Recovery from addiction is more than abstinence.
By definition, if you can merely abstain from drugs and alcohol without any further problems, then you were not an addict or alcoholic to begin with. A true addict or alcoholic needs a plan for living if you take away the chemicals, or they will quickly revert back to their old ways.
Photo by scarletgreen
What is the creative theory of recovery?
The creative theory of recovery is the idea that we need to actively and purposefully create a new life in recovery from addiction.
It’s the idea that we need to replace our passion for drugs and booze with a passion for something else.
The creative theory of recovery works well with 12 step programs such as AA or NA. However, those programs only constitute one possible path to the creative life….there are certainly other ways.
Here is a list of what the creative life in recovery entails. This is just a taste of things to come, I will expand on these much more later on:
Here is the complete overview of the creative theory of recovery.
1) Elimination is not enough - during active addiction, we experiment with control and find mild success, then back off and experience full blown addiction again. We are trapped in a cycle. Thus, the need for a replacement strategy, a life of creation.
2) Holistic approach - The creative theory of recovery is a holistic approach. Spiritual growth, emotional health, relationships, physical health–all of these and more play a factor in success. A balanced lifestyle is important for long-term success.
3) Replacement strategy - a common thread among recovery programs, and one of the central keys to the creative lifestyle. What are you going to replace your addiction with?
4) Relationships - A common pitfall for the creationist in recovery. Why new relationships can substitute so easily for a true creation-driven life. How a creation strategy overcomes resentments.
5) Creating with positive action. Creation is goal setting + a positive attitude.
6) Gratitude is central to the creative mindset. We create opportunities and positive action through maintaining a positive attitude.
7) Change in personality - A side effect of creative recovery: your personality changes for the better. Shift away from self-centered behavior toward interest in others.
8) Fuel for positive change - Spirituality / connecting with a higher power
9) Momentum - Creative recovery has momentum. Success breeds more success. Learning builds on previous experiences.
10) Learning process - Recovery is a process, one of learning. We continuously gain new perspective on our recovery and how to maintain it in the face of new experiences.
11) Avoiding victim mentality - this is the opposite of creation. We can’t sit around and blame others for our lack of progress.
These things essentially paint a picture of the successful life in recovery. However, this list does not explain how to get there, it merely shows what the addict’s life should look like once they are successful in overcoming addiction. We still need a road map for the creative theory of addiction and how to achieve it, but that will come later.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be fully examining and expanding on the creative theory itself. Later on, we will explore the transition to the creative life and the different paths that people have used to get there.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice post. There is most definitely need for much more than use cessation when it comes to addiction recovery. “Guide to Addiction Recovery for a Lifetime” is a free booklet available at http://www.stopaddiction.com which addresses this point. It is a very workable methodology and would be a good reference in one’s education of what it takes to maintain sobriety.
THIS IS GREAT, FOR MY SON WHO IS RECOVERING AND MYSELF, I’M THE MOM, TO LEARN HOW TO CHANGE MY PATTERNS TOO, EVEN WHEN I DON’T HAVE A DRUG ADDICTION.
THANKS SO MUCH!
Thanks for both of your comments. I am looking forward to expanding on the ideas here. Stay tuned for more info!
Hi David
I like your site and insight! I hope the stranger you are ignites a light in me. I just left a 5 month relationship with a guy I just discovered was a drug addict. Not to say Im not, my drug alcohol and ciggies are limited yet still I wish to be fulfilled with another healthier passion. Its a painful time but a time of reflection and growth. Gods power be yours and mine! hee
To my understanding and experience with treatment centers; “There is a 100% success rate in treatment centers!” True, the percentage of clients actually getting clean and staying clean are minimal, but this has nothing to do with their success rate. The centers offer a way out and it has been proven that anyone that stays in the recovery process and doesn’t pick up a drug will stay clean. They plant a seed and that is what their main goal is. Everyone that goes through a treatment center hears that they too can get clean and stay clean if they want to work at it. That is where you are taking away from the treatment centers as not working, but they are working because down the road after hitting that final bottom they will come back and try it again. The seed has been planted by the treatment facility and it will remain until they return to the program and death will remain in all of our futures. The choice is still in GOD’s hands how we will die.
Good point, Thomas. My response is
right here.
Ihave struggled with this problem for many years now. My wonderful Godly husband has no idea I am addicted to pills. I am so tired of this life style but quiting is so hard. I was clean for 14 years then fell off the wagon as they say. I believe in prayer. I have lost so much becuase of this problem. Wonderful dream jobs I thought I would never had. I had it for 6 months got fired. Always thinking about how to get the next bottle of pills. I am so tired of this way of life I want to feel normal Pills seem to give me a good uplift happy feeling. Anyway it is a sad thing. I am caught in the middle of the trap. I want to fix the problem myself. I want to walk away and have enough of it. I do to want to loose anymore of my life. I have lost enough.