The Meaning of Time in Recovery

I am in recovery for a gambling addiction and I have 15 years clean. I am also in recovery for a cocaine addiction and I have 3o+ years sober.

What does this really mean? Let’s take a look at time in terms of recovery as it can be viewed both as a positive and a negative.

First the positive. I have a combined total of 45 years of being sober, which is outstanding in terms of time. Some of this time overlaps naturally but if you view them as separate entities, I have quite a few years under my belt.

The number of years represents how long I have not done something that was detrimental to my health, my emotions, my spirituality, and my overall well-being. Very positive.

But this period of time also represents something else. It serves as a reminder of where I was versus where I am now. And most importantly, it keeps me motivated. I simply am not willing to give up all that time to play a game or use a drug. I view the time as a measurement of success. If you were to have a wonderful job or marriage for 45 years, would you not do your best to keep going? My answer is yes. I would do whatever I needed in order to keep moving forward. That is my motivation and it is related to time. I just do not want to go back to day one.

Now here is where the essence of time can be a detriment or a negative issue.

I have heard from many addicts over the years who say, I only have X number of hours, days, or weeks. And most sound disappointed or embarrassed about this. I say, each second you are not engaging in your addiction is a good use of your time. You need to see time differently.

The focus of time should really be on what you are doing with your time in recovery. If you have one day in recovery, are you using those 24 hours to the best of your ability? Are you seeking help or going to a 12-step meeting? Are you working on your recovery in that 24 hours? If yes, then you have experienced one great day in recovery and you should be proud of your efforts.

There is another concept of time that can be harmful to addicts. Too much time on your hands!

Once you begin recovery, you may find that you have a lot of free time. This is normal for a lot of people. Consider that you spent months or years in drug-seeking behavior. You had to secure financial resources in which to purchase drugs or alcohol, you had to make time to buy the drugs or alcohol, and you spent a great deal of time using drugs and alcohol. Your life was centered around drugs and alcohol. Once you stop using drugs and alcohol, all of this free time kind of just sits there and can sometimes feel like empty or wasted space.

Many addicts state that they do “anything but” engage in using drugs oralcohol. What does this “anything but” look like and how can you fill your time with meaningful activities to aid in your recovery? How can you ensure that boredom will not set in and set you on a path to relapse?

Boredom is often a topic at 12-step meetings due to the importance of its relationship to relapse. And I see boredom as simply a period of time when no activities are present. But there is an activity that you are engaging with in recovery. You are working on not using! That is so important, and I think we need to redefine boredom while in recovery.

Work on redefining your definition of time and make it work for you! Anytime spent in recovery working a program is a great use of your time. Any amount of time sober is an accomplishment!