Complacency is defined as a sense of uncritical self-satisfaction. It can refer to settling for mediocrity or letting your guard down. For some, this may be a way of life. Others may cringe at the mere thought of becoming comfortable enough to become complacent. When it comes to addiction recovery, complacency is something to strive to avoid.
Why is this the case? Complacency can often lead to getting a little too relaxed when it comes to attending meetings or going to therapy. It can mean overconfidence in yourself. Thinking that you are cured and no longer need to make efforts to remain sober can be dangerous.
Complacency can be common in recovery as you become more comfortable in your sobriety and find your flow again when it comes to life outside of treatment. You may have landed a great job, developed stable and healthy relationships, and feel like you have finally met your goals. Why would you still need to attend meetings? If everything is going well, shouldn’t you be able to take a break from therapy?
Here’s the thing, addiction is not something that goes away. Even if things are going well as mentioned above, something unexpected could trigger you to use again. Staying connected and proactive can and will help you avoid relapse and stay on track.
So, how do you avoid becoming complacent in recovery? There are many ways to stay engaged and active through alumni programs and remain connected to your sponsor. Additional tips for avoiding complacency in recovery are discussed below.
Peer Support Meetings
Meetings can sometimes feel redundant, especially when you have spent many years in recovery. However, they aren’t just for those fresh out of treatment. It can be easy to get caught up in everyday life and adopt the mindset that you have your addiction under control. Sometimes, the last thing you want to do after a long day at work is to drive to another meeting.
Find a system that works for you. Use an app to find meetings that are held at the most convenient times and in nearby locations for you. If time is an issue, consider trying out virtual meetings.
Alumni Program
Staying connected and engaged in your treatment program can be an excellent strategy for avoiding complacency. Our Band of Brothers alumni program has so much to offer to those who are new to recovery and those who have been in recovery for years. The program provides an opportunity to give back to those who are following in your footsteps. By offering advice and encouragement to those seeking treatment, you are held accountable and are also expected to set a good example.
Spiritual Health
Spiritual health is something that can help you remain focused on your goals and remind you of who and what matters. When you are feeling complacent or stagnant, turn to your faith in God or a higher power for guidance. Consistent prayer can provide reassurance and hope when you need it most, or even when you feel like things are going well.
Staying aware of your thoughts and feelings through prayer, meditation, and mindfulness can help you identify any signs of complacency. When you start to notice yourself feeling overconfident or unmotivated, it may be time to make a change.
New Goals
Goals are very important when it comes to success in all areas of life. When it comes to addiction recovery, setting relevant and realistic goals is critical. Remember to assess and adapt your goals as currently needed. For example, you likely will not have the same goals a few years into recovery as you set during treatment.
When you feel as though you have succeeded when it comes to recovery and feel a lack of drive or determination, it may be time to shake things up. Consider setting a goal to develop a new hobby. You could also consider setting a goal to give back to your community.
Complacency can be a dangerous thing and can even lead to relapse if you are not careful. Staying vigilant, even when you feel confident, is key. In recovery, being proactive is always better than being reactive. Check in with yourself regularly to be sure you are still making efforts each day to stay on track and grow in your recovery. Make it to meetings, remain in contact with your sponsor, attend alumni events, and stay connected with God or your higher power. Following these tips can help you avoid complacency and stay motivated during recovery.
Becoming complacent in recovery is something to make every effort to avoid. Complacency can often lead to a path of destruction. It can start with a relaxed mindset when it comes to your recovery and can quickly escalate. Sometimes, a complacent perspective can even lead to relapse. At Renaissance Ranch, we work to instill habits and routines to help clients avoid this mindset and stay active and engaged in our programs throughout recovery. Our Band of Brothers alumni program serves this purpose very well. With frequent activities and opportunities to remain engaged and connected, you are sure to stay on track and successful. Recovery is not always easy and often comes with ups and downs. We encourage all previous clients to stay involved and are always there to help in times of need. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, call Renaissance Ranch today at (801) 308-8898.