What to Expect in Recovery

What is recovery like and how do I achieve it?

---

Sobriety is the act of abstaining from a substance. Recovery is a way of life that supports maintaining sobriety. For me, maintaining a successful recovery is setting goals with measurable markers and obtaining the tools to achieve those goals. 

It takes courage to ask for and receive help for addiction. Recovery is a life-long decision, made one day at a time, to live a new way of life free from addiction, a life that you may never have imagined. It is a freedom and happiness you deserve. 

When setting goals it is important to look at everyday and long term goals. In early recovery, a long term goal might be one month of sobriety.  It is important to set goals that motivate and that are also achievable.  Sometimes just getting through a day is monumental. 

I find it important to set daily, and short-term goals in addition to long-term goals. Daily goals can be as simple as making your bed, eating breakfast, checking in with your sponsor and going to a meeting. Service is another key element of recovery. When we are thinking more of others and less of ourselves we are focused on the greater good instead of our selfish nature.  Service can be as simple as opening a door for someone and giving them a heartfelt smile. It can be making a phone call to cheer someone up or lending a hand to a neighbor in need. 

I like to have a plan and do my best to work that plan. Inevitably life happens and I find I need to accept life on life’s terms and adjust accordingly. Having tools and alternate plans can make or break recovery. Relapse can happen to anyone. It doesn’t have to happen to you or me.

Some may require substantial change in their life. Others may only require some modification. Either way, it is paramount to build a community of sober support and get connected to others who know and  understand what you may be going through. 

I can help you set goals, talk through what challenges you may face and how they can be addressed and keep you on track to live your best life. I treat clients the way I want to be treated – with compassion, respect, encouragement and hope. 

I work hard to live by the Serenity Prayer –

“with the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference”.

Join me and learn to live life on life’s terms free from addiction.

Frequently Asked Questions