This much is certain – everyone wants to leave a positive legacy. An individual’s legacy is something much bigger than themselves. It has the potential to live on and impact many other lives. An individual in recovery has the potential to choose a legacy of sobriety rather than slipping back into their past addictive behavior.
So what would the individual leave behind if they were to die tomorrow? What would people say about them? Did the individual make other people’s lives better or worse? Do their children have solid values? Any and all of these things matter and if the answer is no to most of them, then now is the time to begin correcting their legacy.
There are many things that can motivate the individual to turn to sobriety in the face of the overwhelming challenges that drug or alcohol addiction brings. But the most important aspect of all might be what is the individual leaving behind? That might be the cornerstone of their effort towards recovery.
A lot of people might think their legacy is their children or the wealth they leave for future generations. But it’s more than that. A legacy is a mark left on the world. Everyone has something to offer to the collective tribe of humanity. And sobriety can leave a legacy.
By choosing to remain sober instead of falling back on old habits, the individual chooses to be physically and mentally healthy. This change can allow them to pursue an entirely new lifestyle, where they are not drunk or high. Instead they can be present and fully aware of everything that is going on around them. The individual can be a better parent, spouse, friend and generally a better person, now that they are no longer under the influence.
Once the individual is sober they can turn their negative experiences with addiction and substance abuse into a positive by helping other individuals who are struggling with addiction. For example, the individual who is in recovery for alcoholism may want to speak with students about the dangerous and unsafe behavior related to alcohol. Or the individual might decide to serve others as a sponsor in Alcoholics Anonymous or be a mentor to a friend in need.
The individual understands the challenges of alcoholism firsthand so they are able to provide valuable insight and knowledge to help others with their disease.
At the end of the day, when the individual makes the decision to improve their health and life, they often gain an understanding of their mortality. Leaving behind a legacy that is not tarnished by addiction will be one that offers something valuable to those who come after.
Sustain Recovery provides a safe, structured environment for adolescents to learn about living substance free. To learn more about the elements of transitioning to sober living, contact us about our programs and how it can help you.
