Addiction is very complex and changes the way a brain functions. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol. When a person is addicted, he or she uses more of the substances more often to reach the same euphoric feeling as the first time the drugs or alcohol were used. Addiction puts a person at risk of heart attack, liver failure, overdose, and death.
Addiction makes it difficult for a person to stop using drugs or alcohol due to the physical and physiological dependency, which can lead to severe withdrawals. A person might continue to use to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Trying to get sober can be overwhelming, and taking sobriety “one day at a time” can be less stressful than saying “never use again.”
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) preaches “one day at a time” and states, “We try to follow what we in A.A. call the “24-hour plan.” We concentrate on keeping sober just the current twenty-four hours. We simply try to get through one day at a time without a drink.”
Journaling helps a person in recovery to prioritize goals and responsibilities and track his or her setbacks and improvements, one day at a time. When a person in recovery is journaling, he or she can identify and cope with triggers and avoid high-risk situations. Keeping a journal allows him or her to focus on the present and not ruminate in the past. He or she can concentrate on how they feel about past events, in the present.
Group meetings allow a person to share experiences with others and form new, sustainable relationships. In recovery, it is important to have a network of people to call on when facing challenges. Also, new, sober friends encourage sobriety and can enjoy fun, healthy, substance-free activities.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is one day at a time and is a life-long process. During an individual’s journey, there are challenges and obstacles to overcome. He or she can use journaling to record their recovery struggles and accomplishments. When he or she is journaling their recovery, they see their success in sobriety, which encourages positive reinforcement.
Acknowledging you need help is the first step to recovery. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, get help today. Recovery from addiction does happen. “The only time you should ever look back is to see how far you’ve come”
~ Michael Bernard Beckwith
Cypress Lakes Lodge offers treatment for addiction in a peaceful, remote, oxygen-rich environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204