Practicing Acceptance in Recovery
Acceptance is one simple word that can mean so much to those in and out of recovery from alcohol or drugs. Whether you are new to recovery, just thinking about getting sober, or have been blessed to experience years in recovery, acceptance is key to long-term sobriety.
Carl Jung, a renowned Swiss psychologist, and psychiatrist who founded analytical psychology, said,
“We cannot change anything unless we accept it.”
When it comes to addiction, this statement is all too true, and really the first step on the road to recovery and how to stay sober. There are many types of acceptance that anyone in recovery, or anyone seeking recovery: must embrace for true healing, peace of mind, and sustained recovery to happen.
Let’s explore three types of acceptance and how each of these helps not only get you sober but also can teach you how to stay sober over the long haul.
Three Types of Acceptance Vital to Staying Sober
Staying sober requires more than just abstaining from alcohol or drugs; it involves a profound shift in mindset. Central to this transformation are three types of acceptance in recovery: acceptance of addiction and reality, self-acceptance, and acceptance of life. These forms of acceptance are essential for building a solid foundation in recovery and achieving long-term sobriety.
1. Acceptance of Addiction and Reality
For many struggling with an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD), denial is a significant barrier to recovery. Addiction often begins as a way to escape reality, whether from stress, trauma, or emotional pain. Over time, what starts as temporary relief becomes a necessity, leading to physical dependence and a cycle of denial.
Denial can be deadly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 81,000 overdose deaths in the U.S. between May 2019 and May 2020. Breaking through this denial is the first step toward recovery.
In 12-Step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), the first step emphasizes acceptance:
“We admitted we were powerless over alcohol—that our lives had become unmanageable.”
This admission is the cornerstone of recovery. It involves acknowledging that the substance has taken control and that life has become unmanageable. Acceptance of this reality is the first step toward seeking help and beginning the journey to sobriety.
2. Self-Acceptance
Once you accept the reality of addiction, the next step is self-acceptance. This involves embracing all aspects of yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, and past mistakes. For many, addiction is intertwined with unresolved trauma, mental health issues, or low self-esteem. According to the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 7.7 million Americans struggle with both substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Self-acceptance often begins in childhood. If caregivers are critical or conditional in their acceptance, it can lead to a lifetime of self-doubt and negative self-perception. Therapy, both individual and group, can help address these deep-seated issues. Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are particularly effective in fostering self-acceptance.
Self-acceptance also means recognizing that you are not defined by your addiction. It’s about understanding that you are worthy of recovery and capable of change. This shift in mindset is crucial for building resilience and maintaining sobriety.
3. Acceptance of Life
Life is unpredictable, and staying sober requires accepting this reality. Whether in active addiction or recovery, challenges will arise. People will disappoint you, plans will go awry, and mistakes will happen. The key is learning to respond to these events with acceptance rather than resistance.
The AA Big Book offers a powerful perspective on acceptance:
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing, or situation—some fact of my life—unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment.”
This philosophy is echoed in the Serenity Prayer, a staple in many recovery programs:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Acceptance of life’s uncertainties allows you to find peace and maintain sobriety, even in the face of adversity.
The Path to Freedom
Recovery is a lifelong journey that requires commitment, courage, and acceptance. By accepting your addiction, embracing yourself fully, and learning to navigate life’s challenges with grace, you can achieve lasting sobriety and a fulfilling life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Futures Recovery Healthcare is here to help. Our comprehensive, evidence-based treatment programs are designed to address addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders, providing the tools and support needed for long-term recovery.
Take the first step today. Contact us to begin your journey toward freedom and healing.
