Changing Behavior

Change of any kind, under the best of circumstances, is difficult. Changing your behavior is especially stressful.  Your willingness to abstain from alcohol or drug use is likely a testament to that fact.  However, changing your behavior is more than just abstaining from alcohol or drugs.  For example; you’ve always needed a drink before visiting the in-laws or; you’ve always toasted your deceased relative’s birthday.  Changing your behavior will likely be your greatest challenge and surely plays a leading role throughout your recovery.

There are circumstances in everyone’s life that can not be changed – stress is one of them.  While stress can be managed, it can never be completely eliminated because it is a part of being a human being. 

To be successful in recovery, you will likely have to make a number of changes.  There are circumstances in our lives that are not beyond our control. For example; while we can not change who are relatives are, we can change our relationship with them if necessary.

Each person’s situation is different.  One person might have more friends than another.  The person with more friends may have to make more “people” changes in their lives.  Another person likes to “hang-out,” either at a bar, a friends house, or on the street.  This person may have to make more changes to the “places” in their lives.  Some people need to get rid of the “things,” such as bottles or paraphernalia, that trigger their desire to use.  In all cases, to be successful in treatment you will likely have to change the people, places, and things associated with your alcohol or drug use.

In most cases, there are warning signs that you are headed towards a situation that could trigger alcohol or drug use. If you can recognize denial and understand thinking errors, you will be more likely to recognize your triggers and warning signs, and thus refrain from the behaviors that lead to returned alcohol or drug use.

There are changes we can make that are not directly related to our alcohol or drug use.  Exercise and eating right is extremely important in recovery (Nutrition and Recovery). Many of us go for junk food to quickly cure the hunger and then wonder why we feel sluggish. Find food and activities you enjoy and substitute them for alcohol or drugs.