REWARDS OF ADDICTION RECOVERY CAN BE GREAT

One of the most damaging developments of the 20th century was the increase
in addictions for human beings. Whether the cause was alcohol or other
drugs, addictions have been a blight on society.

There have been addictions for centuries, but they have become greater over
the past 100 years due to availability.

Addiction can be overwhelmingly painful and difficult to deal with, and
strikes all ages. Overcoming an addiction is a complicated process. Whether
you may be facing addiction yourself, or interested in the recovery process
for someone close to you, it is worth understanding the many steps on the
road to recovery.

For most people, according to the American Counseling Association, an
addiction is not something that is sudden. Instead, it sneaks up very
gradually. Logically speaking, no one ever plans to become addicted. A
person can enter this dark abyss, in most cases, without even realizing
that it is happening.

Consequently, it stands to reason that recovery is also a slow and gradual
process. It simply isn't possible to seek recovery one day, then accomplish
it the next ... or even the next week. Still, recovery can be achieved, if
one is willing to follow the progressive, methodical steps necessary to
beat an addiction.

The first -- and most important -- step is for a person to admit he or she
has an addiction. Without that honest admission, efforts to get better will
probably be futile. It isn't always necessary to admit it to others, but it
is essential to admit it to yourself. Honesty with oneself is of paramount
importance in recovery.

It is also helpful for a person to recognize that addiction does not mean
you're a "bad" person. It merely reflects the fact that you have used a
substance to the point where you are now dependent, and unable to control
the use of that substance.

Whether a person is good, bad, ethical, unethical, kind or unkind is
irrelevant. You are simply addicted, which has no bearing on a person's
character.

Of course, sometimes the behavior that results from the addiction will
affect how the person is judged by those around them. But simply addiction
doesn't make them a bad person.

Another important step is to realize and accept the fact that change must
occur. The pattern that led to the addictive behavior must be broken in
some way. If a person doesn't initiate change, then it's highly unlikely
recovery will occur. The addict must also recognize that his behavior and
thoughts cannot remain the same as in the past because that may be what has
reinforced the addiction. Change is imperative.

The next step is critical. A person must realize that an addiction usually
consumes his/her whole being. It is typically what they think upon waking,
what's on their mind most waking hours, and usually their last thought as
they fall asleep at night. It didn't begin that way, but over time the
desire becomes that strong.

Consequently, removing that major part of one's life will most certainly
leave a gigantic emptiness. The emptiness must be filled with something, so
the person must find a positive and healthy substitute. Different things
work for different people.

Some individuals enjoy physical exercise, while others prefer meditation.
Some find it helpful to become involved in support group meetings, while
others find that religious activities are beneficial.

Recovery is not assured when you reach it, it must be nurtured. Because of
susceptibility, the person will probably have to work with the recovery
process through most of their life. It's painful, it's slow and it's
difficult, but the rewards of addiction recovery are tremendous.