The Tough Breakup With Substances

One of the most challenging obstacles to overcome in early sobriety was my belief that drugs or alcohol were the only way I could endure or enjoy anything in life. After years of teaching myself that substances were the solution, changing my belief about that was pretty hard.

So how can I change my belief about substances and allow myself to live without that bondage? Well, it’s a process. It’s a very uncomfortable process at times. I believe three main factors helped me change this way of thinking; surrender, acceptance, and willingness. 

If I have accepted my situation and reality and surrendered myself to the situation, I foster a willingness to try things differently. With the willingness comes a change in action and perspective. I can’t fix a broken brain with a broken brain. I have to act my way into correct thinking, not think my way into correct thinking. 

With surrender, acceptance, and willingness comes a change of mind and beliefs. A belief that I could not have fun or live without substances changes into believing that I, plus drugs or alcohol equals disaster. 

I no longer believe I need to get high to enjoy a movie or a meal. I no longer use substances as a solution to my anxiety. I no longer think I can write better music when I’m high or play better drunk. 

Today I still believe I cannot live without drugs and alcohol. I say this because they keep things in perspective for me. I respect substances for what they can do to me and how they’ve played a role in who I am today, but I don’t fear them. I am a grateful person in recovery, and I have not had a drink or a drug in 8 and a half years.