There will be times when you feel you need an outside source who will be an additional resource to continue to live a life in recovery. When you let bad memories and past resentments pile up it can feel like as though you are carrying an armful of bricks with each resentment. This is because of the physical and emotional consequences of carrying burdens. In 2018, I experienced one of the darkest days of my life when I lost my 15-year-old daughter to the tragedy of suicide. I could have easily given into my demons of alcohol instead of staving off all the urges and cravings.

New Beginnings: When Moving Forward Means Leaving the Past Behind

Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. New Beginning Guests are required to engage in some sort of community service work. As New Life House House we believe in family, and we make the promise to anyone who comes to us that you are family when you come to one of our houses.

Maybe, but it will have to be of his or her own volition. This isn’t something that you can force another person to do, any more than others could force rehab on you. So, while there is an outside possibility that people from your past who continue to use will eventually go into treatment, you cannot sit around and wait for that day to come. Your job now is to work on your recovery, day in and day out, without fail. One of the emotions that well up when you think about walking away from the past is the powerful feeling of betrayal. The person may even call you out on your action, lashing out with anger and telling you that you betrayed your friendship or love.

Stories from Redemption House Foundation

1. Individuals in recovery must remember what it was like when they were at the worst point of their addiction.
2. It is possible that over time, your spouse will see the changes in you and come to the decision that recovery is a viable option.
3. It’s best to steer clear of any association from your past that brings to mind anything you did while in the grip of your addiction.

You may love and care for your spouse dearly, but still not be able to remain in the same house with them. But you cannot jeopardize your recovery – even for the sake of love. This should ease the pain a bit and allow you to further explore what life may be like without such influences that may prove destructive to your recovery.

Think of this not as betrayal but as an affirmation of life – your life. You need to break free so that you can make your way in this new life that you have freely chosen. Recovery is New Life House Review about possibility, of change, of embarking on exciting journeys of discovery. For those in recovery, especially early recovery, starting over tends to take on the magnitude of the nearly impossible. There are just so many different areas of life that need changing, so much to do, and so much to learn before anything can be done. How can a reasonable and realistic course be charted, particularly when the past seems ever-present and constantly seeks to rob you of whatever small gains you may make?

Not a Betrayal – an Affirmation of Life

Shortly after graduation, the first recovery house was opened. We are dedicated to helping individuals in early recovery rebuild their lives. One of the main things an individual in recovery needs to remember is to focus on what they have accomplished. When you find yourself struggling, remember what it was like before your recovery began. It could have been when your binge drinking nearly killed you. Engaging in service work brings a sense of purpose, personal growth, and builds relationships.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Some of your old friends will undoubtedly be the people you used to hang out drinking and partying with. Some may be co-workers or your best friend from college or high school. You may have grown up with the person and can’t envision your life without him or her. But when continuing the association threatens to sabotage your sobriety, you really have only one choice and that is to put some distance between you. You may hear all kinds of lamentations, pleas for you to reconsider, that the carousing and drinking and using will take a backseat to your friendship.

Nothing eases the pain of letting go of the past and old friends like the making of new friends, engaging in new activities, and learning how to live a happy life in sobriety. Since you never know who might become a friend, the wise approach may be to behave as though every person you meet might one day be more than just a casual acquaintance. This doesn’t mean that you have to act other than your conscience dictates. After all, some people may not be good candidates for friendship, but might be better as casual acquaintances.