Few people think about acceptance when they are getting what they want, or life is going according to plan. When you are in pain and cannot seem to find a solution with all the willpower you can muster, something has to change.
In a perfect world, you can make your choices and not suffer severe consequences. There would be no addiction because you would be able to stop using drugs and alcohol at any time. Unfortunately, this is not how the world operates and breaking free from addiction does require losing the denial and finding a certain degree of acceptance.
The Role of Acceptance in Addiction Recovery
How often have you wanted to change other people or the realities of your life because you believe that they are the source of your pain? Desiring something other than what you have keeps you trapped, and this is a lonely way to live. A constant struggle against reality and life circumstances is one of the main drivers of addiction, and this is something that has to change in recovery through acceptance.
Acceptance is not only the recognition of a substance use disorder and everything that comes along with recovery, but it is so much more. When you begin operating on a plane of acceptance, you allow things that are outside of your control to be just how they are. Instead, what you do control are your own attitudes and how you react to life’s circumstances.
What Is the Difference Between Acknowledgement and Acceptance?
Acknowledging and accepting an addiction problem can be viewed as two separate things or simply sequential stages in the recovery process. First, you acknowledge that there is, in fact, a problem with drugs or alcohol. This is a significant milestone, to say the least, but it is not a place from which you will automatically recover. Self-knowledge will only give you information about the true nature of your situation. Acceptance is the essential next step in the process, where you admit the truth that you need help to break the chains of addiction and begin the process of recovery.
How Does Acceptance Allow the Healing Process to Begin?
The idea of acceptance may seem weak to some, but it is freeing and a source of strength for most in recovery. If you have struggled with addiction, you know what it is like to fight a losing battle for far too long. Instead, acceptance allows you to give up that fight and focus on growth in your recovery. Giving power to people and situations that you cannot change is not only an ego-feeding proposition, but it is also a strong trigger for someone who has issues with drugs and alcohol. The Serenity Prayer, which you will hear often in recovery circles, sums it up best: “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.”
If you or any of your loved ones are ready to give up the fight and begin the journey of recovery, our Florida drug rehab specialists can assist you. Contact us now to learn more about admissions and find out how one of our comprehensive drug rehab programs will suit your needs.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.