Surrendering control can be liberating. Sometimes, I hear about fugitives on the run who get caught, and they talk about how relieved they were to be captured. Perhaps this type of surrender is fulfilling because the chains of stress and guilt finally come off. It can be the same with addiction.

Too often, with addiction, we live a lie and have to convince ourselves that our problems don’t exist. It’s liberating to free ourselves of this anxiety. We can let things go, admit defeat, and rebuild ourselves upon surrender. Surrendering control is essential in recovery because it allows individuals to let go of unhealthy behaviors such as control of substance use, control over cravings, control over the past, control over others, and control over outcomes.

Let it go, but that doesn’t mean forego your responsibilities.  Instead, recognize the limits of trying to control everything. Be open to guidance, support, and healthier ways of living. Surrender your desire to be correct and that you know what’s best.

Reflect on areas where you can surrender control and trust in a higher power. Surrendering is a continual process, but it’s a crucial step toward personal growth and addiction recovery.