Willingness - Recovered 1385
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Willingness entails a readiness to embrace new perspectives, adopt healthier behaviors, and embark on the journey toward sobriety with an open heart and mind. Without willingness, individuals may remain stuck in cycles of denial or resistance, unable to fully commit to the process of recovery. However, when coupled with a genuine desire for change, willingness becomes a catalyst for transformation, empowering individuals to overcome obstacles, confront fears, and embrace the challenges of recovery with courage and determination. Tonight, we talk about...
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Integrity - Recovered 1384
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Developing integrity in recovery is important for building trust, accountability, and authenticity in one's journey toward sobriety. Integrity is the compatibility between inner convictions and outward behavior. Integrity entails honesty with self and others about mistakes, acknowledging the impact of our actions, and taking responsibility by making amends. Integrity fosters a sense of self-respect and dignity, empowering individuals to honor their commitments, set healthy boundaries, and cultivate meaningful relationships based on trust and mutual respect. ...
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Courage - Recovered 1383
Recovered Podcast
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Surrender - Recovered 1382
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Surrender is a fundamental concept in the journey of recovery from addiction, signifying a willingness to relinquish control and accept the reality of one's powerlessness over substances or other’s behaviors. It marks a pivotal moment of recognition, where individuals come to terms with the fact that their attempts to manage or control their addiction have been futile. Surrender does not signify weakness but rather strength, as it requires individuals to confront their vulnerabilities and humbly acknowledge their need for help. By surrendering to reality,...
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Hope - Recovered 1381
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Hope is not just a desirable aspect but a necessary cornerstone of a recovery program. In the depths of addiction, individuals often feel consumed by despair, powerless to break free from the cycle of substance abuse. In early recovery, hope provides a beacon of light amidst the darkness, offering the promise of a better tomorrow. It instills the belief that despite past mistakes and present struggles, a life of sobriety and fulfillment is attainable. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a tangible force that drives individuals to take the...
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Step 11 - Recovered 1380
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 11 in a 12-step recovery program holds significant importance for both straight and LGBTQIA+ individuals as it emphasizes the practice of spiritual principles and mindfulness. Regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals in recovery often struggle with issues of self-acceptance, shame, and spiritual disconnection. Step 11 encourages regular prayer and meditation, fostering a deeper connection with a higher power or spiritual principles that transcend individual differences. For LGBTQIA+ individuals who may have experienced rejection...
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Step 10 - Recovered 1379
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Step 10 in a recovery program holds immense importance as it emphasizes the practice of ongoing self-reflection and accountability. This step involves a daily inventory of one's thoughts, actions, and behaviors, along with a prompt acknowledgment of any shortcomings or mistakes. By regularly examining their attitudes and conduct, individuals in recovery cultivate a heightened sense of self-awareness and honesty, which are crucial for maintaining sobriety. Step 10 serves as a preventative measure against relapse by enabling individuals to promptly address any...
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Steps 8 & 9 - Recovered 1378
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 8 and 9 hold significant importance in the journey of recovery within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Step 8 involves making a list of individuals harmed during one's active addiction and becoming willing to make amends to them. This step fosters accountability and self-reflection, encouraging individuals to confront the consequences of their actions and take responsibility for repairing the harm caused. By identifying those who have been affected by their behavior, individuals in recovery begin to understand the ripple effects of their actions and the...
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Challenges - Recovered 1377
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Dealing with challenges in recovery is paramount to achieving sustained sobriety and personal growth. One of the key aspects is the recognition that recovery is not a linear process; setbacks and challenges are inevitable. Facing these difficulties head-on provides individuals with an opportunity for introspection and self-discovery. Through the support of a community that understands the struggles of addiction, people in recovery learn to confront and navigate challenges with resilience. This process fosters emotional strength, self-awareness, and coping...
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Steps 6 & 7 - Recovered 1376
Recovered Podcast
To skip the intro, tap 3:25 Steps 6 and 7 are crucial stages in a recovery program, guiding individuals on their path to recovery. In Step 6, participants become willing to let go of their character defects—those negative traits or behaviors that hinder personal growth and well-being. This step calls for self-reflection and a genuine desire for change. It requires individuals to confront their shortcomings with honesty and openness, laying the groundwork for personal transformation. Recognizing the need for change and cultivating a willingness to let go of ingrained patterns are...
info_outlineAs a way of introducing this topic of Challenges of Early Sobriety, I thought we would ask our listeners what they struggled with in their early recover. We asked, “What did you struggle with in early sobriety?” Some of the responses we received included
Cravings
Triggers
Relationships
Emotions
Change
Sleep
Money
The Law
What do you think was our most common response?
Let’s start our discussion with Triggers
We must be aware of our triggers, those circumstances that can lead to a desire for drink. What were some of your triggers, then and what ARE some of your triggers now?
Cravings - The book would actually call this obsession of the mind, cravings, it the book, means that phenomenon of desire for more after you drink. What about drinking thoughts and dreams? Your experience? What tools do you use to combat obsession of the mind?
Withdrawal Symptoms - can continue for weeks after the individual has given up abusing the substance. These symptoms can impact the individual’s mental state and their feelings. The aches and pains of withdrawals can make the individual feel irritable. Your experience? How did you cope?
Overwhelming emotions - one of the reasons why people turn to substance abuse in the first place is to escape these feelings. Once the individual manages to escape their addiction it means that their emotions come alive again. If people haven’t really had to deal with these feelings in many years it can feel a bit overwhelming. You experience? Anger, sadness, guilt, grief, which emotions were difficult for you?
How did you manage your feelings?
Change - Early recovery involves making lots of changes. It usually means [saying goodbye to acquaintances who are still drinking or using drugs](http://alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/social-support-for-drinking/). It also means making new friends. Addicts will revolve their life around drugs so when they get sober they have a big hole that they have to fill with new activities. With so many changes going on it is hardly surprising that people become emotional. What was your experience with change? What changes did you go through? How did you cope?
Relationships - These will also change in recovery. These changes can be for the good, some are extremely painful. Grief is also part of this separation process. What was your experience? What steps did you use to try and evaluate current relationships? How was this healthy? How was this not healthy?
Sleep - Some people suffer from insomnia during the early days of their recovery. Sleep is needed for good mental health so lack of it will cause problems to the individual’s emotional state. Your experience?
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