10 Motivational Quotes for Recovery

Recovery is a way of life and a choice that individuals must make each day. Sometimes it can be tough to see through the challenges and realize that something better is waiting on the other side. An integral part of recovery is keeping a positive attitude and reminding yourself of what you’re working toward. Reflecting on how your life has changed for the better.

Whether you’re thinking about addiction treatment, are in early recovery, have been sober for years, or are somewhere in between, here are some quotes to make you think and motivate you to keep moving forward:

  1. “When was the last time you woke up and wished you’d had just one more drink the night before? I have never regretted not drinking. Say this to yourself, and you’ll get through anything.” -Meredith Bell
  2. “Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking of what we want to become. Sometimes we motivate ourselves by thinking about who we don’t ever want to be again.” -Shane Niemeyer
  3. “Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.” -J.K. Rowling
  4. “Remember that just because you hit bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there.” -Robert Downey Jr.
  5. “Recovery is not simple abstinence. It’s about healing the brain, remembering how to feel, learning how to make good decisions, becoming the kind of person who can engage in healthy relationships, cultivating the willingness to accept help from others, daring to be honest, and opening up to doing.” -Debra Jay
  6. “We’re all looking at the people around us, the people who have gone before us who have succeeded in recovery and have long-term sobriety and they are an illustration for us of how good it can be.” -Scott Stevens
  7. “If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep on walking.” -Zen proverb
  8. “If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.” -Benjamin Alire Sáenz
  9. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  10. “Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.” -Emile Coue

Remember that you are not alone in your journey, and those around you want to do whatever they can to help you succeed. It can be difficult to admit that you need help, but once you make the choice to make your well-being a priority, the opportunities are endless. Above It All can help you get on the road to recovery and stay there through comprehensive addiction treatment tailored to your individual needs.

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Letting the Sinner & Saint Go During Addiction Recovery

There are a many ways to express a healthy mindset during addiction recovery: cut yourself some slack, stop self-judgment and start self-acceptance. But Irish poet and novelist Oscar Wilde said it most pristinely when he said that, “Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.”

It’s a simple mantra for those in drug and alcohol addiction recovery, it would be difficult to find a better one. While it may seem so to someone struggling with personal and social issues, there really isn’t anyone who is all perfect or free from pain or doubt.

Drop the Dualities

Accept the fact that the past and the future can co-exist. Self-acceptance during addiction recovery means letting go of saint or sinner and just learning to be fully, complexly human. One day at a time. It also means that society must stop categorizing individuals with pasts that include addictions or mental health issues.

Life was no picnic for Oscar Wilde. But even through personal challenges, tragedies and imprisonment, he was adamant about two particular things: it is better to live than merely exist, and no-one is more qualified to be oneself than…oneself! Neither totally good or completely bad, humans can’t be defined merely by their pasts or in comparison to others.

Above it All wants to hear your comments and experiences! Share your thoughts on how you’ve let go of the idea of all-saints and only-sinners during addiction recovery.

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How Addiction Treatment Challenges You to “Keep Moving Forward”

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” ―Martin Luther King Jr.

Addiction treatment similarly challenges individuals to continue moving forward, one day at a time. When the charismatic civil rights crusader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these words to a committee of students in 1957, they were impressed that a man who was not much older than they were, had already been on the forefront, leading a crusade for better racial relations. Today we can take inspiration from the meaning in these words as it relates to different challenges, and the courage to overcome.

Addiction is more than a physical dependence on drugs; it can consume and destroy all vital areas of an individual’s life, and break someone down, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Drug addiction is a complex illness characterized by intense, uncontrollable drug craving, and compulsive drug seeking and use, that persists even in the face of devastating consequences. People who come into treatment are often at a low, or the bottom of their ability to cope with life.

For many, detoxification and curing the physical dependence on a substance is only the beginning of a long term program of treating the source of addiction. Psychological and social factors are often powerful stimuli for relapse, and suiting up and showing up for therapy and treatment are necessary to change the way an addict or alcoholic manages and copes with life on life’s terms. The achievement is to keep moving forward one day at a time without picking up.

Addiction treatment gives people the freedom to live life without the need of substance abuse to escape stress and pain. Some days are going to be difficult, dragging one’s feet or crawling toward serenity, but with persistence these experiences will provide strength, and better days will come. While substance abuse will always certainly guarantee consequences, recovery ensures the possibility of a promising future.

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Rising above Alcohol Addiction

It is often said that addiction is a disease of loneliness. For many people, this is the case. However social it may have started out, alcohol addiction often ends in isolation.

If your addiction has left you feeling that you have no one left to turn to, recovery will show you that you are not alone. If you are seeking alcohol addiction support, you will find a community of people who are warm, welcoming and supportive.

Building a Support Group

In early recovery, one of the most important things you can do to insure your success is to build a strong support group. This group will generally include a sponsor and several peers who are also in recovery. Recovery can be challenging at times, and surrounding yourself with people who understand what you are going through can be enormously helpful.

How Does Your Recovery Support Group Help?

Sticking with people who are also working a program of recovery is vital because other recovering addicts and alcoholics can best understand and support your journey. This doesn’t mean you can’t get support and encouragement from friends and family who are not in recovery, it just means that you should focus on building relationships within the recovery community. Finding people with similar experiences and who have had success in recovery will give you hope and strength in challenging times.

Having Fun in Recovery

If you have recently gotten clean and sober, you may wonder if you will ever have fun and enjoy life again. Your recovery support group can show you just how fun and joyful life can be without alcohol or drugs. You will relearn how to enjoy yourself. You will participate in activities and events with your new friends and with their support will learn how to be comfortable in new situations without resorting to drinking.

These are just some of the rewards of developing a support group. Reaching out at meetings, getting phone numbers and working with a sponsor are all good ways to begin building this support.

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3 Celebrities Who Didn’t Let Addiction Control Their Lives

Often, when we think of celebrity life, we see a fairy tale. It looks so smooth. Why not – when they are driving the latest luxury cars and living in expensive mansions. However, celebrity life off the big screens can be almost impossible. You are expected to be a role model, to be perfect. Yet, how do you be so spotless when you’re just human?

Drugs are one of the things that don’t distinguish between celebrities and the rest; they attack you regardless of your social class.

We know of a few celebrities who have died following medical complications directly related to their addiction. For example, who doesn’t know that Phillip Seymour Hoffman who was a famous actor died from an overdose of heroine? Other celebrities are taking control – or at least trying to. Here are 3 celebs who aren’t letting addiction ruin their careers and most importantly their lives.

Lindsay Lohan

We all know LiLo, the famous actress. But most of us dint know about her struggles with drug and alcohol abuse until we watched the Oprah Show, right?

Lindsay recalls how difficult it has been, recounting that she’s been to rehab six times and even gone to jail once. She has been arrested for drunk driving twice and has been involved in car accidents 7 times. Still, she is adamant that she will one day win the battle against these troubles.

Demi Lovato

Following the death of Hoffman, Demi Lovato, a renowned singer and actress came out to shed light on her own troubles with drugs. Speaking to Extra, the actress said’ “People don’t take it as seriously as it really is.” She even labeled addiction a disease calling on people to find compassion for it. Lovato previously struggled with cocaine addiction.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie was arrested for marijuana possession at the age of 16. Yet, look at him now; do you see marijuana controlling him? No. In fact, he has outlived the drug and is now recognized as one of the most successful actors in the U.S.A.

As you can see, celebrity substance abuse does exist. The only difference is that these people realize what is at stake and get on the way to recovery early. That’s what we all need to do.

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Tips for Letting Go of Anger and Resentment

Anger and resentment often stem from trying to avoid hurt and betrayal. These emotions are detrimental to your emotional, mental, and even physical wellbeing. Closeness to the person aggravates the feelings; we feel more hurt from a friend and relative than a stranger does. You then develop a skewed perspective of friendship and closeness. The physical effects include high blood pressure and disturbance on the circulatory system. The following are tips on how to overcome these emotions.

Understand the cause

The easiest way to deal with anger and resentment is to first understand the cause and source. Do note that anger does hurt the sufferer more than the causative person. In many instances, the person you feel these emotions towards, is never aware of what is going on. Therefore, you end up suffering alone. Thus, betrayal accompanies the anger. It is only through cause identification are you able to pursue the right treatment. In other instances, the other person wants the best for you. For example, a therapist is at hand to help you get over issues. You may feel like a personal affront as they attempt to help you out. Therefore, understanding the context does a lot to alleviate the situation.

Compassion

The opposite of hate, which often emanates from anger and resentment, is love and compassion. It is important to express compassion for a person’s shortcomings rather than the deed itself. Do note that in some cases, the deed arises from circumstances far beyond the person’s capability. The resentment tends to black out the fact that nobody is perfect. Simply put, settle in the other person’s shoes, and get the context of their actions.

Keep busy

Anger and resentment manifests more when you are idle. People often sit and brood over the happenings. The important thing is to divert your mind and body from such. Pursue a hobby, activity, or a long abandoned project. The ideal start is exercise. Nobody is too fit to exercise a little more. Exercise acts as the physical release of the anger, similar to screaming aloud. Of most importance though, is to pursue an exercise that you love, whether it is cardio, or walks in the park. Better still get a partner for the company. Other than the anger and resentment release, exercise is a good way to keep fit physically and mentally.

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Live and Let Live:

When addicts and their families begin to recover from the mire of substance abuse, the amount of new information and changes in behavior often seem overwhelming. That’s why simple slogans, such as “live and let live”, become a valued part of the process. An uncomplicated saying can set family members back on track if they find themselves derailed by the addict’s behavior.

Learning to detach

“Live and let live” is way to remember that detachment is the key to recovery for loved ones of addicts. Detachment sometimes has the connotation of abandonment until you realize that detachment refers to creating an emotional distance between yourself and the addict’s choices and behaviors. It does not mean selfishly walking away; instead it means to act with love and compassion for yourself and the addict.

Omitting judgment

In order to “live and let live,” families need to take a look at their judgment of the addict’s behavior. Setting aside judgment does not mean living with unacceptable or abusive actions. Instead, it means letting go of the thoughts one attaches to another’s behavior and learning to make decisions based on facts alone. Recognizing the role of judgment in one’s feelings of anger and disappointment does not come naturally to anyone, but it is particularly difficult for families of addicts. Giving up negative thinking and fear is not easy. It involves redirecting one’s thinking into a place of simple observation.

Restoring self-esteem

When families apply the slogan “live and let live,” they begin to experience the self-esteem that has been lost by living with addiction. They see that protecting their own emotional health should be their priority. It lowers the sense of feeling victimized by the addict.  A new sense of self-respect will begin to form. By practicing the skill of “live and let live,” loved ones will release themselves from the family drama.

May Your Troubled Soul Rest in Peace, Robin Williams

Robin Williams touched our lives. Through generations of entertainment, he earned our admiration and our respect. He earned our devotion and our affection. He brought us laughter, and he induced our tears. He brought wisdom, and he brought hope.

On August 11, 2014, he brought us despair, and he left us with questions, so very many questions. They are questions without answers.

Family, friends, and worldwide admirers never will know the last thoughts, the last feelings, that drove him to commit his final fatal act. This is the agonizing truth of any suicide. We are left wounded and distraught. We so fiercely want answers.

Instead of answers, we have a legacy. We have a timeless treasure trove of comedy and drama performed over decades by one of the greatest talents in the entertainment industry. As soon as news broke that Williams had hanged himself, social media and newscasts exploded not only with reactions to his death, but also with clips of sentimental favorite performances. No doubt, those clips will be in the forefront in days and weeks to come. They give us a way to keep him close, to hold his memory dear. They keep his spirit alive as we deal with our shock and grief.

Actor Brought Social Issues to Forefront

In some of his more notable roles, Robin Williams brought attention to serious societal issues – homelessness in “The Fisher King,” war and censorship in “Good Morning, Vietnam,” gender identity in “The Birdcage,” domestic violence in “Good Will Hunting.” In real life, Williams, without fanfare and without a desire for publicity, supported his own personal passions – the San Diego-based Challenged Athletes Foundation and the National Coalition for the Homeless. In many photos of his acting roles and of his charitable work, his eyes make no secret of his vulnerability and compassion. It may be this very sensitivity — the extreme sensitivity of those dealing with depression and addiction — that turned into one of his demons.

Suicide Opens Door To Discussions Of Depression and Substance Abuse

If good can come from this tragedy, it is open discussions that have arisen about the diseases of depression, bipolar disorder and addiction. Despite medical advances and social awareness, these diseases still bear a stigma. Sufferers and their loved ones often go to any lengths to hide their guilt and shame. People in the substance abuse recovery community understand those feelings. We understand the torment of a mind that tells lies of unworthiness; we understand the depths of despair. While we will never know the innermost self of Robin Williams, we get him. We get him, and we can share our experience, strength and hope with others as a way to honor our brother whose diseases drove him to his tragic end.

 

The Importance of Cultivating New Friendships in Recovery

Alcoholics and addicts usually enter sobriety with their lives in shambles. Recovery is like a new world, and the less it overlaps with the old world, the better. This often pertains to friendships as well.

Cindy, who valued her new sobriety, decided to go out with her old friends for dinner and catch-up conversation. Her companions drank cheerfully while she sipped ginger ale.

Occasionally, someone would offer her a drink and she would decline. Finally, her best drinking pal said, “Hey, come on, this is a reunion! You’re in your own world over there. Just have a glass of wine, you’ll be fine.”

One glass of wine led to four more, which led to a stop at the liquor store on the way home, and to a disastrous relapse.

Rob, four months out of treatment, got a call from an old friend, who then came over to visit, sat down in the living room, and placed a bag of weed and a vial of cocaine on the coffee table. The sudden appearance of the drugs, their immediate availability, and the friend’s nonchalance about it all overwhelmed Rob’s new sobriety and he was off on a four-day binge.

They common element here is that the friends in both stories were either clueless—or didn’t care—about the dynamics of alcoholism and drug addiction, and the fragility of new sobriety.

It’s the first drink or drug that has to be avoided. Proximity to these, and encouragement to use them, makes abstinence harder.

Recovery is a communal experience. Sober people support each other’s sobriety.

Although groups contain a variety of people who would not normally mix, the common element of having hit bottom and emerging to a new and more satisfying life connects them.

Relationships based on a deep caring for each other’s welfare can become precious, life-long friendships.

Memories and Sharing at 12-Step Meetings

Alcoholic insanity is described in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous as the inability to bring to consciousness with sufficient force the adverse consequences of previous drinking experiences—consequences that would prompt a reasonable person to prefer abstinence. It follows, then, that sanity—for the alcoholic—could be defined as the ability to remember: to associate the idea of a first drink or drug with the inevitable disaster that usually follows.

This association is often first made, and is continually reinforced, in the context of a sharing session in a 12-step environment. The constant repetition of the basic theme—What I was like, what happened, and what I’m like now—serves to (hopefully) cement in place the connection between using a substance and the individual’s negative history of subsequent results.

This is not simply a matter of saying “Think it through,” although this is a popular saying at 12-step meetings. “Thinking it through” is exactly what alcoholics and addicts are incapable of doing: this is the essence of the First Step’s emphasis on the obsession of the mind. However, attending meetings and being immersed in an environment of admission to powerlessness tends to help us organize our memories in a healthy way, such that denial is brushed aside and the truth of our problem becomes apparent to us.

We cultivate this and it serves as a motivator to do the rest of the Steps, as recognizing the problem is not itself a complete or adequate solution. As a result of the Steps, we then have recovery to share, further reinforcing the new associations we have confirmed about substances and how damaging they have been to us. In a virtuous cycle, this “Keeping it green” helps to maintain our willingness to continue doing the work that recovery asks of us.