The Importance of Independence in Recovery
Since recovery is about an overhaul in lifestyle choices, it’s essential to be able to exercise a level of independence during a recovery treatment program. Exercising independence can help you implement positive lifestyle choices into your post-treatment life. While sobriety is important for recovery, it is not the only thing that defines you. Exercising a level of independence in recovery can help you rediscover interests and find emotional management tools that work for you. A recovery program that doesn’t give you any room for independence cannot provide you with a truly tailored program unique to your recovery needs.
What Is Independence in Recovery?
Structure during treatment programs is common. A structured program can give you a safe space to stabilize your emotions and focus on your sobriety. However, recovery programs also need to prepare you for life post-treatment. Life-post treatment includes being in an environment that is less structured and less in your control. Having a level of independence incorporated into a recovery program can prepare you to deal with the potential stressors that come with a less stable and predictable environment. Without the ability to exercise any form of independence during a treatment program, you won’t have the necessary skills for relapse prevention.
The Benefits of Independence in Recovery
A recovery program that allows you to exercise independence keeps your unique needs in mind. It enables you to develop essential skills that will assist you on your recovery journey post-treatment. A consistently strictly structured treatment program deprives you of several significant benefits of a program that allows you some independence.
Having a Voice in Recovery
The easiest way to exercise independence during recovery treatment is by having a voice. Your treatment plan should not be created without your input. Having a voice in your recovery means having a choice. It means having the ability to say “yes” or “no” to an activity or treatment option. This can help you to rediscover your interests. It will expose you to more activities that align with your interests because you won’t be wasting your time on activities that don’t. This can teach you important decision-making skills because your opinion and voice will have an effect and consequence on your recovery.
Decision-Making Skills
When every aspect of your recovery is planned out for you, you cannot exercise your decision-making skills. While being relieved from this responsibility can allow you to focus on healing, it does not give you the skills you need to maintain healthy behaviors in your recovery. The decisions you make affect your thoughts and behaviors. Someone who has not developed the skill to make healthy decisions will have a more difficult time avoiding relapse.
Taking Responsibility for Your Actions
An essential step in recovery is taking responsibility for your actions. However, this isn’t easy to do when you are in a program that doesn’t allow you to take ownership of your present choices. Independence allows you to take on responsibility for your current actions. Whenever you have a choice, you have to take responsibility for that choice. This will help you understand that taking responsibility for your actions isn’t just about ownership of your past wrongdoings. Throughout your recovery, you will continually have to take responsibility for your behaviors, both good and bad.
Reconnect with Your Values
A recovery program that gives you some independence allows you the space to rediscover your values. While a treatment facility may have its set of values and perspectives, you shouldn’t blindly follow all of its beliefs. Values are a large part of what makes you who you are. Discovering your values will help you find purpose and identity in your life. It’s impossible to explore your values when you are on a strict schedule that doesn’t give you time to look inward and be by yourself.
Programs that offer meditation and mindfulness training can give you the space you need for independent thought. Recovery programs should not focus on making you something that you are not. They should not be about molding you into a personification of their positive values. Instead, recovery programs should be about giving you the space to come into your own.
Independence in Recovery Will Help You Identify Your Recovery Needs
A recovery program that doesn’t allow you to have any independence won’t be able to identify your recovery needs. This means they won’t be able to create an effective treatment plan to manage your substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms. A recovery facility must work with you and give you the space you need so you can identify your own needs and recovery goals. Facilities that are restrictive of independence are more likely to have a one-size-fits-all treatment solution. You deserve treatment specific to your needs, goals, wants, strengths, and weaknesses.
A recovery center should allow you the independence necessary for self-discovery and practicing decision-making skills. Restoration Recovery Centers understands the importance of independence in recovery. Our staff values our clients’ independence, which is why we have our clients vote on weekend activities and give them the freedom to stay in touch with their lives outside of treatment. We will prioritize your independence in creating your treatment plan because we recognize you as the complex individual you are. You are more than a number to us. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call (888) 290-0925 to learn how Restoration Recovery Centers can help you restore your life’s purpose during your recovery journey.
