It took me several years to feel a sense of pride in my recovery journey. While I appreciated my sobriety and recognized the effort I put forth each day to resist alcohol, I couldn’t fully shake off the feelings of shame and embarrassment that I believed stemmed from my own choices. I thought of myself as an addict; I thought I had brought this upon myself.
However, I’ve come to understand that addiction is complex and multifaceted, influenced by both environmental and biological factors. I didn’t become an addict in isolation, nor did I achieve sobriety on my own. I had the support of individuals already in recovery and benefited from programs designed to meet the diverse needs of those who not only struggle but also flourish in overcoming addiction.
This September marks the 32nd annual National Recovery Month. Previously sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it is now hosted by Voices & Faces of Recovery, which has created a new website to honor Recovery Month and celebrate the strategies and individuals that contribute to living a life free from addiction.
Throughout this month, countless prevention, treatment, and recovery facilities across the United States will raise awareness about the courageous efforts of individuals in recovery. Sharing their successes enhances understanding of mental health and substance use issues, and helps diminish the stigma surrounding addiction.
There’s ongoing debate about whether addiction should be classified as a disease. Some argue that labeling it as such could lead to a lack of personal accountability, while others fear it may diminish hope for those seeking recovery. My struggle with alcoholism made me feel unwell, but I never perceived it as a terminal illness. I recognized that I couldn’t control my drinking once I started, but I learned to trust in myself and the systems I established to remain sober each day. I am aware that relapse is always a possibility, and this awareness drives me to utilize the tools that are essential to my recovery.
Whether you’re contemplating sobriety or have been sober for some time, there’s a variety of treatment and recovery options available to cater to your specific needs. Alex Rivers, Vice President of admissions at Advanced Recovery Solutions, emphasizes the importance of evaluating the severity and duration of your addiction when selecting a recovery program.
Rivers explains, “An important decision is whether an inpatient or residential program is suitable for you or if an outpatient treatment plan would be more appropriate. For those who would benefit from medically-supervised detox or prefer a structured approach to initiating change, an inpatient program is ideal.”
Outpatient services require individuals to collaborate with a support team to create an environment that maximizes their chances for success. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care, it’s vital to address mental health conditions alongside sobriety, as these aspects often influence one another. Some may require intensive therapy, while others find healing through yoga, art, meditation, or other holistic practices.
Most individuals aim for long-term sobriety, but relapses can happen, and there’s no shame in re-entering treatment at any point. Rivers notes, “Returning to treatment, even if not to an inpatient program, is a proactive way to strengthen your recovery plan and reinforce your commitment to sobriety.”
When I feel overwhelmed and find myself triggered to think about drinking or engaging in harmful thought patterns, it’s crucial for me to check in with myself and my support system. My prevention plan must be effective, and if it falters or I neglect to use it, I reassess my approach.
It’s also important to acknowledge that some individuals in recovery may still use other substances. For instance, an alcoholic might resort to using edibles or someone with a pill addiction may turn to alcohol. Recently, singer Alex Taylor discussed this aspect of their journey. Recovery is a deeply personal path, and what works for one person might not work for another. Such decisions should be made with the guidance of your support team and therapist to ensure they’re beneficial for you. Rivers adds, “Believing that you can successfully use one substance while maintaining a recovery-focused mindset can be a warning sign. Relying on substances to manage emotions is another indication that your recovery may be at risk.”
Fostering a supportive environment for those struggling with addiction enhances our chances of achieving our goals, nurturing healthy relationships, and cultivating a recovery-oriented mindset. If you’re supporting someone in recovery or who aspires to be, patience is key. Being there to listen and encourage is crucial. Loving someone with an addiction does not mean enabling them. Establish boundaries while maintaining faith in their journey.
Recovery is unique to each individual and seldom follows a straight path. If you’re navigating your sobriety journey, keep pushing forward and rise again if you stumble. Your strength and resilience are greater than you realize.
If you need assistance in finding treatment, consider visiting the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website for resources.
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