Making A Commitment To Alcoholism Or Drug Addiction Recovery

There is a big difference between making the decision to stop alcohol or drug use and committing to a life of recovery.

While making the intellectual decision to quit using drugs and alcohol is a critical first step, many people make the serious error in believing that it is the only step. There is much more to it than that. The decision to stop drinking and/or drugging has to be coupled with actual abstinence. Many people stop for a time but cannot stay stopped.

Why? It might be a lack of commitment. There is no single method or recovery path; everyone must find the path that works for them. But here is a hint: 12 step groups have been around longer and helped more people than anything else. But,  whatever path you choose, you must commit to the idea of not drinking or drugging again ‘no matter what’.  Maintaining this level of commitment and dedication requires work and focus.

One recommendation is to develop a wide and deep support network. Having like-minded people in your group of friends can offer support when commitment wavers. There is a great deal of help available in recovery. In fact there is a whole culture of people in recovery that are willing to help anyone stay sober. This is a foundational concept of 12 step groups.

Sobriety is not something that can be achieved and that not paid attention to again. It is a continuing process rather than a destination or event completion. There has to be an element of belief that things will get better in the long run.

Addiction recovery is full of ups and downs. A strong support group and unwavering commitment can get anyone through the tough spots. I like the term ‘overwhelming force’ when describing the ferocity of commitment people in successful long term recovery exhibit.

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