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Summary

The provided content outlines strategies for maintaining sobriety and managing addiction as a chronic condition, emphasizing the importance of daily habit-building, relapse prevention, and seeking support from various sources.

Abstract

The article discusses the journey of addiction recovery, comparing it to chronic diseases like diabetes that require ongoing management. It underscores the necessity of dropping excuses, adhering to relapse prevention strategies, and building good habits daily. The author highlights the personal responsibility involved in recovery, including the importance of avoiding triggers and being honest with oneself and others. The article also provides practical tips, such as planning ahead, being selective about one's social circle, and engaging in productive activities. It acknowledges the possibility of relapse and encourages readers to view it as a part of the recovery process, rather than a failure. The author suggests seeking inspiration from recovery stories and consistently developing positive habits to support long-term sobriety.

Opinions

  • The author believes that addiction recovery is a lifelong process that demands continuous effort and self-awareness.
  • Excuses have no place in the recovery journey; individuals must take full responsibility for their actions and choices.
  • Relapse is presented not as a failure but as an opportunity to learn and continue treatment more effectively.
  • Support from family, friends, and oneself is crucial for successful recovery.
  • The author advocates for a proactive approach to recovery, which includes avoiding environments that could lead to relapse and engaging in activities that foster a new, sober lifestyle.
  • There is an emphasis on the importance of honesty with oneself and others about one's recovery needs and boundaries.
  • The article suggests that relapse prevention involves strict adherence to recommendations and sometimes significant life changes, such as moving to a new home or making new friends.
  • The author encourages readers to find inspiration and motivation through recovery stories and by participating in community or educational activities.

Addiction/Recovery/Drugs treatment

How to Work On Your Addiction Recovery Journey

Drop excuses and build good habits every day.

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

“Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.” — Alice Walker.

My professional experience shows addiction is a treatable disease but has no cure. That means treatment continues as long as you live. For example, addiction like diabetes is managed with treatment and lifestyle changes.

People with addiction strictly follow relapse prevention recommendations — avoid things, people, and the environment associated with your former life.

Recently, Mr. Green relapsed after 27 years of sobriety. Why? He attended a high-class society wedding; the environment was soaked with alcohol and cigars.

He didn’t want to disappoint his sister, but he ultimately disappointed himself and his wife and destroyed 27 years of hard work — There are no excuses in the recovery journey.

“Failure is simple the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” — Henry Ford

My experience shows treatments work if clients do their part.

When you relapse, part of recovery, move quickly in treatment, and continue the journey. In recovery, you need support from family, friends, and your honest self.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline — 1–800–662-HELP (4357)

Photo by LittPro Inc on Unsplash

Here are some tips for us:

  1. No excuses. Recovery works. Say No to yourself and others.
  2. Say NO to anything that exposes you to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, shopping, or other things related to your addictions.
  3. Plan trips ahead of time and avoid surprises or add-on activities. Be honest with your friends and family about your recovery.
  4. Leave behind your friends and family members who are not helping you recover. Family gathering that triggers your old thoughts, feelings, or behaviors declines the invitation.
  5. Live a simple life. Move to a new house or apartment and make new friends. Hire an addiction recovery coach after working with a therapist or counselor.
  6. Join a social club such as Toastmasters, house of worship, write on Medium or write a book. Okay, if you are a CEO or a college president with limited time, find time to engage in productive activity. Get a side job, volunteer, return to school or learn new skills on Youtube.
  7. People’s recovery is a journey, and some may experience one or more relapses or none.

Remember:

Drop all excuses and live every day with the proper habits. Read addiction recovery stories and learn. Check for more information on my article.

Build good habits every day!

Help yourself grow.

Addiction
Addiction Recovery
Mental Health
Self Improvement
Advice and Opinion
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