Addiction is a very difficult thing to overcome. Sometimes, people who are dealing with substance abuse and dependence struggle to feel connected to others. In many cases, this lack of connection is due to the way drugs and alcohol affect people’s behavioral and cognitive patterns as well as their emotions. It can be hard for the individual to interact with others. Many of those who are suffering from addiction problems struggle with guilt and shame, even depression. As a result, they often withdraw from others as they attempt to avoid facing the truth about their problem with drugs or alcohol. Some even avoid getting help through a professional drug abuse treatment program because they are unsure of how to confront their struggle. It’s hard to truly come to terms with the truth of addiction. This is one of the reasons people who are dealing with substance abuse struggle to remain accountable, even while they are going through treatment.

Accountability is one of the main things we need in order to live a life of health and total freedom. Having friends, family members, and counselors in our lives who hold us accountable for our actions and thoughts can prove to be extremely helpful. This can help us to stay on track and keep our focus on the things that matter. For a person in recovery from substance dependence and addiction, what truly matters is an addiction-free life, filled with positivity and health. But, remaining accountable isn’t always easy. It can be very challenging for most people. It’s especially hard during recovery. During a person’s time during treatment, accountability plays a vital role in recovery success. Without accountability, an individual will not be able to recognize faults and take responsibility for actions. Accepting accountability in life will provide the tools that one needs to remain sober during and after drug abuse treatment.

The Avoidance of Accountability for Those in Treatment

What exactly is accountability? There are plenty of broad definitions of the word. Many know this term as it refers to being responsible in life. To be accountable means to take responsibility for one’s actions and behaviors. But, when it comes to recovery from addiction, the definition becomes a little more specific. Although accountability in recovery is definitely related to taking responsibility, there’s a little more to it. People who are working to overcome a drug or alcohol addiction problem often struggle to stay on track. After all, their bodies and minds had grown dependent on alcohol or drugs. Breaking the physical and cognitive patterns that are related to addiction can be very difficult. It takes time and patience. Undoubtedly, people who are in recovery sometimes have trouble being patient with themselves and struggle to keep their focus on the benefits of recovery. Accountability helps individual to stay on course.

Many times, people who have been struggling with alcohol or drug abuse will place the blame for their behaviors and actions on the substances they’ve been using. They also use their drug or alcohol addiction as a reason to get out of certain scenarios that may make them feel uneasy. Some may use their problem as an excuse to avoid dealing with and confronting certain emotions. Recovery requires people to face these behaviors, situations, and emotions head on to begin the process of healing. Of course, this is often one of the biggest challenges for those who are in recovery. But, confronting the difficulties that the individual previously ran away from gives the recovering addict the motivation he or she needs. It encourages the individual to become the person they need to be in order to live a sober life. Accountability helps people to maintain this motivation throughout their recovery.

The Results of Avoiding Accountability in Recovery

Unfortunately, many people who are dealing with a substance abuse problem have a difficult time remaining accountable. Some even avoid the idea of responsibility altogether. Again, accepting responsibility and staying on track during recovery is difficult. Going through professional treatment often involves addiction therapy services. Sometimes, therapy can cause individuals to really look at their substance abuse problem in the face and deal with the issues in their lives. This can be extremely uncomfortable and challenging. So, many avoid the idea of accountability. Those who avoid accountability during drug abuse treatment often:

• Develop an addiction to something different to what they are in treatment for so that
  excuses can still be made for actions, emotions, and during uncomfortable situations.
• Don’t accept responsibility for actions while using.
• Deny any previous drug or alcohol abuse.
• Can’t accept the severity of the drug problem.
• Place blame on others when relapse occurs.
• Avoid important steps to take during drug abuse treatment.
• Aggravation when recovery doesn’t happen on their preferred schedule and show passive-aggressive behaviors.

All of these things can be real hinderances for those who are trying to overcome alcohol or drug addiction problems. Without accountability, individuals who are going through therapy, counseling, and treatment will struggle to break free from the bondage of addiction. See, if a person is unable to take responsibility for his or her actions, the individual will struggle to address problems in a healthy way. Blaming others for the problems you are facing prevents you from finding a solution. Addiction therapy services and substance abuse treatment are meant to help people resolve their addiction-related issues. But, avoiding accountability creates an obstacle, preventing people from reaching that resolve. As a result, those who are struggling to remain accountable during treatment will likely have more trouble overcoming addiction in their lives.

Accountability Through Others

People often opt for a non-12 step treatment program when they begin to look for professional help. When 12 step program for alcoholism is mentioned, people think of a long, drawn-out recovery process. They think of having to open up to strangers. And they begin to think about the fact that they will have to face their addiction problems and be accountable for their actions. This is enough to make some individuals avoid getting treatment. But, if you are currently struggling to feel comfortable with the idea of going through a 12 step treatment program, it is critical to think about the problems addiction is causing in your life. Not only is substance abuse negatively affecting you, but it is also having a harmful impact on those around you. Your family members, friends, coworkers, and other members of your community are all feeling the effects of your substance use. So, getting treatment will help you as well as those who care about you.

When you think about a 12 step program, sponsorship may come to mind. A sponsor is the idea of accountability taken into action in recovery. Having a person to report to will give you more means and motivation to achieve the goals of recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, having someone point out the areas where a person needs improvement when they would otherwise avoid taking accountability is important. It helps the individual to recognize harmful and unhealthy patterns during drug abuse treatment. Learning to identify these problems is one of the most important lessons. It enables the individual in recovery to gain a better understanding of relapse prevention. Many California addiction treatment centers will implement sponsorship programs. But, they may not all focus on the unique needs of those who are in recovery. Here at Wellness Retreat Recovery Center, we work to give our clients the best help for their specific situations.

Also, it’s good to have accountability partners during treatment. Maybe, your treatment facility will help to pair you with people who can help you stay on track. But it is also good to have responsible peers and family members help with accountability. A person in recovery and his or her accountability partner can come together to help maintain accountability throughout recovery.

After treatment, accountability is still necessary. If an addict does not have a sponsor or accountability partner, online forums give the chance to be held accountable by others through the internet. There are even online sobriety group meetings and chat rooms available. Addicts should realize that any and all forms of accountability are helpful. Even if they may come in more non-traditional forms.

Seeking Addiction Treatment – We can Help!

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse and ready to start taking accountability for addiction, treatment is available. Maybe you’ve been looking for California addiction treatment centers that can help you or your loved one. At The Wellness Retreat Recovery Center, we understand that accountability is important for growth and healing during drug abuse treatment. We offer a list of different programs that cater to recovery needs. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the programs that we list on our website please contact us today.

*Originally posted December 19, 2018. Updated on March 19, 2019.