How to Avoid Complacency in Addiction Recovery

Ongoing Commitment and Effort to Your Recovery is the Key to Success

Recovery from addiction is a marathon, not a sprint; the process isn’t over after detox or treatment. In fact, this is when the real work begins. You are usually protected from triggers during treatment, but once it is complete, temptations are more accessible. 

Remember: To maintain sobriety you have to keep working at it on a daily basis.

Why do people get complacent in addiction recovery? 

People are prone to becoming complacent. The first few months of rehabilitation might be difficult, but you can expect to make strides toward your well-being. As time goes on, you may feel you don't have to work as hard to stay sober, and many people begin to believe they've conquered addiction. They might begin to ignore crucial components of their recovery plan, like attending meetings or keeping a journal. They may also begin to take unnecessary risks, such as socializing with people who drink or use drugs. After a while, what was once a vigorous recovery effort and strategy begins to weaken.

If you feel like your journey in recovery has gotten a bit stale or is even heading in the wrong direction, here are some ways to get it back on track and continue making progress: 

1. Get back to basics: Make a commitment to spend the next month following your original rehabilitation plan. Attend meetings, keep a journal, exercise, meditate, and do everything else you used to do when giving more effort to recovery. Above all, don't give up when things are going well again.

2. Spend time with the right people: Spending time with the proper people is an important aspect of healing. Many of these individuals will also be in recovery, and others will be supportive friends and family members. People who make you fatigued or uneasy should be avoided. If you haven't been to a meeting in a while, start going again and make an effort to participate. Spending time with positive people is an important form of self-care. 

3. Take on a new challenge:  If you're bored in recovery, a new challenge can be precisely what you need. You might opt to set more ambitious recovery objectives for yourself, take on more responsibilities at work, or pursue a new interest. Staying sober and working on your recovery is made easier when you're involved in something beneficial.

4. Volunteer: Consider volunteering in your community. The vast majority of people who volunteer on a regular basis report feeling happier and more fulfilled as a result of their efforts. It allows you to meet new people who share your values, increases your gratitude, and reduces your boredom. Volunteering with your 12-step group or other addiction-related programs can be a great way to stay involved in recovery while assisting others who are just getting started.