You were living in the chaotic world of addiction for so long and you realized you need to get out. After pleas from family and friends and the destruction of your life and career, you decided to take the leap of faith and enter drug and alcohol rehab. Now that you are in addiction recovery, you are cured, right? Think again! It takes more than physically being in rehab, attending AA/NA meetings and seeing an addiction counselor. You need to make a serious commitment to have a chance at making this new life possible.

5 Tips for Committing to Your Recovery

So what does it take to have a successful and long-lasting recovery? You need to be truly committed. Being physically present is only half of it. Here are tips to help you.

1. Truly listen to what is being said

Make sure to really listen to what others are saying at meetings and counseling sessions, even when you don’t agree with it. Although you might think some things don’t apply to your situation, don’t dismiss them.

2. Apply the lessons and skills

Simply knowing the right things to do is not enough. You have to practice and apply the tactics learned in rehab and meetings and from counselors, sponsors and other people in recovery. Even if you find things difficult or not going your way, keep trying.

3. Be honest with others and with yourself

Admit to yourself and others when you have been wrong, made mistakes and caused pain in the past.

4. Take responsibility for your behaviors, past and present.

5. Accept change as it comes. Holding onto the old ways doesn’t help.

Fully committing to your addiction recovery is hard work, but worth it. Take pride in each day of sobriety, overcoming the odds and in the change you are making in your life. Learn more about how Lakeview Health can help you after rehabilitation with our aftercare program here.