It’s been said that the word “No” may just as well be the most hated word of addicts. With addiction, control is a very difficult trait to demonstrate and even muster and having to say “no” or being told “no” may not easily sit well with us.
However, when we get clean and sober, “no” is one of the things that we have to learn to say and accept. At first, we have to say “no” to our addiction, specifically our drug of choice. But as we progress through our recovery, we would learn that there’s more to our journey, more things to say “no” to.
No to Unnecessary Chaos
Let’s face it–life is complicated and chaotic in itself even without the drugs. Addiction can make our lives miserable in so many more ways than one. Saying no to what is giving us problems allows us to open our time and our lives to other things that may even be so much more worthwhile.
Aside from drugs, there are many other unnecessary chaos that we are inviting into our lives. Let’s take a step back and assess ourselves: are we stuck in a dead-end job, in a destructive relationship, having no time to indulge in things that we are passionate about, do we feel trapped? We don’t need these things that stress us out and we can say “no” to these things in order to have enough space in our lives to fill it with better, more positive things that make us better and happier too.
No to What Doesn’t Work for Us
Early in our recovery, we may have other people tell us what to do or how to act in. They may mean well and maybe it worked for them. Although it would not hurt to try, and trying is better than completely dismissing anything off, it is still best for us to go with what works for us.
For example, people may tell us to exercise, hike, do yoga, or find this or that hobby. In no time, we may become overwhelmed with everything we feel like we need to do and we may also feel disappointed if it doesn’t work for us. Recovery is a time for personal growth and it is our journey to take. If we settle for yoga, for example, and do that though we are unhappy about it, we may end up not being consistent about it. We have to find something that works for us as we take on our recovery journey and leave behind any baggage that may hold us down or make the journey even more difficult for us.
No to Toxic People
Being in recovery means we have to let go of the relationship we have with drugs as well as everything else that comes with it. We have to say “no’ to the people we once did drugs with and the people we get drugs from.
On top of this, we have to say “no” to toxic people and relationships. There are definitely some or a few people in our lives, whether at work or in our family that are not helping us. They may or may not be conscious of it but they often tend to such the life and energy out of the people around them.
For example, if we encounter toxic people who we end up arguing with, or someone who keeps blaming us or our addiction for a lot of things, let’s say “no” to that voice inside our heads that urges us to argue back. We should simply walk away from these people and refuse to engage. We do not need to attend every fight we are invited in.
Staying away from negative and toxic people allows us to make more space for healthier relationships.
The path to recovery is not easy and it is a very personal journey that varies from person to person. If you are having a difficult time with your recovery, or you want to start your own journey, we’re here to help. Call or text us
Saying “No” can be a difficult process, but it is a necessary step down the path towards recovery.
“Staying away from negative and toxic people allows us to make more space for healthier relationships.”
Healthy relationships are key to building a happier more productive future!