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When we first get sober there are a lot of common mistakes we all makes early on in sobriety. In my experience, these are the most well-known mistakes I’ve seen people make in the recovery community. I’ve thought of 10 mistakes every newcomer makes.
10 Mistakes Every Newcomer Makes…
1. Being 13th stepped by someone who has more time and no interest in an actual relationship. (You always think it’s going to be something more and tell people they’re wrong, but they aren’t and it isn’t.)
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2. Ending up with a resentment towards a halfway house roommate for something very small and unimportant. (I can’t believe she ate my peanut butter, I’m so pissed I can’t even think about it. She’s going on my 4th step.)
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3. Getting kicked out of a halfway house for drama or possibly failing a drug test. (Whether you caused drama or relapsed, a lot of us have been kicked out of a halfway house before. It’s a good thing there’s so many in Delray!)
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4. Getting into a relationship in early sobriety. (We’re in love, we fell in love when we both picked up white chips, and it was like fate.)
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5. Not taking the suggestions of people who have long-term sobriety in the rooms. (No thanks, I think I’ll try every other way there is first.)
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6. Hanging out with old friends and in old places. (I’m back, finally! New and improved me, but the same old friends and places.)
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7. Going back to your hometown when your treatment center therapist told you it was a bad idea. (Even if you’re just going home to get your car, wait until your therapist thinks you are ready! Having no car can be humbling.)
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8. Expecting everyone to forgive you right away and being shocked when they don’t. (Seriously? You don’t forgive me yet?)
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9. Resisting change and avoiding doing step work at all costs. (Going to the movies, shopping, hanging out with friends, anything to avoid looking at yourself.)
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10. Spending money that you really shouldn’t be spending. (You finally have money and want to buy everything, all the time, for everyone.)
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If you are still a newcomer or are now someone with time, it can be funny to look back on your early stages of sobriety and laugh at these things now. If you are making these mistakes now, (except the relapse mistake) it’s okay to make mistakes! Right now is the time when you’re going to make a lot of mistakes and you learn from them. Nobody is perfect and all of us make mistakes when we first get sober and still even after having some sober time.
The goal of being sober is progress, not perfection. We are trying to better ourselves and grow every day. I recommend taking suggestions and listening to people who have more time than you. They only have your best interest in mind and want you to be aware of how early recovery can be. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll free 1-800-951-6135.