There are many milestones in addiction. It may be easy to become overwhelmed when an addict in recovery looks at life without addiction for days, weeks, months and years. However, the best way to deal with sobriety is to worry about today.That doesn't mean forgetting about your struggle, or that there won't be challenges ahead, but getting through one day at a time, is the big achievement for an addict in recovery. Don't get caught up in the the fact that you are giving up your 3 six packs a day of beer, or your "x" amount of hits a day. All you have to do is stay clean "today."
It may seem over-simplified, but that is the goal. At the end of each day, you've survived, and you did it, one step at a time, which is better than never taking any steps at all.
Families, keep your addicted loved one that is in recovery focused on getting through each day, not the week or the month of the year. Focus on the now. Today they are sober, when tomorrow comes, we start again, and the longer you stay sober, the better your chances are at a full and long sober life.
One thing that also bears mentioning. Many addicts don't realize just how quickly the quality of their life starts changing once they become clean and sober.
True story: A crack addict and alcoholic went into treatment. Within two weeks of exiting treatment was able to purchase a new truck, return to work, and within two years bought a new home.
Now this may not be typical for everyone, but it just goes to show how fast your life can improve when you are able to look at it clean.
The biggest gift of staying clean is that you family can finally love you, and you can receive and feel it. You're no longer a slave to the craving, and you can feel again.
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