In treatment, we may feel shame for the feelings that we are experiencing. However, we need to recognize that our depression, loneliness, and regret are not unique. Nearly everyone who has overcome addiction and alcoholism has struggles with the same feelings. Instead of keeping these feelings to ourselves, we must find the courage to effectively communicate with others if we are to receive the help that we need to recover. In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz explains the importance of effective communication: “With clear communication, all of your relationships will change, not only with you partner, but with everyone else. You won’t need to make assumptions because everything becomes so clear. This is what I want; this what you want. If we communicate in this way, our word becomes impeccable. If all humans could communicate in this way, with impeccability of the word, there would be no wars, no violence, no misunderstandings.” As men and women who have suffered from addiction, we may be prone to shying away from clearly communicating our problems. We may feel weak, or as though our problems do not matter and there is no reason to open up about them. The fear of being judged is universal and very strong in those who suffer from the disease of addiction. However, in treatment, we find that there is always common ground. The feelings that we may be too afraid to communicate are not unique to us. When we are surrounded by others who are attempting to recover from addiction and alcoholism, we find that our experience is common. We should not be ashamed of clearly communicating the issues that we are facing in recovery because it is more than likely that someone who is father along in the journey of recovery has faced the same issues and will be able to offer advice and support to get through the problem. Honesty is incredibly important in recovery. When we omit the reality of our experience and try to “handle it on our own,” we are doing ourselves a disservice by eliminating the opportunity to receive help.
You are not alone in the feelings you experience in early sobriety. Your life story can be one of hope, faith, and courage if you make the decision to seek help now and begin the journey toward recovery from addiction and alcoholism. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in beautiful Laguna Beach, is dedicated to providing the help and support you need to achieve lasting sobriety. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
