Recovery is the step which happens when a person decides to stop using alcohol or drugs and begin treatment. It is a process which lasts the entirety of a person’s life. A self-empowering approach to addiction recovery focuses on gaining full independence from addiction to live a purposeful life out from under the shadow of the past. Find out more about self-empowering recovery and what steps to take to get started.
Recovery Programs
Once a person is ready to embrace recovery, he or she will engage in activities with others in recovery. One individual may attend mutual help groups such as SMART Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for several years. Another person may stop attending groups and begin going to a book club, church group or spend time with family. The biggest question recovery programs focus on is how to embolden a person to build the capacity for recovery from addiction. Recovery groups may differ in the approach but the ultimate goal is for an individual to find the most suitable program to achieve consistent and long-term recovery.
SMART Recovery
In self-empowering recovery, the goal is to gain power, ability and capacity to make better decisions in one’s life and inform a more healthy recovery. From the perspective of a powerless recovery, a person does not have and may never have such power, ability and capacity. Decisions about recovery may then be made on one’s behalf rather than from an internal place. Ultimately, an individual has to learn how to make better decisions, with help at first, but eventually on one’s own. SMART Recovery has the power to support individuals in getting to this point with a 4-Point Program.
Building and Maintaining Motivation
A person must have the willingness to stay sober for long-lasting recovery. People who participate may make a list of priorities and weigh the costs and benefits of using drugs or alcohol versus maintaining sobriety.
Coping with Urges
The second point focuses on examination of triggers for alcohol or drug use. People with addiction using the program learn how to suppress cravings through distraction techniques. Individuals also identify and overcome irrational beliefs about urges to use substances.
Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors
Managing thoughts, feelings and behaviors is important for individuals in recovery. Point three teaches people how to prevent relapse by examining thoughts, feelings and behaviors which lead to drug or alcohol use. Self-acceptance is learned through managing difficult feelings like depression.
Living a Balanced Life
The decision to become sober is a drastic lifestyle change. Learning to live in sobriety is important to a successful recovery. Participants in the program can take inventory of what’s most important. Realistic goal setting and future planning form the keys to living a balanced life in recovery.
Self-empowering recovery is about taking ownership of sobriety. Each person will do this differently but the focus is the same: maintain sobriety and build life skills. With a focus on this, anything is possible.
The Villa supports individuals and families struggling with addiction. If you or a loved one need help quitting drugs or giving up alcohol, call us. We can help provide you with tools and resources to set you on the path to recovery.