It is common conversation in the communities of 12-step recovery that sobriety and recovery are two very different things. To those of us in recovery, it’s fairly easy to distinguish one from the other. To the uninformed family member of an addict, however, confusion often arises at the differences of these two concepts. It has been, in my experience, extremely helpful when the interactions with these families provide clarity around this topic.
Many details that separate recovery from sobriety may differ when talking with one person in recovery or another. However, there are very clear differences that virtually all parties agree on. As I see it, the primary difference between sobriety and recovery is the institution of a recovery program. What does “working a program” look like, one might ask?
Sobriety vs Recovery Comparison
True recovery is rooted in the implementation of spiritual principles. This includes honesty, integrity, humility, and acceptance, to name a few. Some individuals cease the use of drugs, but won’t amend their behaviors.
Things like stealing, lying, and cheating are regularly exhibited by sober individuals, whose lives have changed for the better and are no longer at as great of danger, but these behaviors are arguably just as damaging to the individual as were the substances, and often lead individuals in sobriety back to active addiction. So how does one transition into recovery from sobriety and implement a “program” into their daily lives? Those of us involved in 12-step recovery have found a way to do so by immersing ourselves in these communities and by working the 12-steps. This simple but profound difference between sobriety and recovery manifests a life worth living and an indescribable freedom, never before experienced by most all of the addicts and alcoholics entering recovery.
Seek Rehab And Recovery
I believe that it is important to clarify here that sobriety is an amazing accomplishment, even if just for one day, and I do not intend to arraign individuals not involved in 12-step recovery in any way, shape, or form. However, I do have experience being sober without any program of recovery in my life. I hope that this message reaches an individual new to recovery or their family member, so that they can avoid the pitfalls to which I endured in my past. Recovery is an amazing journey that starts with sobriety, so continue growing and engage yourselves in this life-changing process!
Never allow addiction to take control of your life. In fact, reach out to Compassionate Interventions today. Our addiction treatment resources and addiction intervention programs will make all the difference.
– Colin Tardif