Most of us have heard that the road to addiction recovery is long and strenuous. The fact that it is seen as a struggle is that reason that many addicts do not get sober. Substance abuse provides a quick fix to their problems and is easy to obtain.
What few realize is that the recovery process does not have to be hard. I fact, that hardest part is a struggle that takes place within yourself. No one is physically stopping you from getting sober. The addiction is completely self-induced. Furthermore, it is not like there are no easily accessible resources for you anymore. In fact, it is no longer necessary to pay in to an expensive treatment facility in order to obtain sobriety.
No there is no quick fix when it comes to sobriety. There is nothing that will just make the desire to drink or do drugs go away immediately. That said, it does not mean it has to be hard either. Since the struggle to get clean comes from within it only makes sense that you choose the difficulty level of your sobriety. You choose whether you are going to wake up in agony everyday wishing you could drink or you can also choose to do something about it.
The following are some easy tips to help you in your addiction recovery:
Change your coping mechanism. A lot of people believe that this is merely replacing one crutch with another. However, if you decide you want to exercise every time you get upset as opposed to drinking one option definitely outweighs the other. It is best to get multiple HEALTHY coping mechanisms so that your new coping mechanism does not become an unhealthy obsession.
Change your attitude. Addiction has known to have been successfully treated by things such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a treatment that is known to deal with the emotional component of disorders. CBT allows an individual to change the way they respond to certain events. It also allows the individual to think more positively about life and themselves. A healthy self-esteem will help ensure that you refrain from hurting your body with drugs and alcohol.
Simplify your addiction. I’m sure you have probably heard the phrase “it is what it is”. Once you simplify your addiction to what it truly is (a coping mechanism) then you can start to see the issue with it a bit clearer. You come to terms with the fact that you need to change your relationship with alcohol or drugs so that when you have a bad day they are not what you are running for.
Addiction recovery does not have to be difficult and it should not be a never ending struggle. You can learn to place yourself back in to a society that socially drinks without you be judged or being terrified of relapse. The point is not that you never drink again, but that you are okay with not drinking ever again.
I can imagine how addiction is long and strenuous & there is probably no easy way. Your 3 points however seem to put things in perspective that allow for an ‘easy’ recovery.
Truly appreciate the way you address the topic of addiction without judgement and a natural inclination toward the possibility of healing. Thanks!
Thanks for your forgiving and non-judgmental voice. I appreciate it every time I visit this page.
Brilliant article! Thank you so much for sharing these easy steps!
This is really a very great post! The way you present the topic about addiction is really brilliant. I can feel your kindness. Thanks for sharing these great tips!
Wonderful Article with great tips! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with each of us!
Super article, Anita. I love what you said about coping mechanisms. Recovery is about learning different tools to deal with life. These tools aren’t a replacement for substances. It’s about getting new skills and regaining a healthy and happy life. Thanks for all that you do!
I love how you address complete responsibility. It puts a person in a place of power….this is a fabulous article, you touch on very important points!! Thank you!!
Addiction can be a long hard road for many and even a recovered person has to take measures for the rest of their lives as they are usually high risk. Is there a time of year that addition goes higher?
Thanks for sharing what you know!
Addiction is a serious problem. Thanks for suggesting these easy steps!
Addictions really are just coping mechanisms, but I didn’t realize that until I read this article. This is great advice for anyone, not just women who are battling addiction.
Love the suggestions Anita! This is so important to be able to be OK with never drinking again, this means true recovery! There is a way out for every women, the best of course to ask for support and help….it can be impossible to fight this problem as many are in a proper denial…
What an interesting perspective! I love how you combine strengthening our mindset with addressing addiction. When we are first getting sober/clean sometimes this healthier-perspective is tough to find while the cravings and physical symptoms of addiction are so overwhelming. Yet I’ve found that correcting a distorted mindset is essential in maintaining long-term recovery!
Thank you for sharing these helpful tips on making the transition through addiction recovery easier. Appreciate the unique perspective Anita.
I love how you’ve broken down something that can be extremely complicated and given some tangible steps on the road to recovery.
No addiction is easy to overcome – there is no magic pill. But your suggestions on mind-set changes does wonders for anything and everything – including addiction. If we change our way of thinking towards a more positive and in-control mind-set, it can only help us!
So true that you have to want it if it’s going to happen.
I like these tips. This information is good for anyone learning to cope with anything in life, not just addiction…
With many in my family upline who have struggled and won and some who have lost, the compassionate honest truths in your writing is thoughtful and appreciated. It inspires courage, honesty about the simpler look at it, and the better focus of choosing another way of coping. Very well written, many thanks.
Great no non-sense tips. Thanks for sharing!
Yes!! Reading this I wanted to stand up and cheer, and add my full-out voice to your message. Recovery is truly the most amazing experience of LIVING. It is not an event, a day in time, or a moment to get past. It is living, really living full on with all senses completely engaged. I have been in recovery for over 20 years, and have not experienced recovery as “hard”. Not easy, but definitely simple. Put down the addiction, then learn how to do absolutely everything from a new healthy perspective. And then WOW. One day it happens. You look back and realize you haven’t even vaguely thought about your addiction for years and years. And you discover that your life is infinitely better than you ever imagined!
Appreciate your outlook on addiction without any judgment. Getting rid of an addiction is no easy feat, that’s for sure. Love what you do, Anita. x0x
The LEARNED Preneur @ NormaDoiron.NET╰☆╮
Great thoughts. Amazing how we really do have choices in everything we do. Loved reading this!
Excellent article. Loved all tips and changing your attitude is so vital.
An interesting view of addiction and how to recover. Addiction as a coping mechanism is something I have never heard before but it makes sense.
Excellent article and great tips to help with addiction. I can only imagine how difficult it must be. Your tips do help with other types of addiction as well, such as internet addiction…step away and exercise..loved that one the best:)
Awesome article!
I love this article, Anita! I love your passion and mission to empower women to meet the challenges that they may be facing in their recovery. You are such an Amazing woman and such an inspiration to so many.
Thank you for some insightful tips. While I am thankful that I have never had to cope with an addiction, I have seen many who have. I think viewing it as a coping mechanism hits is right on the head. Working with youth, I see too many who have tried drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate in an effort to dull some sort of emotional pain. I believe, especially with young people, that we need to address that pain and teach them to cope with it and heal it in healthy ways. And I do believe that attitude is the key to success in any endeavor, including overcoming addiction.
Your posts are always insightful and I have learned so much from reading your blog. Thank you.
I love your message here Anita. Ultimately, no matter how hard it is, we all must take responsibility for our actions. Your tips for addiction recovery are great ways to get started with accepting responsibility and making positive changes.
Love this so true statement ,”there is no quick fix when it comes to sobriety.” We must agree that when it comes to recovery and rehabilitation, it does not have to be hard. But just because it’s work, does not mean it has to be to be hard. Sometimes it is, and that’s why there are a variety of avenues to explore for help, an alcohol treatment center for women could help along the way.
This post could apply to a lot of people
You three simple steps make things very easy to understand, and are very helpful.
My addiction is to hard work. I have to remember that I will not get everything done today, and that is OK.
Thanks for sharing!
These are great Tips Anita Thanks for sharing!