The recovery process can be intimidating. It is sometimes mentally and physically draining, with the potential to leave you feeling lost and alone. The good news is that there are many resources to help you in your journey to sobriety. Utilizing the tools that work for you can make a huge difference in your progress.
How to Optimize Success in Recovery
Once you are prepared to enter a recovery program, there may be things that may not be apparent at the beginning. Here are a few things that can help the process of recovery.
Have an Open Mind
Acknowledging and accepting an addiction is something that only someone with an open mind can do. You are open to change and other ways of thinking, and this is a great start. Creating a path to more self-awareness will bring in more growth and emotional maturity, ultimately resulting in great success.
So how do you know whether or not you are thinking with an open mind? How do you know whether or not you are missing any potential tools you can use in your recovery?
Imagine How You Want to Be Treated
A great way to start is to imagine yourself telling a loved one something vulnerable about yourself that they may not initially understand. How would you want them to react? Would you want them to show you empathy? Would you want them to be curious about what you told them? Would you want them to be open to understanding the situation even though they do not agree with the preliminary statement?
When you are evaluating your reactions to your own thoughts, remember to treat them with the same empathy and curiosity you would want from your friends. This can help you be more open-minded.
Blind Spots That Are Easily Missed
Many people may not realize that not being open-minded enough may hinder their recovery. In fact, it can be their blind spot on the road to sobriety. Being open to vulnerability and change is important for the recovery journey. It is important to be self-aware so you can recognize when you are wrong in a situation, take accountability, and move forward with good intentions.
Lack of consistency is another thing that can easily become a blind spot in your recovery. Once you become open-minded about changes, it is important to do the work consistently to create a permanent change in your life. Anything in your life that you want to make a habit of will take time and commitment. No one can perfect their craft by only practicing it once or a few times. It takes dedication and patience to produce something meaningful and worthwhile.
Implementing What You’ve Learned
Seeking therapy while in recovery can help you sort through issues that may have been a mental block for you in the past. Therapists can teach you healthy coping mechanisms to take with you into the world to better manage your emotions. It is important to take what you learn and put it into action. Understanding that what you learn is meant to be used in your everyday life can help you achieve and maintain recovery.
Staying Optimistic
If you have made it as far as to seek treatment, congratulations! You are already halfway to recovery! It will be a learning process for yourself and your loved ones. Keep in mind that it can be easy to slip into habits that may obstruct your progress. Being mindful of the potential blind spots in your treatment process will help you succeed.
The recovery process may have very high highs and very low lows. Recognizing that you will experience a wave of emotions is crucial to completing your treatment program. If you find yourself frequently doubting your ability to keep your commitment to recovery or wondering whether it’s worth it, you can seek out a professional who can help you stay motivated along the way. Having people in your life who can provide an outside perspective on your situation and remind you of your end goal can help you keep your hopes high.
Strive to be curious about your issues regarding addiction, not angry or ashamed. Practice optimism even in the darkest of times. Even if things feel as though they won’t work out, have trust in the process, in yourself, and in the people in your life who are there to love and support you. You should know that through the hard work that you put in, you can recover from addiction and live the life you deserve.
Starting the process of recovery can feel like a huge undertaking. Many components coincide with treatment programs, and there are many potential blind spots that can hinder your progress. Recognizing the importance of becoming and staying open-minded throughout the process is important for your overall success. Implementing what you learn in therapy and counseling into your everyday life is crucial and can be easily neglected if you are not aware. Practicing consistency is another key on the road to sobriety. If you feel as though you are doing all you can, and you are still not receiving the results you want, it may be because you are experiencing blind spots. Working with professionals can help alleviate these blind spots and put you back on the path to recovery. You are not alone, and you are capable of change and success! Call 449 Recovery and learn more today at (949) 435-7449.
