Most addicts are ambivalent about recovery. Some are in denial and believe they can stop using whenever they want to. Others really hate the idea of not being able to get high again. Most of these addicts will have to hit rock bottom before they will even attempt recovery. There are so many positive reasons to recover and addicts need to hear them to dispel the myths and lies that they have been telling themself. Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. There are many reasons why you will benefit from recovery and begin a new life for yourself. Here are a few of our favorites:

  1. First of all, your physical and psychological health will improve when you stop abusing drugs and alcohol. You won’t have to experience all the adverse effects that drugs and alcohol wreak on your body.
  2. You will also prevent the risk of death from overdose or a drug deal gone wrong.
  3. Alcohol and drugs can cause permanent brain damage both physically and psychologically. Chemical functions of the brain are altered by substance abuse sometimes causing mental disorders. You can diminish these effects when you stop abusing substances.
  4. Your liver is working overtime trying to remove large amounts of toxins from your body on a daily basis. Your overall health will improve and your liver can begin to function normally once you remove the toxins from your body.
  5. Getting sober means your teeth won’t rot and you will have fewer infections because your immune system will begin to get strong again.
  6. Your complexion will start to look better and your memory will return. There will be no more black-outs or days gone by in a stupor.
  7. You won’t get arrested, pay heavy fines or do time in jail from engaging in drug deals.
  8. You will avoid drug toxicity and death from harmful street substances.
  9. Your financial situation will improve and you may have extra money to spend on something you want or need.
  10. Keeping your job, or going back to work or school, will become a reality because you will be able to function normally again.
  11. Going through the withdrawal process from drugs or alcohol will be a thing of the past.
  12. Sobriety will help to repair family relationships and make you a caring and responsible parent, spouse, sibling, son or daughter. Your family life will improve on many levels and increase your joy and happiness.
  13. Getting back on track with good nutrition and exercise will increase your body strength and improve your overall health. You body will begin to repair those places that were damaged by substance abuse.
  14. Your mental health will also improve and you will be able to remove negative thoughts and behavior patterns from your life. Getting positive about yourself and life will chase the blues away along with anxiety, depression and confusion. You will be able to think clearer and become proactive and productive again.
  15. Your self-esteem will begin to rise and former feelings of shame, guilt and remorse will be replaced with a sense of self-worth and purpose.
  16. You won’t have to steal, lie or cover-up your actions anymore. You will be free from deception toward others and yourself.
  17. Drug-tests will not be a thing to fear anymore.
  18. You won’t be putting yourself or others in danger when you get behind the wheel of an automobile.
  19. Risky behavior, like unprotected sex and sharing needles to shoot-up, will be a thing of the past.
  20. Life will become an adventure again with so many new things to do and explore. New relationships will also add fun and pleasure.
  21. There will be time to do the things you always wanted to do, like taking a vacation or trying a new hobby.
  22. No longer will you be a slave to the dictates of addiction. You will be in control of yourself and your life again. You will be free.

If you are or if a loved one is struggling with addiction, begin to read all these benefits of recovery to yourself or them. Then seek professional help to achieve these goals, such as counseling or enrolling in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation center. Getting your life back is achievable with help from those who care.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.