Hey Chowchow,
Think of recovery as changing habits in small increments. As you "fix" your thinking you develop skills to deal with life with a different perspective. Think of it like preparing for a marathon. You can't be living a sedentary lifestyle for twenty years. Then get off the couch and run 15 miles daily. You start by walking around the block daily, then jogging around the block. Next you are running a mile and soon 5 miles. You need to train yourself over and over. That's why using a program of recovery helps. They have a structured plan that helps us see ourselves through objective eyes. We can objectively see what "defects" we need to change or fix. Join a recovery group such as SMART or AA. You won't be disappointed with the outcome if you do all the tough work they ask of you.
Good luck