Honesty can be a hard thing to practice when you first get sober. After all, you probably spent an unreasonable amount of time lying to yourself about your addiction. It’s hard to look at how bad your drug or alcohol use has gotten and realize that something is wrong with the way you’re living. You probably had difficulties being honest with others, too. Addiction is a disease that puts people into denial. It’s painful to face the truth. Yet, when you arrive ready for treatment and recovery, you’ll be asked to practice rigorous honesty. Getting to the truth about yourself and your addiction is an essential step to healing.
What Is Rigorous Honesty?
Rigorous honesty requires a person to be honest in all their affairs. Lying, even the small lies, can impede your growth. When you became honest about your addiction, you opened the door to get the help you need. Now that the door is opened, there is a path ahead. Honesty about things big and small will help you stay the path, even when it gets hard so that you can stay clean and sober.
When you’re rigorously honest, it means you’re telling the truth even when it makes you look bad. Small lies can add up. Being honest about your thoughts and feelings helps you be honest with yourself, even if lying might be easier. You may even catch yourself in a white lie and actually stop yourself.
Why Even White Lies Stunt Your Growth
Why are small lies just as destructive as big lies? Because in the end, all of the lies add up. Lies become a way to justify doing things that are harmful to yourself and others. They also impede change and growth.
Here are some lies that can add up quickly:
- “It’s not really stealing because she doesn’t appreciate me!”
- “I only get high every day because I’m stressed right now.”
- “I can’t be addicted to drugs; I still can pay my rent/car note/etc.”
- “It’s his/her fault that I’m an addict.”
- “It’s only wrong if I get caught.”
- “Big companies steal from the taxpayers,, so it’s okay if I steal from them.”
- “I’m not an alcoholic; I only drink beer!”
- “I’m not an addict; I only use once a day!”
- “Everyone drinks the way I do; there’s nothing wrong with it!
Lies keep people from understanding painful but straightforward truths. They can keep you sick and alienate you from your loved ones. Practicing rigorous honesty will help you confront your denial head-on and take responsibility for your actions. Of course, you’re never going to be perfect! It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress. Being willing to stay sober is essential. Your friends and sponsor can help you become more honest as you get more time clean and sober.
Getting Help for Addiction
The first step to getting help for addiction is being honest with yourself that you have a problem. Addiction can be a lonely and painful struggle, but you’re never alone. There is hope waiting for you. No matter who you are, what you’ve used, or what you have done in life, we are here to help you start a healing journey to recovery. Give us a call at 1-800-970-8774 to learn more about how we can help.
