When it comes to recovery from addiction, it’s normal to wonder if you have what it takes to stay sober for the long haul. But the truth is, addiction recovery is not easy for anybody. For many, it was their self-determination that helped them maintain sobriety and heal any underlying problems.
Many people who struggle with addiction have a tendency to brush off responsibility and blame others for their issues. In recovery, however, each person is required to do the complete opposite—take full responsibility for their life. It takes guts to do this but with practice, you’ll be able to follow through with your recovery.
Where to Start
People tend to thrive and achieve the goals we set for themselves when they are in an environment where their basic needs are being met. Take a minute and ask yourself, “Do you have adequate shelter, food, and clothing? Do you feel safe?” Meeting these needs first will help you feel more determined when it comes to addiction recovery.
After a safe detox, take a few minutes to think about how determined you are to stay sober. If you’re fully committed to your recovery, then take the time to write out a detailed plan of action, along with the reasons why sobriety means so much to you. Seeing it all on a piece of paper will make it all feel more concrete.
If you need help crafting your recovery plan, you can seek counseling with an addiction specialist or recovery coach. Or perhaps you can simply take time each day to read everything you can about recovery and find small ways to keep yourself motivated to stick to your new regimen.
Self-Reliance to a Point
Relying on yourself to maintain sobriety is a great thing, but it’s also important to accept the fact that each person is unique. While there are some who can make it to the other side on their own, others reach a point when they need some support or simply need help throughout the entire process.
Whichever path you find suits your lifestyle, tendencies, and personality, know that this does not make you any stronger or weaker than others. In fact, this only shows your level of self-awareness and that you're ready to do what it takes to succeed in recovery.
There may be times when you struggle with temptations, emotions, or other issues in your life and you simply need someone to help you pull through. This is why support groups like AA, NA, or Smart Recovery come in handy, along with counselors, family members and other mentors.
At the end of the day, being determined to maintain sobriety on your own is wonderful, but there’s absolutely no shame in asking for help either. Sometimes, some people just need some assistance to get started or more accountability to ensure they don’t lose their progress and slip back into old habits.
If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 866-606-0182 to start the path to recovery today.
