If you’ve ever heard the phrase “one day at a time,” you may have wondered exactly what that means in recovery. At face value, it seems quite simple—we don’t drink or use drugs during our day, without considering whether we will or will not tomorrow. However, “one day at a time” is more complex and requires incorporating a daily reprieve. This concept is used in 12-step programs and was developed in Alcoholic Anonymous (AA). Because of the success of 12 Step programs like AA, notions like the daily reprieve have found their way into other forms of treatment and support. At Oceanfront Recovery, we have extensive experience in treating alcohol use disorder or alcohol addiction. Our team can guide individuals through the process and concepts used in 12 step programs and other programs so individuals can get the exact support they need to heal and recover.
What Is a Daily Reprieve?
A reprieve is defined as a postponement of punishment or delay of execution. For a man or woman in recovery, this means each day, we are allowed to postpone the inevitability of our drinking or drug use. As people suffering from the disease of addiction, we know that, if running on our own self-will and decision-making, we will drink or use again unless we can rely on a power greater than ourselves to help us maintain our sobriety one day at a time.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains, “we are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition.” Through this spiritual connection, we allow our thoughts and behaviors to be directed by our own conception of a power greater than ourselves rather than our own selfish and flawed decision-making. Each morning we pray and meditate, asking that our thinking be “divorced from self-pity, dishonest, or self-seeking motives.” In addiction treatment, this daily reprieve can often take the form of holistic therapy such as meditation therapy or yoga therapy.
Paying Attention to One’s Mental Health During Addiction Treatment
Throughout the day, we continually pray for the right answer when faced with indecision. Over time, we find that our thoughts become “more and more on the plane of inspiration,” and inspiration “gradually becomes a working part of the mind.” As our thinking constantly becomes more aligned with our spiritual connection, we can constantly maintain spiritual growth in our recovery.
Self-will has proven to be disastrous for us. Still, when we decide to give up our self-will each day and “pause, when agitated or doubtful, and ask for the right thought or action,” we find ourselves in much less danger of making poor decisions that could potentially put our sobriety at risk. We relax and take it easy, allowing ourselves to be guided throughout the day carrying the virtues of selflessness, honesty, and inspiration.
For some, the idea of a daily reprieve needs to be worked into a mental health treatment program. Although mental health is just as important as physical health, it is often neglected. Doing so contributes to alcohol addiction. At Oceanfront Recovery, we offer several mental health treatment programs in conjunction with our addiction treatment, such as:
- ADHD Treatment
- Anxiety Treatment
- Bipolar Disorder Treatment
- Depression Treatment
- OCD Treatment
- PTSD Treatment
- Schizophrenia Treatment
These treatments look to help individuals address and heal from their mental health issues either caused by addiction or worsened by it.
Discover How Oceanfront Recovery Can Support You
Every day in sobriety can be your best day. You have the power to change your story and seek a better life by seeking help now. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment facility in Laguna Beach, offers a chance to find the joys of sobriety in a beautiful beachfront environment. Please call today at 877.296.7477 for more information about treatment options, including detox and residential treatment.
