Many people who choose recovery end up asking themselves the question, “Is recovery my identity?” This is especially true in early recovery. Many people fear that their recovery will change them. The reality is that it will! Now, the good news is that the changes will all be positive. You are also in charge of your recovery and thus can choose how much of your identity you want your recovery to be. It is also helpful to remember that being open about your recovery can be an inspiration to others to get sober. Yes, it can be life-saving!
Is Recovery My Identity?
There is a big difference between putting recovery first and having recovery as your identity. The primary difference is that you must always put your recovery first, but you can choose how much you want your recovery to represent you.
Many people are very open and talkative about their recovery. Then there are others who like to keep more of a lower profile with their recovery. The good news is that neither is better than the other. Recovery is personal, and thus it means that you have the right to lead your recovery journey however you see fit. However, it should be noted that “hiding” your recovery out of guilt and shame can be very dangerous.
This is because burying emotions can ultimately lead to a relapse, and relapses are more common than many people may think. There are also many signs of an “emotional” relapse.” According to The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, “These are some of the signs of emotional relapse: 1) bottling up emotions; 2) isolating; 3) not going to meetings; 4) going to meetings but not sharing; 5) focusing on others (focusing on other people’s problems or focusing on how other people affect them); and 6) poor eating and sleeping habits. The common denominator of emotional relapse is poor self-care, in which self-care is broadly defined to include emotional, psychological, and physical care.”
A Focus on Putting Sobriety First
Before even considering how much of your identity recovery is going to assume, it is important to have a strong recovery. This means keeping your sobriety first and foremost. After all, as is often said in recovery meetings, “Anything you put in front of your recovery, you are going to lose anyway.”
So, what does putting recovery first look like? It must always take precedence, and this can start with the various modalities that are chosen. For example, this means maintaining your work with therapists and addiction specialists. It means staying active in a recovery community and following any guidelines that they may have (the Twelve Steps, for example).
Recognizing Addiction
Of course, some people are still unaware that they have any addiction issues at all. This is very common as denial is a big part of addiction. Also, this is dangerous because it keeps people in the dangerous cycle of addiction. According to the peer-reviewed journal Substance Use & Misuse, “Persons with substance use disorders (SUD) who do not recognize their substance use as problematic are less likely to perceive needing treatment and less motivated to seek help.”
A big part of getting out of denial is being able to recognize some of the signs and symptoms of addiction. The following are just a few signs to look out for if you think you (or a loved one may have a problem:
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough
- Experiencing physical ailments such as headaches, body aches, and gastrointestinal problems (like constipation)
- Isolating away from family and close friends
- Experiencing trouble at work or school
- Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
- Feeling anxious, or overly nervous
- Having feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness
- Loss of appetite and a lack of care regarding physical appearance and well-being
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- Causing harm to oneself or others
- Having suicidal ideations
Identifying With Other People in Recovery
While you may not want to make recovery your whole identity, identifying yourself can help you become part of some amazing recovery communities. These are groups that are going to help you stay sober and reduce the risk of relapses.
Now, these communities are also fun. They show you that recovery can be part of a much broader identity. These communities often have group outings and get-togethers, and they exist to make genuine connections that were not available while struggling with active addiction. They also offer the beautiful cycle of recovery to continue.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we focus on long-term success over short-term “fixes.” We are here to help you recover your whole mind-body and spirit. It is our primary purpose.
If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then you are ready to take the next step and recover. You can do this! We can help.
Many people fear that recovery will become their only “identity” when they get sober. This is simply untrue. Sobriety allows us to be our true selves and wear many different hats. Having a healthy relationship with recovery and addressing being in recovery are all critical components of long-term success. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. For more information about all of the amazing benefits of addiction recovery, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
