Successfully Overcoming Addiction: Why Self Help Doesn't Help

Why Self Help Doesn't Help

Successfully Overcoming Addiction

During more than 40 years of helping addicts with successfully overcoming addiction, we’re often asked why treating addiction with self help alone isn't effective. Whether drug or alcohol abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction, eating disorders, sex addiction, or codependency, most unguided and solo attempts at trying to quit come crashing down in an eventual relapse.Why, despite firm commitment and full faith, why can't addicts just quit on their own?

When successfully overcoming addiction is the goal for the person in active addiction, why aren't will power and determination effective?

You Can't Do it Alone

For one, addiction is a persistent and complex condition. And just like other debilitating ailments - whether broken bones, cancer, or deep psychological trauma - getting professional help is crucial for healing at all stages from evaluation to treatment, recovery to follow ups.

Most severely ill people, recognizing that they don't fully understand their sicknesses nor their bodies, seek out specialized help when they become unhealthy. It’s no different with addiction. And just like we'd be foolish to think we could treat our own bones if they were broken, it's unrealistic to expect that an addict can treat themselves and overcome addiction simply on their own.

It has nothing to do with strength, commitment, or capability. It's just the nature of illness which addiction absolutely is.But there is another reason that self help alone is ineffective to successfully overcoming addiction. Illustrated in Step One of the Twelve Step recovery program, the false belief in “self help” methods is fueled by illusion, naivety, and pride.

Once committed to a real treatment program founded on Twelve Step principles, the first meaningful step that addicts take is the realization that despite all their effort, focus, and determination, they are not strong enough to overcome addiction on their own. It requires an addict to admit wholeheartedly they they are beat. They come to the full and sober realization that the addiction, which they alone do not have the power to defeat, is bigger than them.

Freedom comes in this moment of surrender.Referring to 'self help' in this context is about self will and an individual acting with self determination in isolation. This is not to be confused with Twelve Step fellowships which are often colloquially referred to with the catch-all phrase of 'self help programs'. In this context, self help refers to an individual choosing to seek help through a non-professional means. At AA, NA, or other twelve step meetings you may hear the slogan: "You alone can do it, but you can't do it alone". Here, a group of 'selves' gather and together, in fellowship, support one another through the recovery process.

Serenity Vista strongly endorses the universal spiritual principles embodied in the twelve steps and the supportive and healing nature of twelve step fellowships.

With each special guest who comes to us for treatment and knowledge, if there is one single-most important thing we’ve learned in nearly a half century of treating addiction, it’s empathy. We understand the shame that addicts feel, and why they try to self correct instead of admitting defeat and seeking professional drug rehab.

We know that in their absolutely firmest faith and deepest commitment, they believe they can pull themselves out of their illnesses.While their determination to successfully overcoming addiction is commendable, the odds are just not in their favor.

They simply cannot go it alone.

Be Guided on Your Journey

The unsurpassed recovery staff at Serenity Vista is here to help you on your journey, from Step One onward, and onto the path of freedom. We’ll help you stand up as a sober soul, and show you how to stay sober.

And like many others before you - those who accepted weakness, sought help, and found their true inner strength - you too will eventually learn to stand on your own. But getting started takes help.If you’re ready for complete life transformation, we’ll set you on the path to freedom.

Serenity Vista best international private drug rehab will guide and support you in manifesting meaningful real change. More than just sobriety; real life transformation.