The Value of Commitment to Sobriety in Recovery
When most people think of getting sober, they think of addiction rehabilitation treatment. An addict that wants to get sober must understand that addiction recovery is only the first step to sobriety. Sobriety doesn’t happen overnight, or even during a 30-day stay at rehab. It takes a lifelong commitment to sobriety for an addict to truly change his or her life and improve their quality of life. Sobriety takes a willingness to make this commitment otherwise addiction treatment is futile.
Why Commitment to Sobriety is Important
Most addicts have a dependency on a drug. This means that the brain has adapted to the drug and does not function properly anymore until the drug is recognized by the brain. It is important that an addict understands that after they detox a single use could trigger dependency once again. Relapse is so dangerous because, after detox, the tolerance for the drug in the body decreases. When an addict uses the same dose of the drug they were previously used to before detoxing, the risk of overdose is much higher. For this reason, alone addicts should commit to not using again after detox is complete.
Although relapse is dangerous and should be avoided, it is very common. Even addicts that seem the most committed to sobriety experience relapse. Some experts even go as far to say that 9 out of 10 rehab patients will relapse at one time or another. It is important to commit to getting back on track even before a relapse occurs. Those that don’t commit to sobriety with all intentions of being sober for a lifetime will use relapse as a reason to get sucked back into their addiction. It’s imperative for an addict to commit to a lifetime of sobriety even if setbacks come along the way.
Also, it is vital that a recovering addict understands that relapse is very common. If an addict who has committed to a lifetime of sobriety experiences relapse, they should realize that they are only human. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s what a person does after mistakes are made that matters. Decide even before entering treatment that if relapse does occur, you will use it as a learning experience; not an excuse to continue the cycle of addiction.
The Unwilling to Commit to Sobriety
If an addict is unwilling to commit to a life of sobriety or they are forced into rehabilitation, chances of a lifetime of change are minimal. The addict will see treatment as a punishment or prison sentence, and choose to return to using drugs or alcohol as soon as they exit treatment or experience any difficulties in life. To benefit the most in treatment, an addict must be willing to commit. With a commitment to sobriety, the addict will be more adaptive and will also be able to retain useful information that helps a recovering addict deal with situations in the outside world. The addict who is unwilling to commit to sobriety will:
- Think that sobriety is not the right option for them. They will deny help where it is most needed because they deny its necessity.
- Have limits to treatment options, giving them fewer recovery tools and assets that they need after treatment.
- Believe addiction has not defeated them, leaving room for the option to return to addiction.
The Addict with a Commitment to Sobriety
The benefits of committing to sobriety before even entering rehab will greatly increase the chance of recovery success for an addict. The addict with a commitment to sobriety will:
- Have a moldable mindset. They know that they are in treatment recovery to learn and know that they are there because they don’t have all the answers.
- Do anything and everything necessary to make a new, sober life.
- Not let previous beliefs and teachings distort newly gained knowledge in treatment.
- Not have a negative outlook on the whole experience of addiction treatment.
- Have unlimited outlets and support because of a willingness for acceptance.
- Be in charge of their own addiction recovery and always strive for forward motion.
Make a Commitment to Sobriety Today
Decide that you will do whatever is necessary to remain sober and live a life of sobriety. Be sure to prioritize sobriety so that it is the most important aspect of your life. Weigh your options for treatment carefully. Be sure that you are not dismissive of any one form of treatment. Have an open mind. Sometimes the most undesired form of treatment proves to be the most beneficial.
Do not let previous knowledge get in the way of new growth. Be open to new teachings and be responsive throughout treatment. Also, make a personal commitment that you will not return to using drugs or alcohol after treatment.
Release your negative connotations about treatment. If you convince yourself that treatment doesn’t work, it most certainly won’t for you. Drug and alcohol treatment works, and it can work for you.
