Decision Making: The Path to Recovery
Choices always predetermine the outcome. You have free will to make a decision, but your choices dictate the path you take in recovery. Choices are the steps taken to reach the goal you decided on prior; options are the routes available to getting there.
There are three steps on your road to recovery: decision, options, and choices.
Step #1: Decision
Decisions are part of the awakening process where you begin to evaluate a situation. A decision sets you on the path towards change. For instance, say you choose to stop using a substance or substances. Doing so exercises your ability to choose what you want to accomplish or adjust independently. The decision to become sober occurs after assessing your life and resorting to an alcohol or drug-free lifestyle. You can then consider your options.
Step #2: Options
In life, we are constantly confronted with options. Options are part of the exploring phase where you face variables — such as where to seek treatment — in order to make a decision. After deciding to stop substance use, your next step is to research how and where you can safely end your substance addiction. Such choices include detox, residential, or outpatient treatment.
Step #3: Choice
Where does substance addiction treatment come into play? Treatment and recovery are unique in that each choice you make along the road to recovery predetermines the outcome of getting and staying sober.
A Decision Is Multifaceted
First, you must accept and commit to change in order to reach the end goal. Next, the choice you make after considering your options is called exercising free will. The steps you take after are the consequences, both positive and negative, to recovery.
For instance, you decide to stop using substances. You must weigh your options, such as a detox program. Once you exercise your free will by entering detox, you can then follow all the requirements in the program. Detoxification services include safe medical assistance, monitoring, input, and accepting support in treatment. All of these are essential components to lasting recovery.
How to Make Choices in Treatment and Recovery
After completing substance addiction treatment, you can choose to go back to your environment before treatment or opt for a new environment. Or you have the option to enter sober living. Either way, you determine your path.
What if you decide to go back to the environment you were in before you entered treatment? Such decisions are part of your individual story; you determine those outcomes, no one else does. You can choose to stay or leave toxic people or environments behind.
However, once you step into that environment, take time to assess how it affects your physical and mental health. Is your environment helping or hurting your recovery? If you find your environment is a threat to your sobriety, work with your therapist to find a suitable alternative. Healthy alternatives may include moving to a new area or ending toxic relationships. When you make decisions that put your well-being first, you work towards a healthy recovery. You can leave those unhealthy environments or toxic people without placing judgment on anyone. Your choice is a choice made to improve your mental and physical health, thus securing a brighter future.
Your choice to attend meetings, go to therapy, start a detox program, find a sponsor, continue to attend meetings, etc., is entirely your choice.
Relapse
Relapsing does not equate to failure. Rather, it’s a hiccup along the way to reaching and maintaining your sobriety. Awakening after a relapse means choosing to begin again. Your options are how you choose to start over.
Find what works for you. Suppose a relapse means going back to detox, inpatient, or outpatient treatment. You can exercise control over your journey by choosing which path(s) you take. Any time you make a choice, commit to improving your overall well-being.
The Predetermined Path and Beyond
No matter where you are in life, you always have the ability to choose when and how you achieve a goal. Rather than looking back in time saying you wish you accomplished something, look forward and remind yourself you have complete freedom to do whatever your want.
The choice to end your substance addiction means doing what it takes to become physically and mentally sound. Once you are sober, you can choose to expand your sobriety goals to include healthy habits, sober friends, and meaningful relationships. Either way, your recovery starts with a decision, weighing your options, and choosing a better version of yourself. Only then can you begin your path to recovery.
Committing to change, assessing your situation, weighing your options, and continuing to achieve goals are all crucial factors in recovery and life in general. When you decide to end your use of substances, you employ all of these steps. In order to become sober and stay in recovery, you must first observe a problem and believe in yourself. The options available—such as detox, inpatient, outpatient, and group meetings—are critical for reaching the goals you set beforehand. Your individual needs in substance addiction treatment are vital to your recovery. Here at Alta Centers, we understand that withdrawal in a detoxification program can be intimidating and offer support to combat it. Located in the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California , our drug rehab center provides comfort, safety, and a dedicated medical staff that will help ease fears and symptoms of withdrawal. Our private location means you can protect your privacy while immersing yourself in recovery. For more information about Alta Centers, call us today at (888) 202-2583.
