"This program is just not working!" While it is probably true that there are some bad recovery programs out there, it is not true that the fault always lies with the program. Just to be a little blunt…the programs didn't call you, you called them. We say it a lot in recovery, "Keep coming back. It works if you work it." We also say, "If nothing changes, then nothing changes." There are times when we may enter a new program, but continue with the previous patterns of behavior. Below are some of the ways we may be defeating the program:
Withholding information
Putting the responsibility for the needed changes on someone else
Not completing assignments
Not attending your sessions, or repeatedly either canceling or rescheduling those appointments
Keeping an attitude that change is impossible
Avoiding information that will create anxiety
Believing that something even worse will happen if I change my behavior
Imagining that it takes too much of your time to change
Focusing on another person's problems to avoid your own
Praying for divine intervention and then not doing anything for yourself
Helping someone else avoid change so they can then help you to avoid any changes
Continuing to be an observer of other people and circumstances rather than becoming a participant
Believing that your old patterns are too severe to change or at least, they are too unique for anyone to understand
Convincing yourself that you are a loser...so, why change now
Keep answering questions with questions
Blame somebody
Continue with the excuse that all those people down at NA or AA are just a bunch of hypocrites anyway..."At least, I'm no hypocrite!"
Maintain the image that you are not addicted to anything...you just have mental problems
Build up resentments and hang one to them for a long time
Do only what you have to do to get by
Rick B.
Dr. Candace McDaniel 8021 East R.L. Thornton Fwy, Suite A Dallas, Texas 75228