Addiction Recovery – One Step at a Time

Addiction Recovery – take it one step at a time.
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Addiction recovery – taking it one step at a time reduces the fear and worry over whether it can really be done.

The following is a guest post by Hyrum Taffer, a freelance writer on drug addiction and recovery issues. Through both personal and family experience, Hyrum has seen the reality of drug addiction. With his experience and love for writing he contributes to a number of communities to uplift those in need. Follow Hyrum on Twitter or on Google+ or email him at hyrumtaffer@gmail.com

Addiction Recovery: One Step at a Time by Hyrum Taffer

If you have become a victim to the devastating chains of drug addiction then you know how insurmountable the challenge to shake free may seem. It does not matter what people tell you or how many success stories you read, you need to feel that it is possible for you. You need light at the end of your tunnel.

The most important thing you will need to understand is that no one is ever able to care of the problem all at once. Addiction recovery is gradual process. There isn’t a definite finish line. There isn’t a single moment when you make the transition from addict to fully recovered. That doesn’t mean that success isn’t possible, it simply means that success for you should be defined from day to day by taking a step in the right direction. Understanding that will allow you to avoid the oftentimes crippling doubt that can come in the drug addiction recovery process.

It does not matter the size of the step, if it is a step in the right direction, then you are successfully recovering. Full recovery is obviously the long-term goal but you will never get there unless you have set many short-term goals to lead you to and keep you on the right path. Take the time to make goals that are achievable and measurable. You will need “little victories” along the way in order to combat the doubt and discouragement associated with such a difficult task.

It is important that you write your goals down and share them with others (more on that later) so that you have both internal and external accountability. Remember that success is not only found in achieving your ultimate goal but in taking a step in the right direction each and every day. Look at even your smallest goals with sincere determination and allow yourself to celebrate small accomplishments along the way. Permitting a few smiles along the way does not mean you aren’t serious about the challenge you are confronting.

Recovering from drug addiction is not a challenge anyone should ever take on alone. The more supportive and loving people you have on your side the easier the road to recovery will become. In many cases, established drug rehabilitation programs are invaluable tools to help you succeed. Do some homework to see what is out there and what these programs can do to help you. In addition to professional help, the help from people close to you is an essential ingredient in successful recovery.

While an entire article could be devoted to the ways that loved ones can best help recovering addicts, you need to do your part by allowing others to help you. In some cases your addiction might be unknown to friends, family or co-workers. While drug abuse is not something to be proud of, drug addiction recovery is. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It is also possible that loved ones who are aware of your addiction are not comfortable offering help. Drug addiction is a sensitive subject and it might even be possible that their offers to help in the past have been met with hostility. If that is the case, let them know that you need their help now. With their help and your determination to take a step in the right direction each new day, full recovery is in your future.

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4 Comments

  1. Ryan Adams on August 27, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    Fantastic article. Will for sure share this with my cousin who needs it. Thanks Hyrum!

  2. Hyrum Taffer on August 28, 2012 at 7:44 am

    Thanks so much Ryan! Glad I could offer something of use to you 🙂

  3. Javier Mendez on September 4, 2012 at 11:03 am

    This makes so much sense and is true. When I started my road to recovery, the first few times I tried getting sober failed. Looking back I was trying to make others happy and deep down inside I didn’t want to get clean myself. I was sick of hurting others, but in the back of my head I still wanted to party and have fun.

    When I finally did get clean, I went through a long term drug rehab, where once I finished treatment I decided to stay there and work. It really helped in my recovery to then help others. And who better to help addicts that someone who has been there. In my opinion, it use to drive me crazy when doctors would try to assist but had no reality on addiction and would only regurgitate what they would read in books.

    One of the best pieces of advice I can give to someone is to stay involved with your recovery and dont lose site of where you were when addicted.

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