How To Face Your Recovery Obstacles With Courage

Some of the bigger obstacles in recovery can feel like huge stumbling blocks on the road to feeling successful. Whenever you are faced with obstacles, there is also opportunity. You now have a chance to find your way back to a healthier way of looking at things rather than focusing on what isn’t working any longer. To embrace the obstacles in recovery, you might consider some of the following tips.

Ask for Help

This might seem like a no-brainer, but men are not always the best at asking for help (with anything, period). There is a myth that men are not as inclined to ask for help as women might be, but it all depends on each individual person’s addiction journey and personality. Letting go enough of control to say you need help is hard for anyone with an addiction. If you want to face it with courage, let go of thinking that asking for help is weak and realizes what a show of strength it takes to seek help.

Asking for help can help avoid relapse and will aid in maintaining a strong foundation for recovery. Things happen in life; the recovery journey isn’t always going to be an easy one. The good news it is also one that is not meant to be done alone. The 12 step program of Alcoholics Anonymous has a foundation of fellowship for this very reason. Not sure where to ask for help? Head to your local AA meeting; it is a great place to start.

Oh, Behave

Men are more likely to act out physically when they are addicted to drugs and alcohol than women. Men may do more anti-social activities that get them arrested or act out of desperation and rob or steal to feed the addiction. Sometimes this leads to legal challenges in recovery or facing consequences for those actions amongst loved ones and the community. It is hard to find your way through some of these obstacles until you have written down a list of wrongs, harms caused, and sought to make amends. This is a long process, but part of the journey of recovery. If you are willing to look around at the damage caused, you may also be willing to help make up for the pain inflicted on others by embracing the truth of your past and seeking to make it right now and into the future.

It’s About Choices

Making the right choice, day in and day out can feel daunting. It may seem like you are living the same life over and over every day, “Groundhog Day” style. Even if you are in the midst of a situation where you believe you are facing tough obstacles in recovery, you always have choices to make. Recovery is a journey where you can learn more about yourself and how to advocate for what you need. When you learn to speak up, you are not only giving yourself better choices, but you are also standing with others who can support you (and vice versa) through the ups and downs.

The Last Resort provides a safe, supportive environment for men in a retreat-like setting. Nature is an important component of recovery and healing. We encourage you to make the best choice you can and ask for help with your addiction. If you struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, we are here to help. Call us to find out more.