Looking back at the time when I was still drinking, I can’t believe how much my mindset has actually changed. I’m talking about the attitudes, beliefs, and mental tendencies that I have come to develop
in recovery.
Photo by Rick Harris
When I was still using drugs and alcohol, my attitudes and beliefs were quite different. I was constantly obsessing over how to find and use more drugs and alcohol. In terms of consciousness, I was simply existing–moving from one drink or drug to the next, with no thought of personal growth; no appreciation for what I had experienced. There was only that next high.
It’s amazing how much my ideas and attitudes have changed. Here are the 6 mindsets that have empowered my recovery:
1) Fundamental belief - I noticed this even more when I quit smoking cigarettes, but the idea is the same with any addiction. You have to shift your thinking about who you are. I am a non smoker. I am living free of drugs and alcohol in recovery. This is a fundamental mindset about who you are, admitted to your most innermost self. It is a decision you make. This is the equivalent of step one in a 12 step program.
2) Process - The old way of thinking was to view things as events. Everything was an either/or. You either won the dance contest or you didn’t. In recovery, you can empower your life when you start to see things as a process. You might not have won, buy you’re learning to dance. And loving it.
3) Vision - There is a huge movement out there about “living with purpose.” That’s what vision is about. Big meaty goals for your life. When you’re living clean and sober in recovery, having a vision
to aspire to makes it all worthwhile. I’m also convinced that having a vision/goal/purpose is the drive necessary to propel you in the creative life in recovery…..it is not enough to merely want to avoid
the misery of addiction.
4) Zero-tolerance policy (discipline) - Say you quit smoking cigarettes. How do you make it through that first week of misery? With a zero-tolerance policy, of course. No one has ever done it any
other way. You simply can’t allow yourself the luxury of a single puff. This has proven to be a critical mindset for growing in recovery, and can be applied in a number of different areas. When other solutions fail you, the zero tolerance policy comes through for the win.
5) Overwhelming force - Now we are really talking. How do you conquer addiction with confidence? Throw everything you’ve got at it. For me, that meant 20 months in a long term treatment center (best decision I ever made), followed by dedicating my life to helping other addicts to recover. Think that sounds like fun? Trust me, it’s a blast!
6) Gratitude - This is the big kahuna. If you are truly grateful for existence itself, then you’ll breeze through a day in recovery like it’s nobody’s business.
Take these concepts and apply them in your life, and you’ll be on your way to a creative life in recovery.
Recommended Reading
- Overcoming Addiction
- Addiction Recovery is about Discovering New Layers of Information
- 5 Ways to Supercharge Your Recovery, Avoid Relapse, and Dominate Your Addiction Over the Holiday Season
- 10 Ways to Embrace Creative Recovery and Take Your Sobriety to the Next Level
- Holistic Addiction Treatment Center
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Patrick,
For me, the attitudanal shift, or new mindset that was absolutely critical to my staying abstinent was my grasp of the concept I could not drink ‘no matter what’
I used to work in restaurants and remember clealy stating that drinking and drugging ws not on my menu of life options any longer. Iwas I going to handle stress, my job, loneliness etc? I don’t know but one thing I did know is that drinking and drugging was off the menu, just simply unavailable, too bad, so sad.
That concept was enough to get me started, I then had to find a plan that would give me life options. Luckily, such a plan was developed 70 years ago and has helped millions.
If they can do it, I can do it…I had no idea what I was doing but at least I could follow directions if the stakes were high enough. They were, and I did.
Bill U
http://AddictionRecoveryBasics.com
Absolutely, Bill. Sounds like you and I both connect strongly with the idea of “I can’t drink today no matter what.” It’s like having a zero tolerance policy for yourself.
Like you said, it’s enough to get you started. Then you have to learn how to deal with life and maintain some semblance of serenity while you’re sober.
For me, that requires a holistic approach. Thanks so much for your comment, Bill!