How to Find Courage in Recovery

            One of the most important personal traits to possess and develop for success on your recovery journey is courage. This seems like common sense, but isn’t courage something you simply have or lack? When asked if they are courageous, most people will be unsure of how to respond.  Some may feel that they are in some situations but not others, and other people may feel that they are rarely or never courageous. Few will say they are courageous, let alone consider themselves someone with courage at all times.

However, if you have decided to break free of your dependence on drugs or alcohol, then you have already demonstrated that you possess courage. From there, then, you must cultivate and nurture it, and help it to grow and thrive. It will be your companion and touchstone on the lifelong path to recovery, and it will help to keep you focused and strong on your goal of a clean, sober, happy, and healthy future.

What is Courage?

            Everyone kind of just knows what courage is, but despite that, it is somewhat difficult to define. The Google dictionary definition is two part: 1) the ability to do something that frightens one, and 2) strength in the face of pain or grief.  Both parts of this two-part definition apply immensely to individuals in recovery.  Getting clean and sober is frightening – there’s no doubt about it. And, recovery also includes both pain – physical and emotional – and grief for the past – and people in recovery must exhibit massive strength in the process as well. 

            But courage is more than that, though. There are different types of courage.  Some sources count six: emotional, social, physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual. Others believe there are four: self-confidence, bravery, honesty, and perseverance. No matter how many you count, one thing stands true: in the words of Mark Twain, “Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.” You can still be afraid yet be courageous. You are already courageous every day you abstain from using.  We all have courage as we move forward on the road of life.

Why Courage in Recovery is Necessary

            There are many reasons that you must have courage in recovery. First of all, recovery is an ongoing process that you will be working on for the rest of your life. For any lifelong journey, you must be brave and mentally strong to stay the course, or else you will not succeed. You need to be able to stick with it and not run away and recoil when things get tough. People in recovery must be strong against impulsive behavior and temptation, every single day.

            Furthermore, getting deep into the cause of your addiction is a big part of the recovery process for everyone. This absolutely requires courage. Facing your past and reliving and analyzing and working through difficult parts of it can be extremely difficult.  And, admitting your own wrongs can be challenging as well. Asking for forgiveness from those you wronged when you were an active drug and alcohol abuser can be overwhelming, and it takes great honesty and bravery to take that step.

            Recovery is not always easy, and it is a long road. However, you must have courage because you are the only person who can make the change. No one else can do it for you. It is up to you and you alone to be brave and persevere.

How to Cultivate Courage in Recobery

            It’s clear that courage is important in recovery, but how can one develop theirs? There are several things you can do to grow your courage. Try several collectively for best results.

The path to recovery is long and challenging, but with determination, support, and courage, it is highly possible and likely to succeed for the long term.  At Transcend Clinic, we want to help you take the first step.  We offer ibogaine detox at our facility in Cancun, and we are confident it can help to interrupt your addictive behaviors and change your outlook about your future.  Our intake specialists are standing by to answer any questions you may have, and to help show you the ways in which ibogaine can help you in your unique and personal situation.  Please call us today!

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