Transition from Addiction to Recovery
Life transitions never travel in a straight line, rather one of ups and downs. The transition from a life lived in addiction to one lived in recovery is no different. They follow the same pattern, an ending, a neutral zone, and finally a new beginning. Once the decision to change has taken place there is no stopping the transition. This must happen to adapt and anchor the change in place.
It starts with an ending. It is deciding to live life differently. Accepting that your life in its present state is not working for you and then honestly admitting the substance that is affecting you is creating harm to your life. From this place, you can begin the process of letting go. To let go means to step back from all the problems associated with the addiction. This does not mean to stop caring. This is no small feat.
Here are some tips on how to let go:
Set up boundaries and consequences.
Let go of the idea you can help them get better.
Don’t blame yourself for their addiction.
Stop any financial, mental, and emotional support for any issues related to their addiction.
As you move into the neutral zone, practicing self-care will be beneficial. For each person this step is different. It may begin with attending recovery meetings and getting a mentor, sponsor, or coach. If you have neglected your health begin eating healthier and taking vitamins and exercise. If you already have a journaling practice continue this. If you don’t one easy thing to do is begin keeping a gratitude journal, write 3 things every day you are grateful for. Take time every day to just be. Meditation can be helpful with this. Remember whatever you choose keep it simple. The goal is to not make your life any more complicated than it already is. Once you are feeling stronger and you have worked on your physical body and your spiritual path, it is now time to begin changing your mindset from a fixed mindset to a resilient growth mindset. Through this process, you will begin to set goals for your new beginning. Be on the lookout for new opportunities that arise. Think about what I want more or less of in my life.
Ask yourself these questions:
What do you love?
What were those dreams you had before the addiction took hold?
If you never dreamed of your future what would those dreams be today?
Write it all down and set your sights on where you are going.
For twenty-two years I worked with a population of people sentenced to the drug court program. These people committed a crime that was a result of a drug and/or alcohol addiction. Through the years I observed the most amazing recoveries. The transition from addiction to a life in recovery is difficult, it takes someone to help you to persevere and stay accountable to reach your goals. The miracle that happens, is that your life is changed and the lives of the people around you.
If your life, due to an addiction, has become chaotic, confusing, and flipped upside down. You feel as if life is being sucked out of you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, I can help you. Call me for a free 1:1 coaching call. Or download my free PDF 4 Steps to Live the Life of Your Dreams by entering your email into the form below.
