Most people in early recovery focus on a sense of loss and fixate on what they have to give up. I have to give up what? And what? And what … are you nuts?
It is not uncommon to have a great difficulty with the concept of never drinking or drugging again. Then there is the concept of having to “give up all my friends”, I have to go to treatment, I can’t go here, I can’t go there, I’ll never be able to have fun again. And on and on. That to me, seems like a very negative view it sure doesn’t sound like a lot of fun why would somebody want to do that? I believe about 9 out of 10 people start recovery with this frame of mind.
But how about the other side of the fence. Why not focus on all that there is to gained if the problems generated by drugs and alcohol were to stop. Is reasonable to expect that your relationships would get better, your health would improve, and you’re thinking and problem solving ability and probably job or school performance would all improve.
I believe that most people enter recovery with more of a desire to end the pain, and deal with the wreckage, rather than a motivation to seek a new and happier life. Maybe this explains the early predominant view of the glass being half empty rather than half-full.
It is a key moment in recovery when the shift occurs from what has to be given up to what can be positively gained. One of the realities of recovery is that positive gains and rewards usually come gradually over time and can often be overlooked.
A critical drug and alcohol addiction recovery skill is to maintain a positive outlook and an attitude of gratitude.
One of the first challenges in getting help for yourself or a loved one, is knowing where to start. We can help with a free assessment and someone to talk with right now. Click Here For Immediate Help And AnswersLast 3 posts in Addiction Recovery
- Addiction Recovery Video - "Breakthrough" - January 3rd, 2009
- Early Addiction Recovery: 7 Great Tips - Podcast - January 3rd, 2009
- Addiction Treatment: Is Spirituality A Vital Part Of Drug Abuse And Alcoholism Treatment? - January 4th, 2009
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