In early recovery we all have different thing’s that seem to trigger fear of succeeding to the finish line, whether it’s communication with others from years of isolation due to being shy, ashamed or lacking in social skills. Maybe it’s feelings of helplessness or hopelessness, because you have failed before and just don’t seem to have the strength to try again. Emotions of all sorts; self-doubt, denial, loneliness, fear, guilt, isolation, insomnia as those old tapes play over and over again in your mind. Years spent suppressing these things leading to more guilt and shame as they come to the surface.
Depression and suicidal thoughts creep into our minds, the physical pains of withdrawal also keeps some from fighting for their recovery. Acceptance of ones self and learning to live in our own skin, now that we are clean and sober. Becoming aggravated at the time it will take to put our lives back in order also cause many of us to give up. The cravings from either the physical or physiological need to use. The extreme anxiety and acceptance of what are lives have become and how to fix it, is daunting. Then of course those of us, like myself that relapse over and over again, believing that the next time won’t be as bad as the last time. Only to finally realize that the elusive HIGH, we have been chasing from the very first time we used, can never ever again be achieved.
And it’s here that we finally give in to acceptance of change or the defeat of using. Because after many years of abusive using I had but one choice, as do most long term addicts and alcoholics… It’s either going to be Recovery or Death, that wins in the end.
So find that one special reason for recovering just for yourself and focus on it, you must do this for you and then and only then, can you truly win your battle of addiction and STOP.
Blessing, Rose
T. Rose Recovery/Addiction Support 