My Three R’s for Recovery

Sometimes I need to go back to school and focus on the basics of recovery. These are the core elements that keep me sane and remind me that I am one drink away from that place I don’t want to be. Here are my three Rs.

The most obvious:

R is for Recovering

Sound too basic? Not really. I believe you are either recovering (improving, getting stronger, growing) or relapsing (maybe not a drink today, but behaviors are creeping back in, you are making poor choices)

R is for Remembering

The strongest antidote to fantasies about “how nice it would be if I could x or y or z” (plug in your addictive behaviors), is to remember the destruction those behaviors caused. That means remembering the bad parts (there are plenty) vs. the “fun” parts (usually only occurred at the beginning and became fewer and farther between as the disease progressed).

R is for Respecting

Respecting how precious sobriety is. Respecting your fellow journeymen who share this road. Respecting the seriousness of your addiction and never playing with fire. Respecting the newcomer who is confused, frightened, and overwhelmed. Respecting your mind, body, and soul and taking good care of them so you are healthy enough to truly embrace recovery.

Simple. Only three things to remember. They cover a lot.