It is almost impossible to efficiently get through recovery and maintain sobriety if you continue to allow negative people, influences, or environments to play a role in your life. This may sound harsh, but studies have actually indicated that those that remove negativity from their lives in the early stages of recovery see much faster, more complete improvement than those that hang on to that extra baggage. One of the biggest reasons it is so important to shed negativity in recovery is because with negativity comes triggers that you may have faced when you were addicted. Negativity warps your mind into believing that your recovery is somehow not good enough, not important enough, or simply not necessary to your leading a healthy and fulfilling life. That negativity is the same things that encouraged you to continue to use in the first place. The first step to take in getting rid of negativity in recovery is to remove yourself from negative people that mean you no good. These people could be those that introduced you to substances, those that sold to you or did them with you, an abusive partner, spouse, sibling, or friend. If that person isn’t truly happy about your recovery, it will show. There is absolutely no reason to allow that person to have any more of a part in your life at all, and the longer they stay around, the more they will sap your spirit away from you. Make no mistake about it: if they meant you harm once, it is almost a guarantee that they will do it again. So, how do you get rid of these people? There are a number of ways, but the easiest (and least confrontational) is simply to avoid them. If that does not work, consider ending the relationship by indicating that things have changed, and you would like to reassess the person that you are. Be mindful that you absolutely should not make concessions for anyone that has meant you harm or is a negative influence on your life. You can be nice, but be firm. The second and final step is to rid yourself of negative thoughts by accepting your past, burying it, and starting fresh with your future. Negative thoughts are often a product of guilt or shame. Owning the addiction that made you act a certain way, then burying it is the key to negating such thoughts and reclaiming power over your own life.
If negative thoughts can plague those in recovery, imagine how devastating they can be for those still suffering from addiction? If you’re suffering, it’s time to get help. Call Oceanfront Recovery at (877)279-1777 today!
