Independence and personal freedoms are uniquely American values, and most people believe they have free will to make decisions in their best interests. However, one of the most insidious things about addiction is that it gradually takes over your life and becomes your primary motivation.
While you might tell yourself you can quit drinking and using whenever you want, the reality is that you are in thrall to your substance of use. Getting back in the driver’s seat and finding personal autonomy is one of the primary goals of the recovery process.
Person-Driven Recovery
In addiction recovery, you will need to assume full responsibility for your life and make wise decisions in the interest of protecting your well-being. That begins with your choice of rehab facility and continues through all the pathways you travel down to maintain your sobriety thereafter. You will also need to surround yourself with people who support your need for personal autonomy, cutting ties with anyone who does not respect your boundaries or who actively tries to undermine your progress.
By adopting a mindset of autonomy, you can also take a self-directed role in your recovery process within the structure of your treatment program. Doing so will make your victories feel that much more meaningful because you found the motivation to make a positive change from within.
Self-Respect
Addiction can erode your self-respect, leaving you with nothing but negativity. When you lack confidence in yourself and your abilities, you will find it much more challenging to establish personal autonomy. Realizing your inherent worth and striving to live up to your full potential is the opposite of the pessimism and hopelessness that characterize addiction. In recovery, you can take steps to treat yourself with the same compassion, acceptance and kindness you would show to others.
Accountability and Responsibility
Accountability is a theme running through the 12 steps of AA. In a 12-step recovery program, you will learn how to analyze your decision-making abilities and own your mistakes as learning experiences. Instead of using drugs and alcohol to deny your problems, you will confront them head-on, apologizing when you are wrong and asking for help when you need it. In doing so, you’ll become a more well-rounded, tolerant person.
Experiential Learning
Recovery is a process based on continual growth. While you can expect to have occasional setbacks, they are all part of the experience. Consider adopting an introspective habit like journaling or meditation to help you process any obstacles you encounter along the way. It may surprise you how much you can take away from this self-analysis.
How Can Recovery Change Your Life?
Taking personal autonomy for your addiction recovery begins by selecting a treatment center to meet your unique needs in substance abuse treatment. At Spearhead Lodge, we are a leading men’s-only rehab facility located in Austin, Texas. Our 12-step recovery community emphasizes spirituality, relapse prevention and life skills to equip our clients with the full toolkit they need to maintain lifelong sobriety.
To learn more about our customized, long-term treatment plans for young adult men, please connect with us today.