Transition is difficult and change is hard, especially when you have been engaging in negative behaviors, such as using substances to cope and/or to get through the challenges of life.  

Perhaps the intent of using substances was for recreation, or for acceptance, or to cope with the stressors of life. Whatever the case may be, you may have found yourself addicted to substances. You may have found that your life has been consumed with the use of substances and the impact of your use has disrupted your peace, your sanity, and your life.  

You may have lost family, friends, and hope because of your addiction. Maybe you thought that help was not possible. However, you came to realize that there was another path – a path of recovery that would offer you freedom from the addiction – and a hope that your life could be restored.  

Upon entering this path, you may have been met with doubt and uncertainty. You may have felt scared, but nevertheless, you were willing to take the first step – and so you did! You embarked on a journey of recovery despite your apprehensions. You overcame the cravings, the psychological dependencies, the withdrawal symptoms, and both internal and external triggers. You were courageous! 

Along the way you may have encountered rocky terrain that you had to walk through, and you may have faced some steep hills that you had to climb, nevertheless, you remained committed to abstinence and persevered on the path of recovery. You were courageous! 

In addition, you overcame the pressures to stay sober. You know, those anxious feelings that made you feel overwhelmed and made you feel like you wanted to give up. You endured through those times and stayed on the path of recovery. You were courageous!  

Whether you have been in recovery for a few hours, a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or a few years, it is important to celebrate any milestones you have made. But first, let’s have a chat about milestones.  

Milestones are opportunities to reflect on progress made and highlight areas where there have been positive changes. Milestones serve as markers of how long someone has made it without using alcohol or drugs, therefore, it is important to celebrate how far you have come in your recovery. Why? Because you have worked hard to get where you currently are in your recovery. Each day is an accomplishment and that should be acknowledged and celebrated, in a healthy way, of course.  

Rewarding yourself for a sober milestone in your recovery journey is important. Any amount of time you have remained sober is a good reason to feel proud, so treat yourself for your accomplishment. You earned it!  

But if I may, this concept of celebrating your milestones in recovery may seem strange at first. You may not think that what you have accomplished is a big deal – but it is! Every moment of every day that you worked hard to maintain your sobriety is a big deal! So, celebrate your milestones!  

Let us look at some ways that you can celebrate.  

• Reflect on your journey – this will give you an opportunity to see how far you have come in your recovery and the work it took to get to this place.  
• Go to a movie – relax and enjoy some treats. 
• Go to a meeting – connect with others who understand the challenges and victories you have made and celebrate with them. Your testimony will also be an inspiration to others who are struggling or who are in an earlier stage of recovery. 
• Share your success with others – Plan for a small gathering with family and friends and allow them to share in your accomplishments.  
• Give back – Giving back not only reinforces your commitment to sobriety but also provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose. 

These are just a few examples of ways you can celebrate, there are many others. Regardless of what you choose, please remember – celebrating your sober milestones is a vital part of your recovery journey. It serves as a reminder of your courage, your strength, your progress, and the transformative power of your efforts.  

Today, we are celebrating you and all your success in your recovery!  

Here’s to your good health! 

It’s okay not to feel okay.  

If you or someone you know has been struggling with their emotions, behaviors, or substance use please reach out to us. We can help you find appropriate tools and services that could help you overcome obstacles in your life. We are here for you. Please contact the Southern Ute Behavioral Health Division at 970-563-5700 for more information or to set up an appointment to see a counselor or therapist.  

Reminder: If you need to talk to someone, please reach out. 

And for those interested in opioid use education, harm reduction, and support, please contact us for quick Naloxone (Narcan) training and fentanyl test strips. We can schedule individual, family, or friends training times at our Southern Ute Behavioral Health Building, or we can come to you, and the training is around 30 minutes. Please call us at 970-563-5700 to set up a training appointment.