By Holly M. Onorato

Many factors go into an addiction (of any kind). Genetics, adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s), trauma, circumstance, etc. but at some point we must realize that every decision we make is a CHOICE. No one is forcing us to continue to hurt ourselves, to stay stuck and sick.

Addiction is isolation. Recovery is freedom and COMMUNITY. While it would be nice and convenient to blame someone else for our ailments, the reality is that we always have a CHOICE. A choice to heal, grow, and move past the pain or stay stuck, with every day repeating like Groundhog’s Day.

Many paths lead to healthy recovery and life. You may take a bit from AA/NA, something from Alanon, Refuge Recovery, Therapy, Yoga/Meditation/Fitness routines, etc. I especially love the SMART Recovery program, because the name says it all, it’s an acronym that stands for:

Self
Management
Recovery
Training

It makes sense, especially the SELF-MANAGEMENT part. Also, the latter half because recovery is a constant training of the mind, the ability to play the tape out and make healthy decisions.

It begins by remembering that we have the tools to make every day a successful day. A day of recovery and peace, despite external events. It’s comforting, though far from easy. It begins with self-awareness and compassion, for ourselves as well as others. Even those who are lashing out or still stuck in their addiction, all of that is completely out of our control. All we can do is stay strong and focus on ourselves, letting go of all the things we can’t control.

Sometimes we need to love others from a distance. Sometimes we need to let go, for our own emotional and spiritual well-being and continued recovery. We’ve heard it all before ‘people, places and things.’ It’s impossible to get healthy in an environment that makes us sick.

Setting the tone each day is important and most effective when done in quiet settings with little distraction. Rituals that nourish our soul, like meetings, hanging with sober companions, meditation, journaling, yoga or simply spending time with your pet, allow us to know and connect with our true selves and make all the difference.

Self-care is so important because it keeps us on top of our game. Factors like sleep, personal hygiene, diet, and exercise are of utmost importance because our addiction is cunning. If we’re feeling hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT) we are more vulnerable and likely to romanticize our addiction. We need to stay strong to cope with urges, should they arise. Self-care helps us to sort out unhelpful or irrational thoughts. If we are tired or worn out these urges become much louder…going from a whisper to a scream.

The deeper we get in our recovery, the more reality-based we become, realizing that our old ways weren’t allowing us to thrive and be who we came here to be.

For more information on SMART Recovery check out smartrecovery.org

Again, small daily habits and following a routine go a long way in early recovery. Talking about urges, staying ahead of cravings, knowing our triggers, and journaling about them, as well as celebrating our victories help to keep the momentum going. Get honest about the things you like about yourself in recovery and what you didn’t like in addiction. The truth is, the past is gone, there’s nothing we can do to change it. We can move on, make amends, and continue to rise up each day. The choice is yours.

 
If you are seeking refuge from drug addiction, you can contact More Life Recovery. We are committed to helping you achieve long-term recovery. More Life Recovery has outpatient treatment and an individualized setting. You can contact us by dialing  1 (888) 825-8689 for 24/7 customer support or visit our website for more information.