In recovery, you’ll learn a lot about honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. These three issues are integral to spiritual growth in sobriety. Being honest can be challenging but fruitful. Open-mindedness means you’re open to hearing and trying new things. Willingness will require that open-mindedness if you’re going to stay sober. You have to be willing to listen AND be open. But willingness expands beyond just listening as time goes on in recovery.
What Does Willingness Mean?
Willingness means that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to get sober. Some people are puzzled and a little frightened by this idea. “Whatever it takes?” you may ask. You probably have a firm list of things you don’t want to do. Don’t worry! Being willing doesn’t mean anyone will ask you to do anything harmful to yourself or others.
You don’t have to be willing to commit a crime or ready to cut off your right arm to get sober. Some people might speak in the abstract about willingness and tell you it means you’re willing to do anything. This is true, but it doesn’t mean you HAVE to do anything. Anything that doesn’t specifically help you in your recovery isn’t something you’re going to be asked to do.
Willingness in Recovery
Honest, open-mindedness, and willingness can help you stay sober. To understand what type of willingness you’ll be asked to exercise, here are a few things you need to be willing to do:
- Be willing to ask for help.
- Be willing to do what it takes to get the help you receive – such as go to treatment or AA meetings.
- Be willing to listen to others and take suggestions – even if you think you don’t “need” them. (Suggestions such as picking up the phone to call your sponsor when you feel like using.)
- Be willing to work on yourself, through therapy and the 12-steps.
- Be willing to participate in your recovery, doing the “inside” work to change.
- Be willing to do things you don’t like necessarily – such as talking about your past or cutting off your old using buddies.
- Be willing to continue to ask for help even as you get more “sober time” in recovery.
- Be willing to participate at meetings and read out loud, set up chairs, take down chairs, or make coffee.
These are just a few things where willingness will help you in recovery. Remaining open-minded means you will listen, while willingness means you’re willing to take action. Being honest will help you get the suggestions you genuinely need, too.
Getting Help for Addiction During COVID-19
Many people have been asking if it’s possible to get clean and sober in a pandemic. The answer is “YES!” and we believe it’s more important than ever to get the help you need.
Detox is an essential part of the process of achieving sobriety, and we’re still here for you! COVID-19 has made us implement a few changes, but we are ready to help you or your loved one get sober in a safe, therapeutic environment.
Call us at 1-800-970-8774 for more information on how we can help you!