Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope
The process of recovery from addiction naturally goes against our humanistic inclinations and desires. Learning to find freedom from the bondage of addiction is challenging for that particular reason – you are essentially undoing many of the things that come with natural desire, and retraining your body and brain towards a new lifestyle is never an easy feat.
However challenging the recovery process may be, choosing to remain under the throes of an addiction is even more gruesome and devastating. While it can be difficult to undergo the many challenges of recovery from addiction, the ultimate result this road is life and freedom.
The alternative, choosing to stay in an addiction, can only lead to further bondage and destruction.
Freedom Through Admitting Struggles
One of the ways in which freedom from the bondage of addiction can be achieved is through the practice of admitting your struggles, faults, challenges, etc. to God and others. This is an important and critical step to breaking a sense of isolation that comes with an addictive lifestyle.
Being able to share struggle and challenges with a trustworthy person can also be a powerful motivating factor, as a person’s sense of dedication to recovery and sobriety is often renewed and reenergized through this invaluable step.
Practical Steps Towards Healing
If you have found yourself struggling under the burden and bondage of addiction, know that there is hope for your recovery. By taking practical steps towards healing, you can begin to break away from an addictive lifestyle and live in peace.
One important aspect that will keep you moving forward in your journey is the process of regularly confiding in others and sharing openly rather than internalizing any fears you may have. Freedom comes with expression and by taking the chance to unite with a community of others in recovery who can help encourage you and keep you motivated in your own journey towards freedom from substance abuse.
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
Are you in recovery from an addiction to drugs or alcohol? What are some of the challenges about letting go of your past and finding freedom from the bondage that is addiction? What encouragement might you offer to another recovering addict who is having difficulty letting go of the past?
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on August 8th, 2015
Published on AddictionHope.com