You’re Not “Recovering” Forever: Embrace Your New Identity Beyond Alcohol

Let’s have a heart-to-heart about something that’s been bugging me for a while. Ever wonder why some people keep calling themselves “recovering alcoholics” even after they’ve completely turned their lives around? I mean, you’ve fixed your finances, repaired relationships, got your house and kids back, and you’re hitting up those support meetings daily. But you’re still calling yourself an alcoholic? Bro, you don’t even drink anymore! So, what are you actually recovering from?

The Myth of Eternal Recovery

We’ve all heard it: “I’m a recovering alcoholic.” But what does that even mean when you’ve worked so hard to reclaim your life? If you never drink again, are you still “recovering”? 🤔

Think about it: Recovering means you’re still finding out what needs fixing. You’re still on a journey to discover what requires your attention. But what if you’ve reached a point where alcohol is just a thing of the past? Why keep hanging onto that label?

Breaking Down The Recovery Process

Let’s get real here. Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. For some, it might mean going to the gym and saying, “Yep, never drinking alcohol again.” Maybe 20 push-ups in, you’re over it and done. Boom! You’ve recovered. Or maybe you decide to knit a sweater while binging on Criminal Minds until you figure out that you never want to consume alcohol again. Cool, that’s valid too!

Recovery is about coming to an absolute determination in whatever way works for you. It’s literally just going deeper and finding the reason why you’re done with alcohol or any substance, person, or environment that doesn’t serve you.

Holistic Recovery: It’s More Than Just Sobriety

So, here’s the deal — recovery is holistic. Yep, I said it. It’s not just about quitting alcohol. It’s about reclaiming every bit of your life that was affected. It’s about mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It’s about realizing that the journey is different for everyone and embracing that.

You don’t want it, you don’t reminisce about it, and it doesn’t matter how you reached that conclusion. What matters is that you did. You’ve determined that alcohol or any other substance has no place in your life.

The Fear Factor: Are You Still An Alcoholic?

Do you still live in fear that you might drink again? If so, it makes sense to call yourself a recovering alcoholic. But if you’ve reached a point where alcohol is no longer a concern, then why not just call it what it is? You’ve recovered.

The Power of Self-Determination

One of the most empowering aspects of recovery is self-determination. You get to decide when you’ve recovered. It’s not about meeting some societal standard or fitting into a specific mold. It’s about knowing yourself and recognizing your own strength and resilience.

What Recovery Really Means

At its core, recovery is about finding your own path. It’s about understanding what works for you and sticking to it. Whether it’s through exercise, hobbies, support groups, or just pure determination, you’re in charge. The label “recovering” doesn’t have to define you forever.

Conclusion: Embrace Your New Identity

So, here’s my challenge to you, my friend. Reflect on where you are in your journey. Have you reached a place where alcohol is no longer a part of your life? If so, it’s okay to say that you’ve recovered. Embrace it, own it, and live it. Recovery is a deeply personal journey, and it’s about more than just sobriety. It’s about reclaiming your life and living it on your terms.

Don’t let the label “recovering” hold you back when you’ve already come so far. You’ve done the work, you’ve made the changes, and you’ve earned the right to say you’ve recovered. Now go out there and live your best life, free from the chains of the past.

Call to Action

Ready to embrace your new identity and move beyond the label of “recovering”? Let’s dive deeper into holistic recovery and discover how you can reclaim every aspect of your life. Join our community at Beyond Sober and connect with others who are on the same journey. Share your story, get support, and inspire others to embrace their new identity too.

Stay stoked, stay strong, and remember — you’ve got this!

-Kohdi