We love to use examples from popular culture to illustrate important points about drugs and alcohol, treatment, and the recovery journey. In “Choose Your Own Adventure” novels, you read for a while and then are presented with a choice. You make the choice and then turn to the appropriate page. You read for a while and then are presented with another choice. You make the choice…and so on. Generally, depending on the choices you make as you read, you eventually arrive at a happy ending or a tragic ending. And then you can start over.
This blog is kind of like that. We are going to revisit some examples we have used in the past and then link you to the original blog post for each example. You can choose which links to follow and which to set aside for now.
We do have good news, however: No matter which choices you make below, you will only find uplifting and succinct advice for getting and staying sober. There are no tragic endings lurking in this adventure.
But we will start with a fella who has a tragic backstory of his own.
The Caped Crusader is Always Prepared
We turned to Batman, defender of Gotham City, as an example of the importance of preparedness in recovery. We noted that preparedness includes developing a strong support network, committing to a set of healthy habits, developing the skills to stay grounded in the present moment, and having a plan to follow if things go wrong.
If that sounds like advice you could use right now, follow the link to “Be Like Batman with a Metaphorical Utility Belt for Sobriety.”
A Fish with a Bad Memory Reminds Us to Keep Going
In Finding Nemo and its sequel, Dory, a forgetful fish, concentrates on a single important concept in order to move through life. Faced with challenges, Dory reminds herself to “just keep swimming.” We noted that recovery involves challenges that sometimes are best faced by resolving to “keep swimming.” In this case, “keep swimming” means “stay sober.” Settling into some routines and having a plan for emergencies can help you follow Dory’s advice.
If you need a reminder of how Dory’s resolve can inspire your own, follow the link to “‘Just Keep Swimming’ as a Recovery Mantra.”
Turn to the Red Planet for Recovery Ideas
In an out-of-this-world blog post, we traveled to Mars to learn about recovery via the five rovers NASA has landed on the planet. (If that does not sound like the central plot of “Choose Your Own Adventure Novel,” we don’t know what does!) We spent a little time thinking about how each rover’s name—Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance—connects to ideas about the recovery journey.
If you are ready to blast off to Mars to explore recovery, follow the link to “Recovery Lessons from the Mars Rovers.”
Recovery Advice with a Side of Laugh Track
The classic and rebooted sitcom “One Day at a Time” has a catchy theme song, and the lyrics to that song offer some ideas that are relevant to recovery. Chief among them is this instruction: “Hold on tight. We’ll muddle through one day at a time.” We noted that the idea of taking your recovery journey one day at a time is an important concept in Living Sober, the guidebook of Alcoholics Anonymous.
If you want to get a song stuck in your head while also learning valuable recovery lessons, follow the link to “Hold on Tight. We’ll Muddle Through: Taking Your Sobriety One Day at a Time.”
We Take You Out to the Ball Game to Root for Recovery
You may or may not be a baseball fan, but we had a winning lineup of ideas related to recovery that we illustrated by turning to “America’s pastime.” The blog entry explains how the recovery journey is like baseball’s long season, reminds you that you are not facing down an opponent all by yourself, and assures you that you do not have to hit the ball out of the park each and every day in recovery.
If you like your hotdogs, your fastballs, and your recovery advice with plenty of mustard, follow the link to “Recovery Lessons from the Baseball Diamond.”
Choose to Start Your Sobriety Adventure with Us
Located near St. Louis, Missouri, The Aviary Recovery Center provides top-flight, individualized treatment to those struggling with a substance use disorder. We offer medically supervised detoxification, a rehabilitation program that includes treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders, and a continuum of care that ensures you can start your recovery journey with confidence. Recognized as one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers in 2023, The Aviary Recovery Center is a truly exceptional place to start your own adventure toward lasting sobriety. When you are ready to turn to a new page, we are ready to help you explore a new and sober chapter.
