Long-Term Recovery: Why Relapse isn't an Option

“Everyone has a relapse left in them, but I don’t have another recovery in me.”

Absolutely one of the worst things I have heard.

Ever!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do so many people leave that relapse an option, stalking them every day. Is it not enough that our brains and old playmates and playgrounds are already against our continued sobriety? It was for me, so I decided to do something about it. I tried on long-term recovery and liked how it fit. Then I poured myself into recovery like I had my addiction, 24/7 and 365. I kept the momentum going and never stopped doing the next right thing!

At first I focused on today only. I was staying clean just for today. When tomorrow came I focused on it. Through meetings, literature and listening to lots of sober people I created a blue print for success and stuck to it. Slowly, using tomorrow stopped being an option.I stopped counting days and started making days count.

I can say with 99.9% certainty I will not use again. I would say 100% but I suck at math and several people who are really good at it told me 100% is impossible. With that said, I know I will never use again. That is not being cocky, but honest. I am not scared of relapsing. I am excited about recovery. If I can say that, so can you!

How do you do it?  

First, add the 5 Pillars of Recovery: http://betterlifeinrecovery.blogspot.com/2014/12/long-term-recovery-5-pillars-of-recovery.html

Next, apply the platinum rule to your life:  http://betterlifeinrecovery.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-platinum-rule.html

Complete a daily gratitude list:  http://betterlifeinrecovery.blogspot.com/2015/01/long-term-recovery-gratitude-list.html

Do service work in your home group. Making yourself necessary to meetings guarantees you will continue attending them.

Do voluntary community service. Community service is the missing link in many a program. It is not absolutely necessary for sobriety, but it is vital for recovery. It will make your recovery stronger and enjoyable. Community service says, “I used to destroy resources, now I am one!” This leads to more self-confidence, self-respect and self-worth. It will make the foundation of your recovery rock solid.

By applying all of this, I stay in long-term recovery. I stopped using because I made my recovery my priority. I do recovery oriented things on a daily basis. You do not get good at anything by not doing it. Application makes you good, and once you get good at something practice makes you great. I will never settle for good. I want to be great so I made recovery a routine part of my day, EVERY DAY!

This is not a temporary change. It is a lifestyle change!

Last but not least, spread the message of hope and strength found through recovery with anyone and everyone you come into contact with! I call myself a hope dealer. I like to say I have gone from dealing dope to dealing hope. Join me in that mission.

Together we will destroy stigma.

Recovery is amazing.

You are amazing.

Make people know it!