What Does Resilience In Recovery Mean?

You have to admire the resilience of the Energizer Bunny. You know that cute, battery-operated pink rabbit with sunglasses? He zips around, incessantly banging his drum while knocking over whatever’s in his path. Despite the obstacles, that bunny just “keeps going and going and going....” 

This is resilience in action. And like that little bunny, we need the strength to keep going and going as we navigate Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) recovery. Identifying and cultivating resilience is a process, but it can be a game changer when we are striving for an alcohol-free lifestyle. Let’s look at what it is, its role in AUD recovery, and ways to foster it. 

What Does Resilience Mean?

Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from challenges or adversity. It enables us to bounce back from stress, disappointment, or trauma. For some of us, it could mean getting our energy back after running a marathon. Or maybe it’s getting back on track following a breakup, job loss, or illness. It also offers a protective element because it can help prevent mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Think of it as an inner strength that helps us cope with and adapt to hard times.

Some of the qualities we associate with resilient people include:

• Optimism
• Patience
• Self-care
• Awareness
• Adaptability
• Emotional regulation
• Communication
• Social support

Each of us has our own level of resilience. We sometimes surprise ourselves with our ability to adapt when faced with grave or unforeseen circumstances. Yet there may be others who view even minor obstacles as insurmountable. The difference between us can often determine how well we cope throughout AUD recovery. Let’s take a closer look at the issues involved to learn more about building the resilience needed to help those of us who want to move forward when seeking an AUD recovery strategy.

What Is AUD?

Alcohol Use Disorder, or AUD, is a medical diagnosis that describes a problematic and unhealthy pattern of alcohol consumption that leads to distress or impairment in daily life. Symptoms of AUD include cravings, loss of control, physical dependence, neglect of responsibilities, and continued use of alcohol despite experiencing negative consequences. The latter factor is the most critical. Financial problems, relationship difficulties, legal issues, and poor job performance are some of the negative consequences associated with AUD. Let’s turn to some obstacles we may face when we choose a path to recovery.

Challenges Associated With AUD Recovery

For many of us who want to change our relationship with alcohol, we know deep down that if something is going to happen, it won’t happen on its own. For most of us, reaching this point doesn’t happen overnight, and neither did developing AUD. It sort of snuck up on us over time. 

We once may have relied on drinking to blow off steam, temporarily curb anxiety, or relax with friends. However, after some time, we found this came with baggage such as poor judgment, arguments, memory lapses, fumbles at work, and so on. 

And even when we faced the consequences of our drinking, denial stood in our way. That’s the insidious part of AUD: it changes our brain chemistry and interferes with the choices we make. It’s like being caught in a trap of knowing what we need to do but simply being unable to do it. It’s a common dilemma that often forces us to confront the barriers to AUD recovery.

Taking that first step toward AUD recovery involves more than motivation. It requires overcoming the often paralyzing barriers of shame, guilt, and fear of being stigmatized. And let’s not forget our negative self-talk like, “I can’t do this!” Instead, people who want to change their relationship with alcohol need to firmly believe it is possible to fully:

• Fulfill their basic human needs
• Enhance their social and spiritual life
• Improve their physical and mental health
• Improve their overall quality of life and well-being

A recent study noted that despite its many challenges, resilience in addiction recovery is a vital component. Psychological toughness and inner strength are often necessary for tipping the scales in the direction of a successful recovery. One way to do this is by using a resilient approach.

Building Resilience in AUD Recovery

Some of us are hardwired with innate resilience; it just kicks in when needed. Think of the Energizer Bunny! But not all of us are built this way, and that’s ok. We can develop resilience even when it isn’t second nature to us. 

Here are some ways to build resiliency, specifically when it comes to AUD recovery:

• Expect Challenges. We can find the decision to begin AUD recovery intimidating and overwhelming. Start with realistic expectations. We’ll encounter obstacles and victories, moments of triumph and disappointment. Inconsistency is the nature of recovery, and understanding that will support our long-term success.
• Have a Team. Navigating AUD recovery is usually more than a one-person mission, as is building resilience. Set yourself up for success by developing a good support network. 
• Banish Black-and-White Thinking. It can be tempting to equate any slipup to failure. But recovery is about a flexible mindset and understanding that the path will involve ups and downs. We aren’t perfect nor will our journey be. When you catch yourself in an all-or-nothing loop, reframe your self-talk, be encouraging, and know you are doing the best you can. 
• Look for the Silver Lining. Even our stumbles and failures can be reframed (see what we did there?) into a positive. Instead of allowing a defeat to knock us down in our tracks, seeing it as a learning experience leads to a healthier and more resilient outlook. 
• Focus on What You Can Control. Realistically, the only part of life within our control is ourselves. Stay focused on your journey, eliminate or reduce negativity when possible, and be okay knowing you are your #1 priority. You are worth it!   
• Affirm Your Values. Consistently review what you want in life and your goals for seeking recovery. Keep a short list of how sobriety will improve your life or gather images for a vision board. By consistently reinforcing your values, you strengthen your resolve on the recovery path.
• Take Care of You. Self-care is crucial in AUD recovery, not just physically but also mentally. Take time to do the things you like best, whether streaming movies or music, working out, hanging out with friends or family, or going for a walk in the park. Be good to yourself, and remember to breathe!
• Stay Present. The best mantra for building resilience and navigating AUD recovery is “One day at a time.” Staying present means not thinking too far into the future or spending too much time reviewing the past. The best course is to stay in the now.

Key Takeaways

Starting AUD recovery is a huge first step toward building a healthier and happier future. Resilience can be one of the most effective tools in recovery; it can help us adapt to and bounce back from its frequent ups and downs. Among other things, resiliency grows when we have a support network, manage expectations, and practice self-care. After all, we need all the cheerleading we can use.

Resilience isn’t just for the most challenging situations. We benefit from it in all aspects of life, whether perfecting our golf swing, studying for exams, or juggling two jobs. Getting through these challenges requires stamina and a stick-to-it attitude. That’s where resilience comes in.