16. Complacency
One of the biggest threats to an addict’s sobriety is something called complacency. In recovery, complacency is a state of mind that can lead an addict to become overconfident, or even neglectful, of their sobriety. Often, the addict stops utilizing a lot of tools they once relied on to help them stay clean and sober. Essentially, the addict begins to let their guard down, and in recovery that can prove to be extremely dangerous. This most often happens subconsciously for the addict. Complacency is one of the greatest warning signs that an addict may be heading toward relapse.
If I know anything to be one hundred percent true, it’s this… addiction LOVES an addict who begins to let their guard down. Over time as an addict continues to stay clean, there may come a point where they begin to feel as though they have overcome, or defeated, their addiction. PLEASE DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THESE THOUGHTS. In the Narcotics Anonymous literature, it clearly states, “We suffer from a disease from which there is no known cure. It can, however, be arrested at some point, and recovery is then possible.” In other words, we are never cured but instead, we learn how to healthily coexist with our disease. While continuing to stay sober, addicts should constantly be developing new strategies and techniques to help them cope with their addiction. Eventually, the addict may begin to think some of those strategies and techniques are no longer needed in their recovery process. It’s often a point in an addict’s recovery where they have reached a level of stability and no longer believe they need to use the same tools they once relied on so heavily. This way of thinking is EXTREMELY dangerous for an addict and can lead to a relapse.
There are many things addicts can do to help them avoid becoming complacent in their recovery. In my opinion, an addict’s continuous attendance at any self-help group is one of the most widely used, and most effective tools that can be utilized to avoid complacency in their recovery journey. Let me speak in terms of my own recovery for a moment. At the self-help groups that I choose to attend, it is very common to hear others speak about their personal experiences with addiction. I believe that routinely hearing other addicts talk about their experiences with addiction helps to keep it fresh in my own head. Often though, it’s the addict in long-term sobriety who most benefits from this “reminder” that although the drugs have changed over time, the results of abusing them are still the same - jails, institutions, and death.
Self-help groups are not for everyone and that’s totally fine! I know many addicts who do not use these group’s meetings, yet they still stay sober and don’t become complacent in their recovery. It’s important to remember, what works for you may not work for someone else. Find what helps you most and continue to use it. If for some reason your chosen method to avoid complacency seems to be becoming less effective (this can happen in recovery) then try something new that can hopefully take its place.
Having a strong support network has proven to be extremely effective in helping me and countless other addicts to avoid complacency. As an addict, you should find individuals who will hold you accountable in your own recovery. Use their wisdom, experience, guidance, and suggestions and apply it where you can to your own life. Members of your support system can include both addicts and non-addicts alike.
Community service is something I couldn’t be bothered with before and during my addiction. I was stuck in a selfish and manipulative mindset where I only did things if I was receiving something in return. Two years into my recovery I was asked if I wanted to help volunteer for a local mental health non-profit that supports recovery. I was hesitant, but quickly reminded myself that I needed to step outside my comfort zone and try something new. I’m so happy I volunteered because I encountered so many intriguing people that day, both addicts and non-addicts. Simple conversations were had that helped “refresh” my memory of just how bad addiction (still) is. I need these types of encounters in my recovery because I’m reminded that the drug epidemic is still in full swing and taking lives at an alarming rate. Some of the people I met that first day volunteering have even become integral members of my support system. Devoting time to help others struggling with addiction reminds me of where I came from and what would happen if I returned. Among other things, community service has been so beneficial in helping me avoid complacency while on my recovery journey and I have no thoughts of stopping my volunteer work anytime soon!
It is very important that we always remain vigilant against our disease of addiction, or risk relapse. Complacency can be so harmful to an addict’s recovery because as they begin to let their guard down, they sometimes find that they inadvertently became less vigilant as a direct result. We avoid complacency by attending self-help groups, giving back to the community, developing a strong support network (AND USING IT) and much more. Simply put, complacency stagnates our growth as an addict in recovery, which ultimately raises the risk of relapse.
And remember, if you’re struggling, or know someone who is struggling, please don’t lose hope. If that had happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to spread awareness today.
