Introduction
Photo by Daria Shevtsova from Pexels
New year, new you
As we are getting ready to leave the old year behind, we at Largest Heart thought to send some inspiration your way. Let 2022 be your year where you decide to overcome your addiction.
Let’s look at eight captivating quotes and our take on how each of them can encourage you to make 2022 your best year ever.
Quotes to inspire
- ‘Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end.’ – Robin Sharma
Thinking about change. This is the first step! Start by keeping track of your addiction – that’s all you must do.
- Whendo you drink or use drugs, and how much do you consume? How much time do you spend playing games?
- Make a pros and cons list of quitting your particular addiction.
- What would the costs and benefits be if you continued your addiction? What would the effect be on your relationships?
- What is preventing you from making the chance?
- ‘True friends aren’t the ones who make your problems disappear. They are the ones who won’t disappear when you’re facing problems.’– Anon.
Who are my friends? Addicts are sometimes afraid that if they decide to make significant changes in their lives, the cost will be too great. They are worried that their friends will disappear.
The hard truth is that if you decide to stop your addiction, some friends will not be supportive, especially those who are still in the spiral of addiction. However, your true friends will respect your decision. Getting sober might mean finding a new group of friends.
- “Anything is possible when you have the right people there to support you.”- Misty Copeland
Get a support system in place. Ask your friends and family to be available for you. Don’t try to handle things on your own when you are having a tough time – accept help from others! The more people you turn to for encouragement, mentorship, and a listening ear, the better your chances of getting healthy and recovering.
- ‘A goal without a plan is just a wish.’ - Khristine Lupinacci
Having a plan. The temptation will come, but if you have a plan and know how you will handle it, you will be ok. Ask your parents, siblings, and other supportive friends to help. It doesn’t matter what your goals are, as long as it is important to you.
- ‘Talk to yourself like someone you love.’ – Brene Brown
The power of self-talk. Remember, having an addiction doesn’t make you a bad person. On the contrary, you are unique and extraordinary and can contribute a lot to the lives of others and your community. So if you feel yourself backsliding, talk to yourself! It is nothing to be ashamed of, and it is vital to get help so that all the hard work of recovery is not lost.
- ‘Give your stress wings and let it fly away.’ – Terri Guillemets
Dealing with anxiety and stress. Once you start getting sober, the tension that you have dampen with your addiction will resurface. For treatment to be successful, you must learn how to deal with your underlying issues. Getting exercise can help or if you play outside with your dog. Some people like to ‘transport’ themselves to their ‘happy’ place, while others swear by a good massage or a long soak in a hot bath. Find something that works for you.
- ‘Don’t limit your challenge, challenge your limit.’ – Ave Mateiu
Challenge and change how you think. When cravings come, you might tend to remember all the ‘good’ things about your addiction. Change your thinking. You know using or drinking again won’t help, and you stand to lose a lot. Some people find it helpful to write out all the consequences of falling back into addiction on a small card and carrying it with them.
- ‘There are things you can only learn in a storm.’ – Joel Osteen
Bounce back. Don’t let relapse keep you down. Yes, it can be discouraging and frustrating, but relapse can also be a break to learn from your mistakes and correct your treatment course.
Conclusion
Recovery is never out of reach.
Change is always possible! For many, the most challenging step toward recovery is recognizing that you have a problem and deciding that enough is enough.
It is normal to feel lost and uncertain at first. It is ok!
Committing to sobriety involves a total life change, and nobody said it is going to be easy. You must change who you allow in your life, what you do in your free time, how you deal with stress, and how you think about yourself. All of this will take time, but also self-motivation and support from your loved ones.
Please reach out to Largest Heart if we can help in any way. It is possible to overcome your addiction and regain control over your life.
Resources
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/addictions.html
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/overcoming-drug-addiction.htm