Resiliency has the power to get people past some of the more challenging aspects of life. Whether it be healing from trauma, negotiating a deal, raising a family, or coping with addiction recovery, resilience is important. The question is how do people develop resilience in the face of adversity. The key lies in understanding how resiliency works and then setting yourself up for success.
How it Works
People who are resilient are thought of as people who have strength and courage to face things in life others may not. When you step up to face the harsh realities around you, it helps to navigate the challenges head on rather than hide. Life seems to have more meaning when you face it with an attitude of resilience and hope. In addiction recovery, this can be a powerful tool that will help you access key solutions to some of the pressing challenges you will face. Even when you might be afraid, resiliency can empower you to take the steps you need to heal from the past and move forward.
How it Helps Recovery
Substance abuse knows no boundaries and takes no prisoners. Anyone can be subjected to the ravages of addiction from every walk of life. When people deal with chronic stress, trauma, abuse, neglect, or difficult circumstances, it can feel like substances will take it away, numb, or even heal what ails them. The challenge with addiction is that it is only a temporary solution for a deeper issue. Resiliency lies in the power to acknowledge and recognize addiction for what it is and find the courage to fight back against it. Building resiliency takes time and some tools learned in recovery. It can help to start with the following:
- Take the long view: right now may seem harsh but your journey in recovery is step-by-step as you reach towards a larger, broader goal. When you take the long view, you realize you will need some support to continue the journey for the long haul
- Know where you’ve been: looking back helps you look ahead. When you dealt with situations in the past, you may not have had the right tools or resources to cope effectively. Applaud yourself for how you coped as well as you did but honor where you are now in recovery and that you are on a new pathway to healing without substances, and that is great resilience
- Find community: your community of people may look different now than it did three, six, nine, even 18 months ago, but you are an ever-evolving resilient person working through addiction recovery every single day. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help from loved ones, new people who you admire, and stay courageous as you wrestle your life back
- Practice gratitude: every step you take is one step further away from where you were in the throes of addiction. Resiliency starts with recognizing your strengths and being grateful for the journey you are on now
Even if it does not feel that way, you are stronger today than you were yesterday. Every step you take builds those resiliency muscles so you can have a better life in reccovery. Just admitting the need for help is a sign you are on the right path to rediscovering new life on the other side of addiction.
A Step in the Right Direction helps you build resiliency with our programs and resources designed with your individual circumstances in mind. Wherever you have come from, we will support your journey as you build confidence, strength, and courage every step of the way. Our recovery program is staffed by people who understand the power of addiction. For more information sober living programs for men and women as well as recovery programs, call (877) 377-3702.
