The NFL playoffs have started. I don’t know who you’re rooting for. Some people stick with their hometown team, others pick according to their favorite colors and some because their parents are staunch fans. But we all have a favorite no matter how we got to that choice. I happen to cheer for 2 teams, teams that don’t often play each other. The Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately this is one of those years where they clash in the playoffs. So I have to choose between my hometown team and my adopted hometown team, at least for this one game. Once this game ends it’s back to being 100% behind the winner for the rest of the season.

The same kind of concept applies to recovery. There are many different ways to get to your final goal, your choice of what is best. You favorite might not be someone else’s favorite. But the choice is yours to make. However you come to that choice you stick with it and maybe you have a backup. That’s ok, we don’t all do the same thing but as long as we get to the “Super Bowl” of recovery, that is all that matters.

There is in-patient treatment, out-patient treatment, Counseling, Meetings, Support groups, Medically assisted recovery, and the list can go on. You have to choose what works for you and what works for you may not work for another. Don’t be afraid to change if it’s not working. Reach out, ask for advice, there are so many people that will guide you. Your choices and your commitment to those choices will help you succeed. Some people take the scenic route while others take the highway, whichever you choose be sure to keep moving forward. One day, One step at a time. Be sure to use you fans, your support system, let them know what you need, where you are headed. Include them in your recovery.

Recovery takes a team effort just like a football team. You are the quarterback, you set the direction of the play. You have coaches that will suggest certain plays but you are the one out there looking at the goal and sometimes you need to make adjustments on the fly. Your teammates (sponsors, family, group) they are there to help you reach the goal line. Working together as a team is the best way to accomplish your recovery. Just like in a football game, once you cross the goal line it doesn’t end. You have to keep up your defense to stay in control. You still need your “team”. You’ll always need your team and if you’re so inclined you might become a coach to help another reach the goal line.

You see, we are all in the game together. It’s a game of life and death. We need to learn the rules if we want to be on the team. Even spectators should know the rules. So please read and educate yourself. As parents if we want to be part of our children’s recovery we need to educate ourselves. We need to avoid the “penalties” so that we can be a contributing member or spectator of the team. The team I’m cheering for is Recovery.