Not long ago, we wrote about the importance of getting regular exercise in recovery. That got us thinking about various sports and what lessons they might offer that can be applied to recovery from a substance use disorder.
While we mentioned pickleball in that entry about exercise, we are going to turn to a different sport in search of ideas related to recovery. That sport—now a year-round phenomenon—is basketball.
So hum a little “Roundball Rock” as we head out onto the court.
Different Players Bring Different Approaches to the Game
When you watch a basketball game, it is quickly evident that different members of a team bring different skills and approaches to the court. Some players are excellent shooters from outside. Taller players often play down near the basket, where they can shoot from close range and can also grab rebounds. Some players excel at defense, making a real difference in the game, whether or not they provide much scoring. There are skilled dribblers, excellent passers, players you can always count on to run the floor at full tilt, and more.
Just as there are different approaches to playing basketball, there are different ways to approach your recovery, too. The key is to find the things that support your success as you work to leave drugs or alcohol in your past. For example, you might be best served by leaning into healthy habits like getting enough rest, eating healthy, and, yes, getting that regular exercise. You might find that attending multiple recovery meetings each week serves you better than just attending one (or none). And you can find the perfect balance for yourself when it comes to socializing with supportive friends and spending time alone to recharge.
Different Moments Can Require Different Strategies
Some basketball teams really love to push the pace. Others prefer a slower game. But no matter what a team generally prefers, there are times when the opposite approach is the right one for a given situation. You might, for example, slow down to burn some time off the clock if you are protecting a lead late in the game. If you are trailing, you might need to apply added pressure in the hope of getting the ball and scoring quickly. Understanding the situation is an important part of the game.
That is true in recovery, too. Your regular recovery routines might be working quite well for you—until you are suddenly beset by cravings for drugs or alcohol. While the craving persists, you may need to employ some different tactics—like urge surfing, for example—to keep your recovery intact. Employing the right strategy at the right moment is essential.
You Can Rely On Your Teammates
While basketball can be played one-on-one, most of the time it is a team sport. That means you have folks to rely on at every moment of the game. A successful team racks up wins by learning to lean on one another. The team has shared goals, and everyone supports everyone else in pursuit of those goals.
The same can be true in recovery. Take, for example, recovery meetings. When you attend a meeting, you are surrounded by other people who know what you have been through, who understand the challenges you are facing now, and who share a goal with you. Everyone in that meeting is working to maintain their recovery just as you are working to maintain yours. You are all on the same team—and can rely on each other for support when the going gets tough.
Your Coach Is Always There for You
Basketball coaches are teachers, cheerleaders, and disciplinarians all at the same time. Their job is to set their team up for ongoing success—which includes celebrating when things are going well and commiserating and correcting when things are going poorly. Often, a coach’s skills in these areas are what separate good teams from great teams.
In recovery, your sponsor, recovery mentor, or therapist might serve as a kind of coach. You can turn to your “coach” when you need help navigating your recovery. These individuals can encourage you in tough moments and celebrate with you when things are going well. They can offer up their experiences and ideas, and they can point out when you might be making decisions that do not support your recovery. A good coach in recovery can be a real difference maker.
Get Back In the Game
If drugs or alcohol have you sidelined, we can help you reclaim your life with personalized, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders.
At The Farley Center—located in Williamsburg, Virginia—we bring expertise, experience, and empathy to every interaction we have with those we serve. You can count on us to see you through medically supervised detoxification and our robust rehabilitation program. And you can rely on us for ongoing support and resources when your time in treatment comes to an end.
If you are ready to reclaim your life from a substance use disorder, we are ready to be your teammates in that endeavor. Let’s get you back in the game.
