Addiction recovery is a personal journey that men and women experience differently. Men typically want their rehab and recovery to be clandestine. Okay, that maybe a little dramatic, but men suffer an ego bruise when they must give up substance use. However, in today’s modern world, men’s health topics now include mental health and addiction. In recovery, we are advised to keep things simple, and we’ll do that here.
Here are the top five things that men should absorb and integrate as they work through rehab and into long-term recovery. Each will go a long way to help you transition from the life you knew to a life beyond your wildest dreams in sobriety.
1. Get Everything out into the Open
Since men typically are private about being in recovery, this may be difficult. Many men are raised not to show weakness, weep or be emotional, in general. However, it is crucial for men to tackle problems and communicate how they feel to live a sober and free life. Bottom line, a person cannot get free from substances unless they are willing to declare they have a problem and ask for help.
2. Get Honest (and Stay Honest)
Call this the second part to the first part. The only way for men to succeed in recovery is to be honest with themselves and those around them. Again, this contrary to how men grow up and doesn’t exactly personify the stereotype of “man up.” Since some males were taught to not be emotional or share their deepest thoughts, this is challenging habit to break. However, your life may depend upon it!
3. Release Your Shame
Another tricky part of getting sober is getting past the “wreckage” of your addiction. When we sober up, we realize that many of the things we did were not our finest moments, and we feel bad. Moreover, we are embarrassed for being addicted to drugs and alcohol and undeserving of treatment or just being sober. However, we are worthy and everyone who is sober has been in your situation. Let those people love you until you can learn to love yourself. It just takes time.
4. Change Your Ways
You can’t expect to have the same routines, go to the same places, and hang out with the same people and get sober! In fact, sobriety provides an opportunity to reset your life. Instead of hanging out in bars, many guys channel the new energy into exercise or reading or another interest. This is also not easy, but you will need to ballast those people, places and things that are associated with your substance use disorder.
5. Put Your Recovery Comes First
Men should go with what they know is best for themselves, which can be challenging for some to figure out. Recovery needs to be put first (so everything else doesn't come last). It is important to prioritize sobriety because for many, their life depends on it.
Using these instructions, men in addiction recovery can regain their health and positive outlooks for their future. Treatment and recovery for men with addiction are serious situations. For many men, it becomes a matter of life or death.
Simple Path Recovery is an oceanside, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
