You are not defeated. You are not trapped by your addiction forever. You can live a sober lifestyle. You can walk in recovery. That’s how I want to start this week’s blog off. I need anyone that’s reading this to know that they or their loved one can break free from substance use disorder for good. That is absolutely a reality that many who thought that they wouldn’t be able to get sober are now living.
It’s easy to get caught up in defeat. Unfortunately some rooms that you walk into to get help can leave you feeling drained and less supported in moments when you need it the most. It’s not uncommon for things feelings like hopelessness, despair and self doubt to kick in, but we need to learn how to push past those feeling when they come about. These are the feelings that often keep a person stuck in a vicious cycle of addiction.
Recovery begins when a person knows that it’s possible. It occurs when acceptance of one sickness begins because addiction is a disease, it’s not who a person is. Recovery happens when action takes place and a person begins to take the steps needed to be a better them. It happens when they seek support so their sobriety can occur. A setback may occur in this journey, but it does not mean defeat. Empowerment occurs in the journey of recovery, one step at a time and the challenges that arise are oppurtunities for growth.
I encourage you if your feeling defeated to start practicing the art of speaking positive affirmations. Doing this will help shift the mindset. Build a support system around you. One that’s needed. Practice self care at all cost! Meditation, excercise, and more. Whatever is positive and healthy and promotes your recovery! Find what works for you and know that everyone’s pathway to recovery is different. What you need may be different than what was needed from another.
I felt it important to write these words today because sometime we can make ourselves feel like recovery isn’t going to be a part of our lives. We can be surrounded by counter productive people in the form of family members and friends who don’t support sobriety. The culture in some of our work places and more can promote substance use, that’s why it’s important to strengthen yourself in areas that it’s needed. You have to be the loudest voice in your head at certain moments.
What we digest so to say with our ears and eyes has a direct impact on our recovery journey as well. I find it necessary in my journey to educate myself weekly on literature that serves to motivate or inspire those in recovery. I even look for shows that reflect a sober lifestyle. I also keep out of certain environments as well that may feed the fire of addiction by adding fuel in the form of triggers and more.
Take the timeout to surround your self with those who have succeeded. Get the help you need whether it’s detox, IOP, etc. You have to do what you have to do for you. As numbers continue to climb for overdoses, it’s imperative that we do the things that are going to give us control of our lives again and take us away from the risk of not being here anymore. Get help now if you need it because you are victorious, not defeated, you just need the right support!
