Moving Forward in Recovery: Why Inaction Is the Only Thing You Can’t Do

If you are currently in the process of recovery, congratulations! We know how difficult it was for you to make it here. The recovery journey is a dynamic and evolving process. But one thing it can never be is stagnant. Moving forward in recovery is a necessity.

This concept may sound overwhelming and exhausting, but with healthy routines, a strong support system, and an understanding that even small steps matter, you will reach your recovery goals.

Understanding the Recovery Stagnation Trap

It’s common to feel tired and burnt out after your hard work in recovery, especially if it feels like you’re not making any progress. This is often called a plateau or recovery stagnation trap.

Reaching a plateau can lead to profound discouragement, hopelessness, and even relapse. However, it’s important to remember that plateaus are a natural and expected part of the recovery process.

A plateau is not a sign of failure. However, giving up on any additional progress dramatically increases the risk of relapse. Recognizing the plateau as a normal stage of recovery is the first step in overcoming stagnation.

The Power of Small Steps

Stagnation carries a significant risk to your long-term well-being and sobriety. As you move forward in recovery, it’s critical to continually make progress, no matter how small.

Dr. Steven M. Melemis proposed five rules for recovery. These rules offer an excellent place to start when you’re feeling stuck.

The five rules are:

• Change Your Life: A small step could be trying a new gym or avoiding someplace that is a trigger for you.
• Be Honest: A common theme with addiction is lying to yourself. Try being completely honest with yourself for a day and see what changes.
• Ask for Help: It is natural to need help, but not always easy to ask for it. Take a small step forward and reach out to someone about something you need.
• Practice Self-Care: Taking care of yourself is crucial if you want to achieve recovery. Add a small step to your self-care routine. Consider mind-body relaxation, being more mindful, or trying a new exercise routine.
• Don’t Bend the Rules: If you’re looking for loopholes or an easier way to recover, you are trying to bend the rules. Instead, acknowledge that you are bending the rules and then work to stop this action.

Action as a Form of Self-Care

Self-care in recovery is an often overlooked but critical part of the process. Remember, true recovery is about more than just abstaining from substance use. Moving forward, taking small steps, and making progress all lead to better recovery outcomes. Engaging in positive activities and pursuing personal goals will improve your well-being and mental health. In this way, action is a crucial form of self-care.

A Sober Living Home Can Help You Move Forward in Recovery

If you have felt stuck in your recovery journey and can’t find a way forward, it might be time to move into a sober living home like Ethos Recovery. At a sober living home, you will be surrounded by others on the same journey.

Each day will be filled with structured activities and support groups to help guide you toward full recovery and sobriety.

Are you ready to move forward in recovery? Contact Ethos Recovery today.