Sailing Away from Addiction Toward a New Way of Life

Navigating the seas of addiction is a precarious odyssey.  First and foremost is recognizing that the waters you traverse are those of addiction.  However, equally as important is truly wanting to sail from murky waters to those of brilliant blue. 

Oftentimes, those who suffer an addiction fail to accept that the addiction is truly a problem. Whether it’s a substance (drugs, alcohol, food, etc.) or a process (sex, gambling, etc.), those addicted typically say to themselves; “I can quit when I want.”  “I can manage this and it has no effect on me or others.”  “This is my ship, I’m the captain, and I will steer my ship in the direction I damn well please!”

And so, addicts keep sailing further and further into murky waters, sailing steadily toward the setting sun.  They are reticent to change their course because sailing in the direction they know is a habit, the pattern they use to help them get through each day.  The addict will normally hold steadfast because they are comfortable with their course, and being in control in easier than the work of changing direction or admitting the current course is not working.  They know what to expect from murky waters.  The setting sun, despite being painful to the eyes, is a familiar comfort.

Changing tack would lead to an uncertain future.  Altering their course would mean that the setting sun is at their back rather that in their sights.  Change creates feelings of fear, and below fear, feelings of toxic shame.  With addiction the map is written, the feelings are known and comfortable.  Losing the addiction would mean sailing off the map’s chartered course, sailing into risky waters.  Beyond the fear of the unknown, is the fear of failing.  Beyond the fear of the unknown, is the shame of inadequacy.  What if the new course proves too difficult to navigate?  If those uncharted waters are too difficult and the person addicted changes tack again, back to familiar waters, then he/she would have failed and proven themselves worthless.  Why try when failure is possible?

Is failure the worst outcome?  Columbus set sail to discover a new trade route and failed. Instead, he found a new world.  In order to overcome addiction, the addict must give up their belief that the known course is the best course.  Give up sailing toward the sunset in favor of sailing in the foreign direction of the rising sun.  They must relinquish their control and comfort of their known direction in favor of the unknown, in favor of a new life.  

This new lifestyle is not one without peril.  Denouncing the addictive behavior does not mean that the addiction disappears. The new lifestyle is one where the recovering addict must acknowledge the addiction daily, knowing that the sun is setting to their back, yet choosing to sail toward the sunrise.

Addiction Counseling Nashville

Are you concerned about your alcohol or substance abuse?  Do you want to find experienced Nashville addiction counseling? As a skilled and empathic therapist, please understand that I have helped many people just like you on the journey to recovery. Counseling and recovery from addiction is a difficult but rewarding process. Not many changes can improve a person's life as much as recovering from alcohol, substance abuse or other type of addiction. Whether you are drawn to alcohol, drugs, activities, or people, we can work together to find solutions.

Jeff Grossman offers individual addiction counseling in Nashville and Brentwood TN. He also offers group therapy, couples counseling, depression and anxiety counseling.