Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction requires more than merely abstaining from behaviors associated with substance use. Long-term sobriety requires a person to find personal motives and meaningful goals. These deeper purposes need to outweigh the temporary “high” of alcohol or other drugs. In other words, identifying a deeper meaning and purpose for sobriety motivates an individual to remain sober. Meaning-making helps people stay on the path to recovery from addiction.At 12 South Recovery, we know the undeniable role of meaning-making in helping people sustain lasting sobriety. Because of this, we focus on promoting meaning-making in all of our treatment programs. Some people may discover meaning-making through group therapy. And others may find it through holistic interventions like yoga and meditation. With that said, it’s important for each client to take a personalized approach to meaning-making. This should occur during treatment and in their everyday life afterward.
Why Is Meaning-Making in Sobriety Important?
Human behavior is driven both by the values we hold and the motives we cherish. When we identify our values and purpose, we gain clarity about our actions. This helps us make choices that align with what truly matters to us. Through these actions, we can become more fulfilled in our daily lives. When we can’t identify our values and purpose, it becomes harder to guide our actions. This can lead to feeling anxious, depressed, or unsure of ourselves.
Many individuals turn to alcohol and other drugs when they lack a sense of greater purpose. Without direction, substance use can become a way to cope or escape. In these cases, their motive to use substances is to feel a sense of peace and belonging that they may not otherwise experience. Using substances to escape a lack of purpose is a common struggle in addiction. This shows why meaning-making is so important for lasting sobriety. Whether conscious or unconscious, motives play an undeniable role in human behavior.
Personal Experiences for Meaning-Making in Sobriety
Many individuals in addiction recovery are initially motivated to participate in treatment as a result of encouragement from caregivers and other loved ones. While some may choose to participate in treatment due to an ultimatum they have been given by a loved one. Unfortunately, encouragement and ultimatums only do so much in encouraging meaning-making in sobriety. To sustain lasting sobriety, each individual needs to discover their own motives and purpose for healing. These must be independent of the motives offered by loved ones.
An individual is extremely vulnerable if they feel they do not have a purpose. Not having a purpose can trigger relapse as well as the development of other mental health issues. On the other hand, meaning-making in sobriety protects an individual from the risk of relapse. It also offers concrete motivation for continued success in recovery.
Five Strategies to Consider for Meaning-Making in Sobriety
Every person’s sobriety is influenced by different factors and life experiences. Meaning-making allows individuals to find their purpose based on their personal experiences. Everyone may have different therapies that allow them to create a sense of meaning and purpose. It’s important to try different things and see what works. Here are five suggestions for therapies that promote meaning-making in sobriety:
#1. Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices strengthen calming states of mind that can be especially valuable in gaining personal insight. These practices can also help individuals identify their personal values. In turn, this can guide them toward deeper meaning and a stronger sense of purpose in healing.
Practices such as yoga, breathwork, meditation, and creative expression techniques can allow individuals to experience balanced emotions. People in addiction recovery can better rely on their intuition as they heal their emotional self. Their intuition and personal values guide them in their healing journey. Fortunately, 12 South Recovery’s holistic approach to care enables individuals to partake in various mindfulness strategies during treatment.
#2. Adopting New Perspectives From Peers
Individuals in addiction recovery can also discover meaning-making in sobriety by discussing and adopting new perspectives from peers. Group therapy can create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. This allows individuals to share their perspectives and motives for sobriety with others. Individuals can find their meaning within their recovery by listening to others discuss their personal motivates for sobriety.
#3. Replacing Newfound Free Time With Valuable Opportunities for Connection
When a person is in recovery, they may feel that their days contain an excess of free time. People in addiction recovery need to fill the time they once spent using substances with healthier activities. Creating new opportunities for connection is a key part of this process. These opportunities can be especially beneficial for meaning-making in sobriety. Individuals can consider the following activities to enhance connection:
- Attempting a new hobby
- Scheduling physical activity into their weekly routine
- Planning sober networking events
- Volunteering
- Spending time with loved ones
#4. Pursuing Higher Education or a New Career Path
Another suggestion for meaning-making in sobriety involves pursuing higher education or a change in employment. If an individual discovers that the stresses or boredom of their job may trigger relapse, they must make a change. Similarly, pursuing higher education can fill this newfound free time. What’s more, education can provide an outlet for advocacy for social justice and other important causes.
#5. Mentoring Others in Early Recovery
Finally, individuals can discover meaning-making in sobriety by mentoring others in early recovery. Many find that addiction recovery is the hardest journey of their lives. This experience can encourage those in recovery to support those who may not yet see the light at the end of the tunnel. Becoming a mentor who gives back to the recovery and treatment community can certainly further one’s healing journey.
Find Your Purpose at 12 South
Without a deeper meaning and purpose for sobriety, you are vulnerable to relapse and other mental health problems. It’s important to explore different strategies for meaning-making in sobriety. Everyone has different motives and values that support their journey toward sobriety.
At 12 South Recovery, we help you find deeper meaning in your sobriety through personalized care. Our outpatient treatment options are designed to support lasting recovery. We offer general outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. Each program is tailored to meet the different needs of every client.
