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 recovery programs and individualized therapies.
Tips for Making a Commitment to Addiction Recovery
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:
Set Small Specific Goals
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.
Accept That You’ll Make Mistakes
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.
Attend Support Group Meetings
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.
Keep a Gratitude Journal
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.
Try Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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.
Find Help and Guidance at San Antonio Recovery Center
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 and take the first step towards a better life.
