Recovery from an addiction is a journey, and as such, it must be treated as one.
Just because you stop using does not mean you have "recovered.
" True recovery is a life long process that requires consistent attention to your inner workings and constant care for your heart and soul.
All too often, people that are in recovery think that, because they have stopped using, they are in the clear, only to find out that recovery doesn't happen overnight.
Of course, not using is one of the first steps in recovery, but ultimately, someone that is addicted needs to start making healthier choices.
Situations that lead to loneliness can be prime targets for addicts to use, as using helps to fill that void.
As well, situations that increase negative emotions, such as anger, can also lead a recovering addict to use.
For this reason, it is important to have someone that you can contact, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you find yourself tempted to use.
Many recovery programs recommend having a sponsor that you can contact to discuss your recovery efforts, and most recommend having a sponsor that is in recovery as well.
A sponsor that is further along in recovery is more likely to understand where an addict is coming from, and they can offer advice on how to handle situations that tempt you to use.
As well, those in recovery need to relearn honesty.
Lying often accompanies addiction, and over time, it becomes second nature.
You may have lied to get your drug, or you may have lied to hide your addiction.
Being honest, and staying honest, is a key component to recovery.
If you have relapsed, be honest about it.
If you are tempted to use, be honest about it.
Reach out to those around you and let them know how you are feeling in the most honest way possible.
By telling the truth, you are able to remove a lot of unneeded stress from your life while allowing others to play a role in your recovery.
Finally, begin to change your thinking about yourself and your addiction.
It is important to always remember that you control your life, and no substance can force you to do anything.
If you are tempted to use, you might tell yourself, "I can choose to use, or I can choose not to use.
I am in control and I choose not to continue using.
" By changing the way you view your addiction, and by taking responsibility for your actions and choices, you can then begin to develop healthier patterns of living and thinking, which will ultimately help you to cope when you feel tempted.
Just because you stop using does not mean you have "recovered.
" True recovery is a life long process that requires consistent attention to your inner workings and constant care for your heart and soul.
All too often, people that are in recovery think that, because they have stopped using, they are in the clear, only to find out that recovery doesn't happen overnight.
Of course, not using is one of the first steps in recovery, but ultimately, someone that is addicted needs to start making healthier choices.
Situations that lead to loneliness can be prime targets for addicts to use, as using helps to fill that void.
As well, situations that increase negative emotions, such as anger, can also lead a recovering addict to use.
For this reason, it is important to have someone that you can contact, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you find yourself tempted to use.
Many recovery programs recommend having a sponsor that you can contact to discuss your recovery efforts, and most recommend having a sponsor that is in recovery as well.
A sponsor that is further along in recovery is more likely to understand where an addict is coming from, and they can offer advice on how to handle situations that tempt you to use.
As well, those in recovery need to relearn honesty.
Lying often accompanies addiction, and over time, it becomes second nature.
You may have lied to get your drug, or you may have lied to hide your addiction.
Being honest, and staying honest, is a key component to recovery.
If you have relapsed, be honest about it.
If you are tempted to use, be honest about it.
Reach out to those around you and let them know how you are feeling in the most honest way possible.
By telling the truth, you are able to remove a lot of unneeded stress from your life while allowing others to play a role in your recovery.
Finally, begin to change your thinking about yourself and your addiction.
It is important to always remember that you control your life, and no substance can force you to do anything.
If you are tempted to use, you might tell yourself, "I can choose to use, or I can choose not to use.
I am in control and I choose not to continue using.
" By changing the way you view your addiction, and by taking responsibility for your actions and choices, you can then begin to develop healthier patterns of living and thinking, which will ultimately help you to cope when you feel tempted.
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