Dancing with the Stars—the popular reality show featuring professional dancers teaching celebrities to dance and compete on live television—has been on the air (or at least streaming) since 2005. As we write this, the show is in the midst of its 35th season.
That significant staying power is a hallmark of any program. Whether you are a big fan, have never seen the show, or have tuned in from time to time over the years, you might find yourself wondering why the show remains so popular. We do not claim to have any definitive answers to that question. That said, we do think that some of the things that make the show ongoingly appealing offer lessons that can be useful for a person in recovery from a substance use disorder. Let’s shine a light on the ways in which a show with a mirror ball for a trophy can help you make winning moves in recovery.
You Can Do Hard Things
Many of the celebrities who agree to appear on Dancing with the Stars have no dance background whatsoever. Many of them arrive in the studio with challenges that have to be overcome. Maybe they have an injury or disability. Maybe they do not have the physical stamina to tolerate long rehearsal days. Maybe they are self-conscious in ways that make it hard to really commit to the moves they need to learn.
Whatever difficulties they might face, most of the celebrities really commit to trying to learn to dance even though it is difficult. While they may have different reasons for wanting to do so, they are all ready to work hard to achieve a goal.
A person struggling with a substance use disorder might fear that they will simply be unable to reclaim their life from drugs or alcohol and decide that they will not even try to do so. That, of course, leaves them stuck right where they are—and things are far more likely to get worse rather than better.
Instead of fearing what might seem difficult, a person with a substance problem can embrace the challenge knowing that the goal of lasting recovery is well worth the effort.
There May Be Setbacks
During a season of Dancing with the Stars, various celebrities and their pro partners experience a variety of ups and downs. A celeb might excel at one style of dance and receive high scores from the judges but then struggle with another style and see their scores go down. One member of a couple—the pro or the celebrity—might get hurt or fall ill. The contestant might have conflicting responsibilities that limit rehearsal time.
In any and all of those cases and others like them, the couples have to overcome the challenges to stay in the competition. That takes dedication, flexible thinking, and an understanding that growth does not always occur in a straight line.
All of those things can be said of the recovery journey, too. There will likely be setbacks in recovery. Overcoming those setbacks might require doubling down on your dedication to the work of recovery, flexible thinking as you find and employ strategies that work well for you, and a growth mindset that helps you remember that even when it feels like you are taking a step forward and two steps back, growth is still ongoingly possible.
You Are Not in It Alone
Dancing with the Stars is, by its very nature, a show about mutual support in good times and bad. The celebrities and their pro partners have to rely on one another to find success. In addition, the competitors often talk about the show and its participants as a family—one that is shown supporting one another in each and every episode.
In recovery, you can rely on a support system to help you reach your goals. Your recovery community includes those in your 12-Step or other recovery program meetings, your supportive friends and family, alums of your treatment program, and more. Recovery, like ballroom dancing, is not a solo activity, and knowing that you can rely on others can make the various challenges that arise easier to weather.
It Takes Two to Tango: You and The Aviary
At The Aviary Recovery Center, located near St. Louis, Missouri, we help those struggling with drugs or alcohol reclaim their lives and start the recovery journey with confidence. We are also equipped to treat mental health disorders that may be entangled with a substance use disorder. Year after year, we are recognized as one of the top treatment facilities in the country for substance use disorders.
Our inpatient program begins with medically supervised detoxification so that you can get drugs or alcohol out of your system in a safe environment that is free of temptations. Rehabilitation is the next step and is built around individual and group therapy sessions. Rehab helps you acquire resources and strategies that will serve you well when treatment comes to an end. It is also the period in the process during which mental health disorders can be addressed.
When you return to your day-to-day life, you can stay connected to The Aviary Recovery Center through our alumni program, keeping you connected to others who are also working on the recovery dance.
