Importance of Accountability: Getting Over Your Addiction

A few years ago, I decided to go on a diet. It wasn’t anything too ridiculous, just a commitment not to have dessert for four months. I was in college at the time and there were always sweet foods available — so it wasn’t easy to say no.

Starting the diet on my own, I quickly realised that I was missing something. That something was someone. I needed to tell my friends about my commitment, or I would fail. Eventually, I convinced a friend to do it with me, and we stayed dessert-free for the four months.

Looking back, I realise that I couldn’t have done it on my own.

You need accountability when you’re doing something difficult — and not just in dieting. It’s important in overcoming addiction.

Don’t Even Try

You don’t have to fight addiction all by yourself — and you really shouldn’t try to. Trying to beat an addiction alone, is like trying to beat an elephant in a wrestling match; you’ll wear yourself out before you even begin to have an advantage. You’re addicted, and that means you need help.

No one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol has the willpower to overcome addiction alone. Your addiction has power over you, and once you admit that, you’ll understand the importance of accountability.

Share Your Goals

Telling your friends and family about your struggle, and your goals in recovery will help you in a couple of different ways:

• It will give you a chance to talk about and think through your addiction.
• Telling your friends and family will give you an opportunity to tell them what they can do to help.
• The more people that know, the worse you’ll feel if you fall back into addiction—so tell people that will encourage and lift you up if you fail.

Another great way to get accountability is to ask another addict if he’ll try and quit with you. This will give you someone you can relate with down the road to recovery. Make sure the person you choose is just as serious about recovery as you are.

Accountability in De-Addiction

Most De-Addiction programmes have accountability integrated into their system. This structured form of accountability will force you to be honest and transparent with other recovering addicts and counsellors.

If you haven’t considered treatment, I encourage you to check out our directory of over 1,500 rehab centres — and begin seeking help today.