Implementing Changes Made During Treatment
Whenever I’m asked about what was different about the last treatment program I did and why it worked, it’s a two-part answer. The first part is easy to answer. I found a good program that was longer than previous treatment centers I had been at, one that handled both the physical and mental aspects of addiction, and one in which allowed me to focus on what was best for my life and make the changes accordingly that would coincide with my best interests. The extra time was a big component in allowing me to find myself again because I used that time wisely in deciding on what changes needed to be made.
However, where I began to hit my stride in leaving addiction behind for good is the second part of that question. Identifying what changes needed to be made was only part of the equation. Implementing said changes, after I left treatment, was where I truly made the commitment necessary to change my life for good. I realized that my hometown was no longer a good environment for me to go back to, and while that change was the scariest to make it also set the tone for the way I would begin to live my life. I needed a fresh start, and I knew it. Despite my love for the city I called home for so many years, it was a sacrifice I knew was in my best interest and I am very thankful I followed through with the change.
I also realized during my program that I needed a new direction when it came to my occupation. My previous area of expertise when it came to making a living had run its course and was heavily associated with my addiction. So that’s what I did, I started looking into other areas I was passionate about. I was able to find an area I had quite a bit of experience in, addiction, and redirect my drive to succeed in helping others overcome the same struggles I did. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made, and I can’t overstate enough how important it is to find a renewed purpose in life with adequate structure early in the process of recovery.
The other big change I wanted to make was focusing on being a better person. This included being a better son to my parents, a better brother to my siblings, a dependable employee to my co-workers, and a better friend to my friends. I took this approach in all my interactions and relationships with the people in my life. As a former addict, I had a lot of bad habits to break and a lot of relationships that needed to heal. I didn’t talk my way out of bad habits or heal relationships by making promises. I let my actions do the talking, and that included being honest and respectful to every person in my life, even when I was tempted to do otherwise.
These changes, once implemented, drastically improved my life, the relationships in it, and with it, my desire to continue down the path I was on. As this continued, I found myself further and further removed from my life as an addict and more and more ingrained in the life I set out to make for myself. I believe that anyone seeking to overcome their addiction can attain the life they set out to make for themselves becoming willing to accept the proper care and treatment needed, identifying the changes necessary to have a fresh start and then making the commitment to follow through and implement those changes. If you or anyone you know is seeking help, please reach out.
