The Recovery Coach NY flowers in bloomThe key to getting sober and staying sober, is asking for help and taking suggestions.

How many times have you tried to quit alone? It was probably short-lived until the next urge to use came. Asking for help can be the difference between life and death. There are many barriers to asking for help, most predominantly fear, pride and denial. Working with a sober companion and having a recovery network can make a big difference.

Asking for help shows courage

It’s common for the drug or alcohol dependent person to believe asking for help is a sign of weakness. Pride and ego is often an inhibitor of “I can do this.” Unfortunately, with addiction, willpower only gets you so far and eventually there will be another bender. Asking for help is an act of great courage because it requires the addict to put their contempt aside and truly accept a situation.

Fear of having people take care of you

No one likes to think of themselves as dependent on others. But this is how recovery works, we get better to eventually help another person in our recovery program. The first year can be the hardest year. Recovery is a selfish program in the beginning. We need help to get sober and stay sober. Let others help, until you can help yourself.

Dealing with uncomfortable emotions

Trying to stay sober comes with an uncomfortable amount of feelings, the feelings that could lead to picking up your drug of choice again. Having support while navigating these emotions can help them feel less powerful and overwhelming. Gain mindfulness with assistance from others and begin to heal old wounds that trigger unhealthy behaviors.

Treatment for addiction is hard work

If are honest, open minded and willing to ask for help, it will get you way further in recovery than doing it alone. Digging into triggers and deeper issues can be an emotional roller coaster, filled with peaks and valleys. Having a sober companion and support network can turn these emotional peaks into rolling hills.

It’s never too late to ask for help

Most importantly, remember it’s never too late to ask for help. Addiction doesn’t care how young or old you are, or what gender, race or ethnicity. Addiction does not discriminate, and there is no shame in getting and achieving sobriety with a support network. You can do it with others supporting you along the way. Get healthy so you can help yourself achieve a happy and successful life. Allow a sober companion help you until you can help yourself. You will be amazed at the difference in how you feel, how you act and how your relationships grow stronger.

There will be difficult days ahead, know that asking for help can make the difference between a life of pain and a life of joy.