In terms of charting the progress we make in recovery, there is one flawless approach in measuring progress, as well as a couple distinctive markers that we ought to be striving for in order to ensure long-term sobriety. Before we look at the more obvious landmarks in time, lets recognize first and foremost that every day we don’t return to using drug and alcohol, we create possibilities for the evolution of a more complete version of ourselves and that we should give ourselves the appropriate and positive feedback for these daily accomplishments. We will also return to the primary tracking measure later but let’s first look at the other identifying markers in time that we can strive for. The first timeframe that holds a particular value is reached at the 30-day mark. 30-days is a significant timeframe because it allows adequate time for new habits to be formed, and in the context of addiction, it can be as simple a new habit as not giving in to our impulses to use. Further down the line would be the 3-month marker. A relevant analysis of the statistics shows that the likelihood of long-term sobriety (1-year or more) drastically increases if one can make it to 90 days. This is arguably the most difficult time in any process of recovery, mainly due to the fact that the strength of our impulses to use are overpowering most other strategies and interventions that have been put into action. While it is not advisable to utilize will power as a beneficial strategy over the long-term, it is almost always necessary during the first 3-months as this is when we are most vulnerable for relapse. The last timetable landmark that is important to discuss would be when the sober individual reaches the one-year marker.
We have all known individuals who have made it to a year and have seen the progress that is possible in this amount of time, however, if anecdotal evidence is not sufficient, we can again look at the statistical analysis that provides insight to the fact that if we can achieve one year of sobriety, our chances for lifelong success and sobriety increase exponentially. To return back to the only flawless form of self-measurement, we need to look at the importance of journaling. Recovery is a subjective experience meaning that only the individual sufferer can really know their progress. While the landmarks in time are important, we can only truly chronicle our progress if we have the capacity to be honest in our self-reflections, and the best way to continually monitor our own subjective states is through journaling. Not only does daily journaling have many benefits and applications beyond substance recovery, in these crucial early stages it allows us to more deeply understand where we have been, what we have done, and what needs to be altered moving forward.
Tree House Recovery of Orange County, California is a premier men’s addiction treatment facility that uses eight different modalities to help our men become the best versions of themselves they can be. We teach our men that every day of their journey is something to celebrate, and that recovery isn’t a sprint– it’s a marathon. By showing our men how to celebrate each day’s victories, we show them that self love isn’t about what we have or haven’t done. It’s about getting a little closer to where we want to be. To get started with Tree House Recovery, call us today at (855) 202-2138.
