Aside from having a strong support group, a person in recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs can also benefit from the example of a person who is also in recovery. A support group can help to keep you honest about your behavior. They need not be people who are also in recovery. Rather, they are people who help you to monitor your behavior and help you to maintain your commitment to remain sober. An example, on the other hand, is a person who is also in recovery and has been successful in their commitment to sobriety. In other words, they are individuals who are on the same journey that you are on and can help you to make good decisions about your own program of recovery.
One of the challenges of recover from addiction to alcohol or other drugs is the need to sever your relationship to people with whom you formerly used drugs. The loss of companionship, of somebody to spend time with, can make recovery even more difficult. Having an example, somebody who inspires you to continue the journey of recovery gives you somebody to help you keep moving forward. Severing your relationship with people who shared your addictive behavior can leave you with fewer people to share your time with. An inspiration, on the other hand, gives you somebody with whom you can move forward in recovery.
Being part of a community is a great source of strength. No matter what you are trying to accomplish, having somebody with whom you can make the journey much easier. Whether you are trying to change a behavior or change your way of life, it is not easy to do so alone. A good example is becoming a Christian. Jesus has called us not as individuals; He has called us to become members of the Christian community.
Who is an example for you? Who inspires you? To whom can you look as an example of the person you want to be? The journey of recovery from addiction to alcohol or other drugs is a difficult journey. Making that journey alone is not easy, but making that journey with companions is much easier. You don’t have to be alone. You can travel with others. Even better, you can walk in the footsteps of others who have already made the journey that you hope to make. An example can serve as your inspiration to keep moving. We can all benefit from having somebody who inspires us. Who inspires you?