Ego Driven Recovery
Updated: Oct 13, 2022
Two days short of 1600 days in recovery I am fed a big chunk of humble pie. It stings, but it is what it is. My recovery has become ego driven. Awg man, and what a can of beautiful worms this has opened for me. I use worms because that is where butterflies come from, right?
I am going to cocoon myself in this lesson on humility and come out the on the other side a girl on fire, flamed in the gift of desperation, ready to give new meaning to recovery.
Yes! I am doing this.
I am willing to do whatever it takes to get back to basics and kick this nasty where it hurts.
I do not want to be a “dry drunk”. Follow the link to see what Wikipedia says about this term.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_drunk
If the next 600 – 900 words don’t make you think about where you are at in your recovery, do some homework. Ask yourself, who have I become in my recovery? Who do I want to be in recovery? What is it you want out of this journey? And what are you willing to do and let go of to maintain your sobriety? Have you become stagnant and imprisoned by the ego?
Here goes…
The following are snippets from websites I visited after realizing that my recovery needs serious attention. Google has all the answers, and my Higher Power put people on my path to point out what the ego does not want me to know, never mind acknowledge.
Never mind taking responsibility for the ego-driven recovery I have nested myself in so comfortably.
https://www.theprocessrecoverycenter.com/the-ego-prison-of-12-step-recovery/
“Can we change our beliefs to be this and that, as Bill W. suggested, and support people to the light with the practice of principles, and less opinion on what’s best? If you believe your way is the best, you’re living in some ego. In living in that ego, you’re portraying a message to other people: ‘this is the way. How do you know what their way is? How do you know what their path looks like? How do you know how their inner journey will unfold? Bill W. didn’t care about the ‘how’ – support people on their path to the light. Are you still on the journey to light – and sharing how that has evolved over the years – or has that journey stopped?”
Bill Wilson is the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous.
For more information on Bill W, follow the link to a 2012 documentary on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBS4XiGAMeo
This man paved the way for many who seek freedom from addiction. Bill W – included in TIME magazine “100 persons of the 20th century”.
Back to the ego-driven recovery.
First, let us take a look at this damned ego thing.
https://www.solaceasia.org/blog/recovery-and-humility
“The ego is our false sense of self. It consists of an understanding of self, gathered over a lifetime of experiences. It's the sum of our history. Whether positive, negative, or neutral; these beliefs can be problematic. For they are in no way reflective of reality. It is our identity based on our personality. The ego contains our beliefs, talents, abilities, and perspectives. It’s the difference between you and me.”
“One can feel a wounded ego by the way it manifests itself in life. A wounded ego will get angry, depressed, resentful, and ashamed. In active addiction, we shunned these emotions to keep them alive. Addiction stopped us from dealing with these feelings as they came up in life. Addiction kept the ego alive and well.
Thus, recovery is about dispatching or sending the ego off. This will involve learning to be humble and patient with the self and others. It means replacing a life of fear with a life of love.”
Yes, that’s me. Onthene, the addict. I have single-handedly managed to edge God straight out of my recovery.
E.G.O – edging God out
That’s it, a wounded ego left untreated has now morphed itself into a strong self-willed run riot. In reading the rest of this post I discovered that I am suffering from a high dose of ego fatigue. And here I was stroking the ego, giving it a nice excuse to exist by convincing myself that it is because of compassion fatigue that I have been feeling like I have been committing spiritual suicide.
Well, I have been, at least I can acknowledge that.
https://www.solaceasia.org/blog/recovery-and-humility
“Ego fatigue is when there is no more resourcefulness in the person. The mental energy to keep up a life of self-sufficiency has been drawn to an end. It's based on the idea that we all have a limited supply of ingenuity which, over time, will deplete. It happens when immediate pleasures are more valued than longer-term gains. For instance, addicts take drugs for instant gratification. When they do so, they have experienced ego fatigue. It's because they are using self-harming behaviours as a last resort. They are unable to come up with proper solutions for problem-solving. They have no idea of the harm, addiction poses. Nor do they realize the consequences of their actions. In this state of ego fatigue, addicts become a burden to themselves, others, and the world around them.”
Self-harming behaviors – spiritual suicide. What have I become?
For more on ego fatigue (ego depletion) follow the link:
The antidote to this nasty? Humble Pie. Big servings of Humble Pie a.k.a humility. I need to re-set, reconnect, restart, re-evaluate, re-think, re-make and re-write the narrative of my story.
Where do I begin? Well, right here, with me, Onthene, the addict.
I can start by believing the words of the serenity prayer, I can start by putting those words into action by recommitting myself to the third step decision, turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand him, it, her or them.
https://www.solaceasia.org/blog/what-is-the-serenity-prayer
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the
things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“In so few words, the serenity prayer does indeed sum the essence of recovery for many. Here is
why reciting the prayer helps addicts in recovery and why reiterating it has been encouraged as a timeless tradition within the rooms.”
Click on the link above and make the choice to let this be your lighthouse, guiding you through the storms in the journey of recovery.
Thank you ego, you have served your purpose. I am on my way back to the light.
My name is Onthene, I am still an addict.
CONCLUSION
Ego and Early Recovery
Ego and early recovery can sometimes be a tricky combo. On the one hand, having a healthy ego is essential to maintaining confidence and self-esteem. However, an overinflated ego can be a recipe for disaster, particularly in early recovery when emotions and feelings are already running high. The key is to strike a balance between the two. That means recognizing when your ego is getting in the way and learning to let it go when necessary. It also means not being afraid to ask for help when you need it and not being afraid to admit when you're wrong. Recovery is a journey and it's one that you have to walk on your own. But that doesn't mean you can't lean on others for support
The Ego is an Addiction to the Self
Ego driven recovery is the process of recovering from an addiction to the self. The ego is an addiction to the self because it is a false sense of identity. The ego is what makes us feel special and unique. It is what makes us feel better than others. It is what makes us feel like we are the center of the universe. The ego is an addiction to the self because it is a false sense of identity.
The Ego in Recovery
Ego can be defined as an inflated sense of self-importance. In the context of recovery, ego can be a major obstacle. An ego driven recovery is one where the individual is focused on their own success and progress to the exclusion of others. This can lead to a sense of entitlement and a feeling that one is above the program or the rules. Ego can be a big problem in recovery because it can lead to a sense of complacency and entitlement. It is important to remember that we are all equal in recovery and that no one is above the program. humility is key. The 12 steps are a guide for how to live a better life, not a competition. If you find yourself getting caught
Ego and the Addict
Recovery from addiction is a difficult process, and one that is often made more difficult by the presence of ego. Ego can manifest in many ways in those struggling with addiction, and can often be a hindrance to recovery. One of the most common ways that ego can manifest in addiction is in the form of denial. Denial is a powerful force, and can keep addicts from admitting that they have a problem. Denial can also lead addicts to believe that they can recover without help, which can be a dangerous attitude. Ego can also manifest as a sense of entitlement. Addicts may feel that they are entitled to continue using drugs or alcohol, no matter the consequences. This sense of entitlement can often be
The benefits of rehabilitation centers and how they help addicts?
Rehabilitation centers have long been a staple in the fight against addiction. They provide a safe and structured environment for addicts to detox and begin their journey to recovery. Rehabilitation centers offer a variety of services and programs that help addicts in their recovery, such as counselling, group therapy, and 12-step programs. Rehabilitation centers provide a necessary and vital service to addicts and their families.
How to choose the right rehab centre for your needs?
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it is important to choose the right rehab centre that will fit your needs. There are many different types of rehab centres, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to do your research in order to find the rehab centre that will work best for you.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a rehab centre. First, you need to consider the type of addiction you are struggling with. This will help you narrow down your options and find a rehab centre that specializes in treating your specific addiction. Second, you need to consider your budget. There are rehab centres that range in price, so it is important to find one that you can afford. Lastly, you need to consider your personal preferences. Some people prefer a more holistic approach to treatment, while others prefer a more traditional approach. It is important to find a rehab centre that offers the type of treatment you are looking for.
The Dangers of Drug Abuse and the Importance of Rehabilitation?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how to deal with drug abuse and addiction, but rehabilitation is a vital step for many people who want to overcome their substance abuse problems. Rehabilitation can help addicts learn to live sober lives and to cope with the challenges of recovery. It can also provide them with the tools they need to avoid relapse and to build successful, drug-free futures.