Staying Positive in Addiction Recovery
04/09/2013
It doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from or what your status is – you will experience tough times at some point in your life. Death is inevitable, marriages sometimes fall apart – these are just some of the things that can happen, whether you are prepared for it or not. Sometimes, you may not have any control over it. The only things you have power over are your responses to your environment.
Staying mindful in addiction treatment plays a big role in preventing a relapse. This is not an inherent character trait, but a response that needs to be learnt. Take a look at the factors you should consider to make your recovery an easier journey:
Accept Change
You have to understand that there will be times that you will be required to change any plans, goals or prospects that you may have had.
It can be so easy to allow the disappointment of missing an opportunity or changing a plan to get the better of you, keeping the bigger picture in mind is a practice you constantly have to engage in.
Have People That You Can Count On
When things seem hard, friends and family are usually the ones that can help you through trying times. Make sure that you nurture the relationships you have with your loved ones, as these are the people that you will reach out to in times of need.
Accept That Some Things Just Can’t Be Beaten
When something bad happens to us, it’s easy to make a mountain out of a molehill. Try not to pole vault over rat droppings and look at things in a calmer frame of mind and you’ll see that even though things may appear grave today, life goes on tomorrow. whether you’re feeling good, bad or indifferent, this too shall pass.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Addiction treatment is a programme of action. You have to be decisive and take the right set of actions in recovery to stay on track, make the right behavioural changes and stay positive. recovery does get easier with time and the cumulative effect of positive daily deposit in your recovery bank account will start to mount up.
Have Faith & Remain Positive
One of the best trademarks of a strong recovery is faith and positivity – even in the face of adversity. Here’s a good exercise to help you remain positive:
If you ever find yourself worrying about what might happen, turn the problem around and think about how you’d like it to turn out. This prevents you from ruminating and causing yourself unnecessary panic. it’s important that if you find yourself sitting on your ‘pity potty’ that you speak to a mentor, counsellor, 12 step sponsor or someone that can help you to see the good things in your life. Perhaps make a gratitude list by writing down all the good things in your life?
Learn From Your Mistakes
Becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol was not a mistake, you have a brain disease that requires effective treatment. You’re not a bad person trying to be good, but a sick person that needs to get well. It’s important to not dwell on mistakes in recovery for too long. Instead, use it as motivation to rewrite your life the way that you want it. If you’re not making mistakes you’re not learning and growing. Mistakes are a good signs of your movement towards change.
Always remember that you are never alone, and that there are always people ready to help you whenever you need it. In the long run, it will only aid your recovery, and your quality of life, to be able to reach out to others.