Committing to addiction recovery is the first step towards long-term wellness and sobriety. However, as the months and years roll by, motivation levels may start to wane, and the stressors of daily life might tempt individuals back to their old ways. Yet, with a robust long-term recovery plan, such relapses can be prevented. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, San Antonio Recovery Center’s acceptance and commitment therapy program can teach effective coping mechanisms along with strategies to deal with high-risk situations.
After committing to addiction recovery, you will need constant encouragement and emotional support at every step. But more importantly, you need to remain strong and self-motivated in the face of unexpected setbacks and challenges. Contact us at 866.957.7885 to learn more about our addiction rehab programs and individualized therapies.
Committing to addiction recovery might seem daunting at first. You may feel apprehensive, nervous, or even cynical about your choice. But making a commitment to addiction recovery is the first of many crucial steps towards healing and lifelong sobriety.
With these tips and strategies, committing to addiction recovery should become significantly easier:
When energy levels are high, we tend to make a lot of ambitious plans and later become upset when we are unable to follow through on them. The trick to long-term success and recovery is to set small, specific, and achievable goals.
For instance, if you’ve made a commitment to sobriety, make it a point to avoid parties and gatherings where they serve alcohol. And if you have to attend, bring along a “sober buddy” who will keep an eye on you. Similarly, if you’re struggling with health issues, plan nutritious meals in advance and schedule 20-30 minutes of “exercise” time at least five days a week.
Simply committing to addiction recovery doesn’t guarantee lifelong sobriety. Right at the beginning, you have to accept that you’ll make mistakes, and there will be temporary setbacks and obstacles in your path.
Instead of being worried and anxious, spend time identifying triggers and discussing a contingency plan with your therapist. Also, recovery takes time and patience, so account for delays and recognize they are part of the process.
Recovery is a difficult and arduous journey, so it’s important to surround yourself with people who genuinely care about your well-being. Look for friends and family members who are willing to listen without judgment, and don’t be afraid to reach out when you need help.
Additionally, find ways to spend time with those who have already achieved their sobriety goals. This will give you insight into how to handle difficult situations and stay motivated throughout your journey.
The best way to keep going is to focus on the progress you’ve made so far in recovery. Take note of the triggers that no longer affect you, the healthy relationships you’ve developed, or the skills you have gained over time. Celebrate the small wins and use them as a source of inspiration for achieving bigger goals.
Another way to stay motivated in recovery is to reward yourself for taking steps in the right direction. Doing so will reinforce healthy behaviors and help you stay positive even when things seem difficult. Treat yourself to a movie, go shopping, or take a hot bath. Just make sure the reward you choose is not something that could undermine your sobriety goals.
Support group meetings, such as the famous 12-steps program, can go a long way in teaching the patient vital life skills and coping strategies. Moreover, interacting with people who have similar stories to share might inspire you on your recovery path and help you reconnect with society again.
After committing to addiction recovery, try keeping a regular gratitude journal. Make it a point to cherish the small moments of joy and celebrate every milestone on your recovery journey.
You’ll adopt a more positive mindset by actively looking for things to be grateful for.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a unique form of therapy developed by Steven C. Hayes in 1982. Instead of eliminating difficult feelings, ACT guides patients on how to confront them without overreacting. It teaches them to accept these thoughts and emotions, and nevertheless, “act” as per one’s core values.
Individuals struggling with committing to addiction recovery can significantly benefit from ACT.
At SARC, we believe that addiction treatment isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Consequently, we provide individualized recovery programs with both residential and outpatient treatment options to match each client’s case history, unique needs, and specific recovery goals. From detox to aftercare, we offer a range of services and therapies and strive to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all our patients.
Making a commitment to addiction recovery requires immense strength and courage. Call us at 866.957.7885 or reach out online and take the first step toward a better life.
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