Finding a Path to Serenity

Key Elements of Recovery - First Steps

Wouldn't it be super if I could wave a magic wand causing you to begin to function in a healthy and loving manner after years of addiction.  When a person struggles with a chronic addiction of any type, family members often lose hope that their will ever be a change.  There is an increasing doubt that their loved one will ever be able to overcome an addiction.   

This blog is written to provide encouragement for those individuals searching for the path of serenity.  To help a person handicapped with an addiction or a family member watching the addict struggle to identify six elements on the road to recovery.  These six elements are:

1. Having hope and a vision for a better life.  

Despair is an emotional and physical killer.  Nurturing hope for a better way, a better life is a key element in recovery.  Having a vision of what "can be" helps a person to begin to take the steps to realize their goal.

2. Removing the obstacles. 

There are many distractions on the path of recovery.  Case management is designed to help a person remove distractions to recovery.  These obstacles may be things like the need for a job, education, child care, transportation to a 12-step meeting.  Addressing these obstacles speeds up the process of recovery allowing you to focus on first things first. 

3. Developing a healthy opinion of oneself.

Too often a person who has lived a life of obsessions and compulsions with a chemical, food or sex has an overriding sense of shame - the feeling that says "I am unworthy, unlovable and I am bad."  It is important to begin to view oneself in a true and healthy manner.  No person is junk.  Some will say - God does not make junk!  Every person has gifts and talents. Every person has value - and that includes you - believe it. Believe in yourself and your value.

4. Belonging to a healthy community.

Recovery is not accomplished as a lone ranger.  Having a safe community to share concerns, experiences, struggles and successes is critical on the path of recovery.  Community provides accountability.  Yes, a family can be a community - however, the best community is people who have "been there" and are further along the journey.  A healthy community may be a 12-step group, prayer group or Celebrate Recovery group. 

5. Feeling a sense of power.

Addiction reeks havoc in individuals causing a sense of defeat.  There is a powerlessness over the addiction.  Regaining some sense of power over life choices is an element that assists in recovery.  Empowerment can bring with it hope - there are choices and change is possible. 

6. Life skills.

Let's face it, if a person became an addict in their teen years, they probably have not learned some of the basic skills of living life.   Concentrating on obtaining and using a drug may have taken up so much time and energy that basic skills such as cleaning house, proper nutrition, keeping a check book, and proper hygiene have never been learned.  It is possible to develop these life skills.  These skills can be learned through an educational course or through having a mentor who will guide you. Learning how to manage life successfully will dramatically increase your recovery process.

Serenity is possible. Taking the first step on your path of recovery can begin today.

For more information on recovery check out www.stages2change.com.