How Do I Get Sober?
Note
In the following paragraphs I am going to talk about what has served as the most effective addiction treatment for me. This does not mean that this is the only way one can get sober, as different treatment methods may work differently for different people, for every case of addiction differs immensely. However, after trying many treatment methods I have come to the conclusion that the method I’m going to describe is the only one that works for me. I believe this method of treatment can be extremely beneficial for many others as well.
Temporarily relocate
Before I begin this section, let me clarify that relocation is not the answer in itself! Substances are everywhere and no matter where one moves to they will run into them. Many substances are also in stores which are accessible anywhere. Environment is not the issue, rather the issue is one within. However, in order to begin one’s journey into recovery it is often necessary for one to relocate for the first few months of recovery – rehabs and sober homes being the most ideal option. The reason for this is that in early recovery – the addiction complex is extremely strong and it will be very difficult to not buy substances even if one really doesn’t want to. The addiction complex is much more powerful than the moral complex at this point (see understanding addiction). For this reason it is hard to start building a recovery program in one’s town of using because they can never initially stop purchasing and using substances.
Going to a rehab and then a sober home creates an artificial setting which temporarily takes away a lot of power from the addiction complex (because its fuel is not readily available). This allows one’s moral complex to shine through for the time being, giving the person a chance to establish a solid recovery program before re-entering regular life. If one cannot afford a rehab or sober home I recommend just temporarily relocating in whatever way possible just so substances aren’t so easily accessible for a few weeks. Once a recovery program is established then gradually an individual’s moral complex becomes stronger and the addiction complex weaker (ratio of control changes) and as long as treatment is maintained then a person can go anywhere they please.
Establishing recovery program
By far the most important part of this process is establishing a solid program of recovery. The treatment program I will outline is what I call Love Light Recovery- which is basically just doing the 12 steps and trying to help others and spread love as much as possible. The first thing one should do is goto as many AA and NA meetings as they can. Be open minded to anything. Even if you think it’s foolish, try it, you have nothing to lose, you only have things to gain. A closed mind seems to be a great enemy for many addicts. Try to talk to people and get their numbers. Find someone who you resonate with, someone who speaks to you and radiates positivity which you wish to eventually radiate. Ask this person if they are willing to guide you through the 12 steps. AA/NA meetings themselves are not meant to be a treatment to addiction, they are support groups for the 12 steps. It is the 12 steps which are meant to serve as a treatment to addiction. I cannot emphasize how important the twelve steps have been in my recovery, in particular establishing a connection with a higher power. I strongly believe that had I not done this I never would have gotten sober. Work the 12 steps with someone to the best of your ability. Be open and honest with them about everything. If one is not honest, open minded, and willing then the 12 steps will yield little results.
Try to help other beings and work to spread unconditional love
Possibly the most important aspect of Love Light Recovery is helping and spreading love to others. This is an essential part of forming and maintaining connection with all. The saying goes “faith without works is dead”. One may pray, meditate, and work the steps yet still not feel connected in the slightest to this higher power which everyone speaks of. It is the service which bridges this gap and creates such a connection.
Helping others establishes a connection to all which fills that void that plagues so many addicts. Service is where purpose, identity, and passion is found. LLR believes the best way to grow oneself is to get out of self and work to help others. Go help other beings in any way you can. You don’t need to be a hero, it’s about the little things. Water your plants and make sure they are loved and supported. Change your cat’s litter, bring them toys, treats, ect. Buy a hungry person something to eat. Give a lonely person some company. Helping other beings can look like a variety of different things. It doesn’t matter what it is, anything that helps spread love to another being is beneficial. The majority of times one feels bad they are thinking about self, however when one exists the self and sets their focas on others the light of the higher power begins to shine through.
Eventually you will likely find certain aspects or types of service to others that you especially enjoy doing. Maybe its working with other addicts, maybe its working with trees, maybe its working with dogs. LLR believes everyone has different purposes and niches in the field of service to others and spreading love. Work to find what this niche is for you and when you do, embrace it and run with it.
Summery
- Relocate for a month or so if you can just to give yourself some sobertime to start building your program
- Goto NA/AA meetings get numbers and ASK SOMEONE TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE 12 STEPS
- Help others in whatever way you can. Whether it be plants, animals, or humans, just help them. Try your best to spread unconditional love to every being. Find your purpose in service to others – everyone has different niches in the field of being of service.
This is the Love Light Recovery program. If you’re trying to get sober and nothing’s working, try this. Try it with as much effort as you can find within you. I strongly believe it can help others as it did me.