Acceptance

Acceptance can be one of the hardest, yet most fulfilling aspects of recovery. Addiction brings with it a host of unsavory consequences. We most likely have financial consequences, resulting from spending our earnings on drugs or alcohol or mismanagement due to unclear thinking. We can have a lot of relationship consequences, perhaps separation or estrangement from a spouse or significant other, or a lot of messes to clean up with our friends. We can have mental or emotional consequences that have left us mentally ill or emotionally stunted. So how can acceptance help us with all of these consequences?

Acceptance begins to help us when we first acknowledge that these consequences were of our own making. I cannot blame my spouse or anyone else for my own bad behavior. Only when I take responsibility for my consequences can I start to repair that damage. Something that will surely sidestep my recovery is avoidance, instead of acceptance. Avoidance, or a better word might be procrastination, will never solve any problems. It only delays dealing with the pain caused by using and may, in fact, lead to our picking up a drink again. It is crucial to have acceptance so that we can begin to solve our problems.

If you have relationship troubles, I strongly suggest counseling from a professional therapist or a spiritual couple who can help you find the right steps to take in order to heal. If you have money troubles, it would be helpful to sit down with a financial advisor or a credit counseling service who can help get you on the right track. If you have mental or emotional problems, it would be helpful to see a psychiatrist who can perhaps direct you to the best treatment for your condition.

It may seem overwhelming to try and deal with all these consequences, but you will find that when you start to put in motion the small steps toward healing, your confidence will begin to increase. You will feel a great sense of satisfaction from dealing with these consequences. What is most important is that you must realize that not accepting your consequences will be the worst thing you can do for your recovery. Acceptance is a necessary first step toward tackling real life problems. You can do it! God bless, SuzyQ