Honesty is the Best Policy
In the battle with addiction—honesty is a tricky concept to grasp hold of. For many recovering individuals, honesty was the beginning of their recovery. However, it can be dangerously forgotten about as sobriety settles in. Getting honest with oneself meant breaking through the wall of denial and allowing oneself to admit that they had a problem and then be willing to ask for help. Although the idea of getting honest may seem like a simple notion to most, it is one of the most challenging areas of lifestyle change for the recovering addict. Dishonesty had become such a routine part of life when drinking or using was present. For the early recovering addict, discerning truth from lies can be like reading looking through a very clouded lens…
So how does someone beginning recovery avoid the pitfalls of dishonesty with oneself that can permeate their mind and emotions on the journey of recovery?
Here are some suggestions to help you avoid the blocks to honesty:
- Go for Progress not Perfection! You may have been living in the illusion of dishonesty for a long, long time. We tend to fall into old patterns and behaviors. Accountability from trusted friends such as AA/NA, family or sober supports can help you avoid these patterns if you allow them to be honest with you. Be careful about being defensive and putting a wall up when told uncomfortable things- this is a big life change for all …rather be open-minded and patient with yourself and others.
- Be willing to look at aspects of your life that you may want to hide from others. You may need to uncover the truth about yourself as a human being if you want recovery. You can keep these insights in a private journal and perhaps share with a trusted counselor or sponsor.
- Work the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. You most likely will need to work the Steps again and again- particularly after some time in sobriety. The inventory steps can help you grow in honesty and help you with #1 and #2 on this list.
