What happens after we hit rock bottom? The choice to try and be better is relatively easy, but putting in the actual work is always hard. When you realize you have an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you have to take action. You also have to want to take action. It can’t be something you do because everyone tells you to do it. If the sincerity isn’t there, it won’t turn out well, and you’ll be more likely to relapse. The will and desire to change is the first thing you need, but it’s not the only thing.
Change your social network
Most addicts trying to recover will need to make at least some changes in their social network, and we don’t mean Facebook. The people you hang out with have a big part in the kinds of activities you do. For example, people who hang out with Dungeons and Dragons fans will probably find themselves playing Dungeons and Dragons occasionally. People who hang out with binge drinkers may also find themselves binge drinking, or at least tempted to do so. You don’t have to cut out every friend who drinks, but limit your time around people who have bad habits, as those tend to rub off. Most people start drinking, smoking, or doing drugs because a friend or loved one introduced them to the substance. It’s important to break the cycle.
Sober support groups can also be incredibly helpful for people at any stage of their journey to recovery. There are a few people who can quit cold turkey with no outside help or intervention, but they’re the exception that proves the rule. Saying the words, “I’m an alcoholic,” in a room full of people can feel overwhelming, but thinking about it is usually scarier than actually doing it. If you aren’t sure where to start, look up Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in your area. Groups like AA can provide you with a sober sponsor who has been through the same process you’re going through now. They’ll guide you through the tough times and provide some much-needed encouragement to stay on the right path. There’s a tendency in some people, especially men who were raised a certain way, to think that they don’t need help, and that asking for it makes them weak somehow. That’s a toxic line of thinking that only leads to more suffering.
Take care of legal matters
Every case is different, but plenty of addicts have to get arrested for DUI or another offense before they can see the light. Getting support means obtaining legal representation regardless of if you were arrested for DUI in Ann Arbor or Annapolis. Some people charged with drunk driving feel so much guilt that they think the best thing to do is plead guilty without a lawyer. That’s not a great idea. You can take responsibility for your actions without throwing yourself on the mercy of the court. A good lawyer will look at the facts of the case and tell you what you should do. That may mean pleading guilty, or it may mean something else. If you don’t handle it properly, a drunk driving conviction can ruin your life just as you’re trying to get it back on track.
