The recovery process is a lifelong endeavor. Those who have struggled with addiction know that it isn’t easy to ask for help, but it can be even harder to remain vigilant in the steps you take to pursue long-term strength and development.
So, how do you avoid complacency in your recovery?
How to Avoid Complacency in Recovery
There are many things that you can do to avoid complacency, all of which require concerted effort.
Use Your Tools
One way to avoid complacency in recovery is to use the tools you are given. Real recovery doesn’t rely on complex, overly involved tools. It involves returning to the same simple, effective tools over and over, like:
- Deep breathing
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Exercise
- Being in nature
- Calling someone for support
- Listening to music
- Self-care
- Nutrition
These simple tools are things that you can use when you are struggling with complacency, when you are overwhelmed, or when you feel stagnant and you want to move forward.
Tip: During your treatment, you will receive personalized tools like coping mechanisms, a greater understanding of your talent, CBT exercises, stress management techniques, and other things that you can use to remain vigilant and active in your recovery.
Intentionally Advance
One way to avoid complacency in recovery is to focus on your advancement.
The term “advance” carries with it the image of determined effort, not a casual, easy motion.
This is a concept you can apply to all stages of your recovery. Ask yourself?
- Is what I am doing right now determined?
- Am I doing things right now that are not well-intentioned?
Staying true to your recovery takes effort. It takes precision. It takes long-term dedication.
Tip: During your treatment you might learn how to set goals. You might get time management strategies or aftercare services that help you intentionally advance from where you are to where you want to be.
Reap
When most people read the term “reap,” they imagine a garden where farmers are able to reap what they sow.
The same is true of your recovery. you can help reap for yourself every time you engage in activities that help you avoid complacency, help you focus on the things that matter most in your recovery.
This can include:
- Helping others
- Participating in support groups
- Being a mentor for someone else in recovery
- Joining community organizations
- Using sober activities
Tip: During your treatment, you will be exposed to things like sober activities and support groups, things that can help you continue to reap within your community no matter where you are in your recovery.
Build Your Tools
As you learn different tools while you are in treatment you need to protect and preserve those tools by using them regularly.
You can avoid complacency in recovery by working to continually build new tools. Imagine laying a stack of tools on a shelf. Each time you learn about a breathing technique, that is a tool that you can put on your shelf. Each time you learn about a new form of exercise, try art therapy, or go outside for a quick walk when you are overwhelmed, those are tools that you can put on the shelf.
Tip: During your treatment you will be exposed to a wide range of tools but it is up to you to continue looking for tools when you are done with treatment, things that work best for you. You can build your toolkit by learning from other people who might have been in your shoes and have advice to offer.
Comprehensive Care at Multi-Concept Recovery
At Multi Concept Recovery, our name says it all: We believe in recovery founded in multiple concepts of evidence-based care. That is why our outpatient rehab gives you continuing services to help avoid complacency in recovery.
We know how important it is to continue receiving care and support as you transition back to a regular life, particularly after an inpatient stay. That is why our team focuses on giving you the tools and life skills you need alongside continued access to things like support groups.
With our regular outpatient rehab program, you can avoid complacency in recovery by continuing to ground yourself in the midst of people who are going through similar things, people who can give you support if need be, and resources that can help you find meaning as you move through the next stage in your life.
Let us help you avoid complacency in your recovery with the right level of care. Call today.
