Addiction specialists know that there’s more than one way to achieve recovery success. After all, each individual is different, so what works for one may not be as effective for someone else. However, not finding success after sticking out one recovery method can leave you feeling discouraged. When this happens, it’s important to stay open to venturing out and trying other methods that might work. In fact, if you find yourself relapsing repeatedly, it could mean that you’re actually in need of a new healing approach.
Here are 4 steps to help you find personal success in recovery through a path that’s perfect for you.
1. Seek a safe place.
Many recovering individuals need to contend with past emotional traumas, so a recovery program should be located in a place and surrounded by people that make them feel at ease to be vulnerable. Of course, some degree of discomfort is necessary to spur personal growth, but if it’s unsafe in any way other than to obliterate their ego, it can be a toxic environment for recovery. Aside from conducting your own personal research, feel free to talk to a counselor or health professional, your sponsor, or trusted sober friends regarding your options.
2. Set off on a path that suits your soul.
Most quality detox centers provide information regarding the various paths you can take for continued addiction treatment. Once detox is over, that is where the grunt work begins. You have to seriously consider how you’d like to continue your addiction treatment for the long term. Remember, your rehabilitation is about getting clean and stabilizing the mind, body, and soul so that you can finally live a life with purpose. This is why it’s so important to choose a personalized recovery program that will suit you and that which fuels the fire inside your soul. You’ll need time to reflect on your personal passions and ultimate life goals, so opt for a program that is conducive to doing just that.
3. Find a solid support system for your recovery.
When searching for a recovery community, individuals often look for one that feels like home. However, if home was a dysfunctional place or a contributing factor in active addiction, it may not be the best way to narrow down the search. As humans, we are drawn to that which is familiar. Abuse and other forms of dysfunction are no exception. In these cases, it can be easy for an individual in early recovery to unwittingly land themselves in the same dysfunctional role they assumed while maladapting as a child. Rather than seeking something familiar, try looking for a recovery community that provides you with care, healing, and growth. It is then that you’ll know you’ve found a good family that will back you up in your recovery journey.
4. Integrate multiple methods.
The old adage “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” also applies to recovery. To avoid a relapse, it helps to simultaneously use more than one recovery method. Integrating traditional and alternative modalities ensures a safety net of sorts when one recovery option proves unsuccessful. Moreover, it gives you a sense of security knowing you’re not left “white-knuckling it” after you discover the method you were using isn’t a good fit for you.
Unlike most other long-term commitments, quitting recovery is like signing off on your own death sentence. It’s a personal responsibility you must do for yourself and, just like you, it’s lifelong and ever-evolving. Throughout its difficult yet fruitful process, you’ll need to be able to adapt, stay open-minded and willing to pursue what’s best for you at the moment.
If you or someone you know is seeking help from addiction, please visit our directory of treatment centers or call 800-772-8219 to start the path to recovery today.
