Have you decided that you will commit to be positive in 2019? It’s a decision that all of us can make at any time, and one that we can renew as often as needed. Many people seem to be struggling with a lack of something positive in their life, and instead of seeking something positive, they turn to something outside of themselves to try to either feel better or to anesthetize themselves.
According to the National council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, one in ever 12 adults or 17.6 million people in the United State “suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence.” The results of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) revealed that approximately 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have used an illegal substance during the post month. Help is available for people who want to seek treatment at an inpatient treatment center where they can focus on their recovery. Someone who has reached rock bottom or who has had the bottom come up by having his or her family perform an intervention and say they will no longer stand by and support a loved who s actively abusing drugs or alcohol, only has to make one decision to start on the road to recovery. All a person in this situation has to decide is that he or she wants to change.
A person who has turned to drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism has been looking for a way to deal with or avoid emotional pain. It’s natural for humans to want to avoid anything that makes us feel hurt. In this instance, the coping mechanism “is” the problem, and it leads to broken relationships, trouble at school and work, and possibly legal difficulties.
People use the tools that are available to them at the time. Recognizing that they are no longer working and it’s time to Get Off Your Attitude and do something different takes real courage, but you do not have to do it alone. You can get help and support from professionals who care. Other clients can be a great source of support, too, because they are walking the same road and they want to improve their lives.
For addicts, recovery is a journey, not a destination. This is a chronic illness that you cannot expect that can seek to be “cured” from. However, that does not mean you cannot expect to build a full, rich life in sobriety.
Using drugs and alcohol numbs your spirit and cuts you off from people you love. Getting the appropriate treatment helps you deal with the reasons you were drawn to substance abuse in a supportive environment. You’ll get to know yourself better and start to rebuild your self-esteem. After a time, you’ll come to realize that you have a lot to offer the world just by being in it. Instead of focusing in ways that you can pull back into yourself and withdraw by using drugs or alcohol, you’ll be looking for ways that you can engage with people and give back.
Making the decision can be the scariest part of this process. If you wait until you “feel” ready, you probably won’t ever get there. Make the decision first, and then let everything else fall into place. Your attitude can lead you into the positive life you want, need and deserve. Drug and alcohol use isn’t going to get you anywhere you need to be, and on some level you probably already know that.
If you are being completely honest with yourself, you know that you are looking for something outside of yourself to make you feel happy, secure and confident. You’re looking in the wrong place. Everything you need for success already lies within you. With a positive attitude, deep faith, commitment to your goal, honesty, and letting go of any negative influences (and drug or alcohol abuse would definitely make this list), you can be successful.
What would your life look like if you broke free from the chains of addiction that is holding you back? Are you ready to find out? Change your attitude, get the help you need to get into treatment, and find out. It all starts with a single step.
“Remember that it is up to you to choose everyday to Get off Your Attitude and to create a positive lifestyle for yourself and others.” Ryan C. Lowe
