Being Honest with Yourself to Overcome Your Addictions
Guest Post – written by Sharon Yu
Overcoming an addiction is a long and difficult road that is beset with many challenges that you will need to overcome. As far as recovery is concerned, being honest with yourself about the problem that you are facing is one of the most important things to do. Many people have trouble looking in the mirror and recognizing that they have a problem, but this pitfall will prevent them from moving forward with their lives. You won’t be able to make much progress until you accept yourself and your situation, which is not always easy. If you want help with acceptance and need a sense of direction, the following information will get you moving along the correct path.
The Problem with Denial
When you have a problem with addiction and are in denial, you will tell yourself that you have the situation under control. You must understand that the feeling of being in control is a defense mechanism that protects you from facing the truth, which is something that many people experience. Rather than happening all at once, addiction often takes place slowly, and it will have a grip on you before you know it. Being in denial will delay the recovery process, making it even harder for you to turn your life around.
Why Honesty is Challenging
Before we cover how to face your situation in a way that will put you back in control, it’s important for you to learn why facing the truth is hard. Everyone wants to be in charge of her life and the direction in which it’s going, but addiction can rob us of our independence. Also, you could feel as though you have let people who are close to you down by becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol.
How to Face the Truth
If your goal is to make a positive change and to take the critical first steps of the recovery process, being honest with yourself is the only way to do so. Although overcoming denial is not easy, keeping the right tips in mind can help. Many people face the same problems that you are going through, so you are not alone. Rather than making you hopeless, being honest with yourself empowers you to find the solutions for which you have been looking. Once you admit to yourself that your addiction has gotten out of hand, you can find sober living possible!
Final Thoughts
Addiction is a serious issue that impacts millions of people each year, and you will need to be open and honest with yourself if you are in the same situation. Honesty is the key that will free you from the problem that has been holding you back and hurting you. You will then be able to reclaim your life and start working toward a much better future for yourself and those who care about you. The good news is that you don’t have to face the issue alone, and speaking with trained professionals will give you the best possible odds of success. Moving forward can be scary and painful, but it will enable you to achieve long-term happiness and a sense of freedom.