by Mac Stevenson

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: June 27, 2009

There's just one person who can really help you in recovering from drug and alcohol addiction: You will see that person the next time you look closely at a mirror.

Recovery doesn't begin when you decide that you want to quit; it starts when you unequivocally make up your mind that you are going to quit. And only one person can make this decision and that's you.

Once you've gone through so much torment and hell that you know drugs and alcohol are going to ruin your life, you decide to make the necessary lifestyle changes. It won't be easy.

Recovery care starts with you, but help is available:

Confide in your personal physician; he or she can lend practical and moral support in your fight to lead a new drug- and alcohol-free life. Exercise is one of the best care aids that will lead to recovery; you need to consult with your doctor to make sure that you embark on a schedule that is a fit for your physical condition. Solitary walks are a wonderful way to keep problems in their proper perspective. Stay busy. This coincides with exercise; become active in a new job or something like volunteer work that keeps your days full and productive. You will have to change your environment. If your drug use and alcohol problems were connected with your personal associations, you will have to make drastic changes. Make new friends. This is closely tied to making a change in your environment. Even though you may have to give up old friends, it's the only path to effective recovery care. Remember, the old way didn't work. And when you make new friends, be certain they are not drug or alcohol users. You might have to move to another town. That would be an extreme step in most cases, but it might be necessary. Be fair to yourself and seriously consider this option if your present circumstance doesn't allow for your recovery care to be effective. Self-pity will be a constant companion that must be thwarted. When it starts to gain control, just think of how many people on the planet have it a lot worse than you do. Your biggest adversary in your attempt to find the recovery care that you need will be rationalization. After you win the initial battle for recovery and have quit, you'll find yourself in situations where one drink or a toke seem harmless and acceptable. Don't give in to that temptation. If you weren't susceptible to drug and alcohol addiction, you wouldn't have had major problems in the past. That doesn't change.

Outside help in your recovery care is an asset, but your own firm resolve is your best ally. Once you've made the decision and started a new life, you will wonder why it took so long. But always remember that mankind's age-old foe, rationalization, is waiting to pounce. Don't give in.

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