Addiction Recovery: Five Ways You can Fight the Addiction Stigma and Regain Control of Your Life:

Addiction Recovery: Five Ways You can Fight the Addiction Stigma and Regain Control of Your Life:
By Larry Smith

Many people who suffer from addiction (chemical dependency) continue to believe it is dishonorable to be addicted. They attempt to conceal, minimize or deny it. It is quite apparent that people suffering from mental illness and addiction fight not only the disease but the stigma attached to the disease.

Denial to admit the severity of the problem and fear of social embarrassment are two major reasons for not seeking help with alcohol and drug addiction. It seems that the majority of the general public believes that addiction is caused, at least in part, by moral weakness.

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to fight the addiction stigma and regain control of your life:

1. The truth lay in the Facts; Not Public Opinion

The American Medical Association has recognized alcoholism as a disease since 1956. Whether or not society thinks it is a disease or not, alcohol abuse causes over 100,000 deaths in the United States and Canada each year. (A conservative estimate to say the least) “It is time for people in recovery to help change the way society views addiction. Let them know that addiction is a disease and that treatment works.” (William C. Moyers)

2. Acceptance

Acceptance is the decisive key to help you fight the stigma of addiction. Read over the following quotes and put them into practice immediately!

Accepting does not necessarily mean 'liking,' 'enjoying,' or 'condoning.' I can accept what is—and be determined to evolve from there. It is not acceptance but denial that leaves me stuck." (Nathaniel Branden, American psychologist)

When you're a beautiful person on the inside, there is nothing in the world that can change that about you. Jealousy is the result of one's lack of self-confidence, self-worth, and self-acceptance. The Lesson: If you can't accept yourself, then certainly no one else will.” (Sasha Azevedo)

3. Read Stories of Hope and triumph over adversity

It is an absolutely powerful experience to observe somebody with a similar affliction triumph over adversity and turn tragedy into triumph. There are countless examples of persons recovering from addiction that are now hailed and proclaimed as heroes. Keep your mind, body and spirit focused on what is possible. Do whatever it takes to keep moving forward by taking action. Read stories of hope and triumph over adversity on a regular basis and reignite the burning spirit of hope that lays within you!

4. Help Others:

Every single person on this planet has challenges. Each one of us has the potential to help another person with his challenges. It is an absolute gift to know that your actions have helped somebody else face and overcome a challenge. The greatest gift you can give another person suffering from addiction is to share your experience, strength and hope. By helping others, you not only help them but you also help yourself.

5. Count Your Blessings

“I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street;

I met a man who had no feet.” (Ancient Persian Saying)

Can you recall a horrendous experience that helped you to develop new skills or abilities? Perhaps the horrendous experience pushed you to develop the incredible resources and powers that were lying dormant and untapped within you.

I recently heard the story of a courageous man recovering from addiction who was also challenged with a speech impediment (stuttering). He was very grateful to be clean and sober but still humiliated to speak in public. His deep sense of gratitude for what he already had allowed him to overcome his speaking challenge! Today, he speaks in front of thousands of people on a regular basis with only a slight stammer.

There is without exception somebody else who has bigger problems than you. Be vigilant and take stock of what you have on a daily basis. Be grateful for what you have and you will be given more. However, if you are not grateful for what you already have, it shall be taken away from you.

Overcoming addiction is not an easy process. However, it is possible to recover from addiction by applying the above principles to your daily life. Be grateful for what you have and take action now!