Signs I Should Have Noticed Before I Needed a Recovery Coach

If you know, you know. Kingsgate Mall and East Vancouver’s most well-known liquor store exit—aka the ‘walk of reflections.

Recovery doesn’t always announce itself with a dramatic rock-bottom moment. Sometimes, the signs are hiding in plain sight—woven into everyday decisions, habits, and justifications that seem normal at the time.

Looking back, the signs were right there. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes ridiculous, but always pointing to the same truth—I wasn’t in control. At the time, they just felt like quirks, habits, or 'normal' moments. Turns out, they were flashing red lights. Here’s what I should have noticed…

1. “There in two” appears in almost every text thread on your phone.

➡ And yet, while you’ve never actually been there in two, something feels different this time. You’re showing up. You’re keeping appointments. And weirdly… you’re kind of proud of that. (Also: “Meet you behind the [choose one] KFC, Burger King, or McDonald’s in two minutes.”)

2. Accidentally cutting rails from the spray snow on your Christmas window display.

➡ Festive? Sure. But also, a sign that maybe your brain has been on autopilot for a while.

3. Googling the word “Kite” after meeting with your bank manager. For the final time.

➡ Turns out, it’s not the kind you fly in the park. Turns out, you need a lawyer.

4. Discovering 14 Home Depot bags, each containing a single putty knife and a tiny container of drywall filler.

➡ “Honey, just running to Home Depot for a couple things!” (See: "There in two")

5. Intentionally leaving Google searches for “How to let your wife know you love her” in case she checks the search history the following morning.

➡ Because nothing says devotion like a panic-induced attempt at plausible deniability.

6. Claiming you have a genetic nasal issue that makes you prone to sinus infections.

➡ "No, really, it's always like this. I should probably see an ENT. But also, if I take Sudafed, my heart might explode."

7. Buying three bottles of red for a recipe that calls for a “splash.”

➡ "This beef stew is going to be amazing. If I ever get around to making it."

8. Studying quantum psychology because it’s so unique that it must be the answer.

➡ "This isn't avoidance, this is higher thinking. Reality is subjective. The universe is expanding. And so is my debt."

9. Asking the pizza delivery guy to look for a piece of plywood, just behind the trees down by the tracks.

➡ "Trust me, it makes sense. Well, it did last night."

10. Relishing the fact that shirts bought four years earlier suddenly fit.

➡ Weight loss plans are expensive. Coke is not.

Okay… So Now What?

If you read this list and laughed (while also cringing just a little), you’re not alone. Addiction has a way of sneaking into our lives, normalizing behaviors that, in hindsight, seem ridiculous. The good news? Recognizing these moments for what they were means you’re already moving forward.

Recovery doesn’t have to start with a crisis. It can start with a conversation.

That’s where Recovery Coaching comes in. Unlike treatment programs, therapy, or 12-step sponsors, a Recovery Coach meets you where you are—offering practical, real-world support that fits your life. Whether you’re just starting to think about change or you’re already on your recovery journey, I’m here to help.

If you’re ready for a different kind of support, let’s talk.

Contact me here to schedule a free consultation.