into the ocean. You never know, it may just save your life.

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