When it comes to making changes in our lives, some of us act as if we’ve got our heads buried in the sand. For example, after years of struggling with addiction, we finally admitted we had a problem. But that was several months ago. We probably even looked into going through treatment, seeing a counselor, and attending a Life Recovery group.
However, we still haven’t made any changes in our lives.
If this sounds like you and you’re struggling to make changes in your life, the truth is, admission without change is meaningless. While you needed to admit you have a problem with addiction, recovery doesn’t stop there. That’s just the first step on your journey! Here’s the bottom line: admitting you have an addiction, but not doing the work that recovery involves, is like burying your head in the sand.
Here are seven reasons why admission without change is meaningless.
- Powerlessness Provides Strength to Recover.
The first step in Life Recovery states “We admitted we were powerless over our problems and that our lives had become unmanageable.” Although it seems like a contradiction, recovery happens when you become powerless. Start by recognizing that you don’t have any power over your addiction. When you feel weaker than you have ever felt, that is when God will give you strength. - There Are No Shortcuts to Recovery.
Real transformation takes time. So, you should not expect to overcome your addiction overnight. Nor should you expect recovery to be easy. Recovery takes real work and effort on your part. While your family and friends will hopefully support your efforts, you are the one—ultimately—who must do the work for your recovery. - It’s Impossible to go Through Recovery Alone.
Just as a broken leg can’t heal properly without support, so you can’t go through recovery by yourself. You will need to have a healthy support system. If you have a chemical dependency, you may need to go through a treatment program. You’ll also need to attend a Life Recovery group and get a sponsor or mentor. - No One Will Recover Without Humility.
Pride has prevented many people from recovery, so you need to humbly recognize your limitations. How can you learn humility? You can realize that true humility isn’t thinking less of yourself—it’s thinking of yourself less! - Recovery Involves Facing the Past.
It’s difficult for you to face your painful past. But if you want to move forward in your recovery, you must be willing to face the hurt in your life and consider how your addiction began. You must see a licensed counselor who can help you deal with your addiction, as well as address any trauma in your past. - Victory in Recovery Involves Surrender.
A surrendered life involves surrendering your rights. If you want to overcome an addiction, what do you need to surrender? You might need to surrender control, bitterness, unforgiveness, selfishness, or anything keeping you from becoming healthy. But once you surrender control of your life to God and ask for help from others, addiction will start to lose its control. - Recovery Means Taking Responsibility.
No doubt, there have been people you’ve hurt. Your spouse, children, family, coworkers, and friends have all been impacted by your addiction. Ask a friend or family member “How has my addiction impacted you?” Then listen with an open heart and mind. Here’s the hard part: don’t just listen! Take action!
To overcome addiction, you must get your head out from under the sand and make some serious changes in your life. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, you can always ask for help. Instead of wasting your valuable time and that of your loved ones, get advice from others who have been through recovery or are helping others.