Step 10 of the 12-Step Program serves as a reminder that people in recovery are still human. They’re not perfect, and they’re going to make mistakes. Step 10 is a maintenance step. It asks that you watch for emotions that have the potential to trigger drug or alcohol abuse and make things right when you make a mistake.
Do you have a friend or loved one that is celebrating their sobriety anniversary? Getting them a card, sending them a quick text, or taking them out to dinner are all great ways to congratulate them on their sobriety. However, sometimes it can be challenging to know what to say to express what you’re feeling.
People who are recovering from addiction have to be intentional about protecting their sobriety. Often, this means they must cut ties with old drug-using buddies. Otherwise, continuing to spend time with friends who use drugs or alcohol could put them in dangerous situations that may trigger a relapse.
After you make a list of the people you have wronged in Step 9, you’ll move on to Step 9 of the 12-Step Program, which is making direct or indirect amends. For many people, Step 9 is one of the most difficult of the 12 Steps because it’s hard to set things right, especially with those you’ve hurt in the past. However, as difficult as it is, this step is a vital part of the healing process.
Feelings of loneliness in sobriety may not seem like they have the potential to cause relapse, but they’re more powerful than you might think. Evidence from research studies shows loneliness is one of the psychological variables related to high-risk behavior like substance abuse. As a result, people in recovery may relapse when they feel lonely because they may be more likely to revert to old behaviors in moments of weakness
In treatment, people make personal lifestyle changes and gain skills and tools that help them sustain their sobriety. However, research studies have indicated several key factors will help them sustain their new sober lifestyle that’s sustainable and purpose-filled.
Certain behaviors, when repeated over and over, can prevent you from creating the best life for yourself after addiction. But sometimes, it feels impossible to change our behavior and do something different. In fact, we may not even realize how these harmful behaviors are affecting us and those around us.
While working Step 8 of the 12-Step Program, you’re going to make a list of the people you have wronged and the specific ways you have harmed each one. Doing this can be difficult and facing the wreckage of your past is never easy. But with the right support, you can make it through this step and onto the next.
Relapse is a real risk after rehab, so people in recovery should do everything they can to safeguard their sobriety. Sober living homes offer many great benefits that can help newly sober individuals sustain their recovery and establish healthy habits and relationships. If you’re considering enrolling yourself or a loved one in a sober living program, here are some of the most important ways they can help prevent relapse.
Not everyone will experience relapse in the same way, or at all! However, there are many harmful myths and ideas about relapse that are frequently spread and shared. Viewing these misconceptions as truth can be very damaging and may increase the likelihood that you’ll revert to a lifestyle of active addiction.
Prescription opioids are commonly prescribed by dentists, doctors, and other medical professionals to help people manage pain. But what should you do if you’re in recovery and a doctor prescribes you painkillers
If you’re working your way through the 12-Step Program, you’ve likely found that no single step is particularly easy. The same goes for Step 7. In previous steps, you’ve admitted your powerlessness over drugs and alcohol, handed your will over to your Greater Power, and looked inward to identify defects of character that have contributed to your addiction.
Drug rehab programs often merge traditional evidence-based treatment methods with holistic mind-body practices like yoga or acupuncture to provide well-rounded treatment. Although addiction is a complex disease, mind-body therapies can help people achieve lasting sobriety. For example, meditation is one commonly-used mind-body practice. But, can meditation help recovery? Let’s take a closer look at its benefits.
It’s illegal to drink alcohol at most public beaches, but people often still do. Maybe drinking at the beach was one of your pastimes when you were addicted and it’s hard to think about spending time at the beach without alcohol being involved. You’re certainly not alone in this. Many people have to re-frame the way they view certain activities and intentionally establish new ways to enjoy leisure time.
Addiction recovery is a life-long process of continual self-improvement. We shouldn’t ever stop growing and changing so it’s no surprise that recovery and self-improvement are so closely intertwined.