In order to move forward in recovery you must first fix what is broken.

There’s a powerful saying in recovery and personal growth circles: “The only reason to look back is to see how far you’ve come.” It’s a reminder that while the past can hold pain, regret, and trauma, it also contains the evidence of resilience, healing, and progress. But to truly move forward into a fulfilling, sober, and purpose-driven life, we must address the parts of ourselves and our stories that still weigh us down.

Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from a substance. It’s about transformation. And that transformation requires courage—the courage to fix what’s broken, mend what’s strained, and heal what’s been wounded. This article dives into the ten most important things we must fix in order to truly move forward, along with actionable ways to do so.

1. Resentments

What Needs Fixing: Resentment is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer. It fuels anger, keeps wounds open, and breeds bitterness that poisons your thoughts, relationships, and emotional health.

How to Fix It:

Identify your resentments. Write them down.
Understand their roots—what expectations were violated?
Practice forgiveness, not for them, but for your freedom.
Use therapeutic tools like journaling, the “empty chair” technique, or guided visualizations.
Speak to a sponsor, counselor, or mentor to process deep-seated anger.

2. Unresolved Trauma

What Needs Fixing: Trauma doesn’t just go away. It embeds itself in your nervous system, affecting how you respond to stress, form relationships, and see yourself.

How to Fix It:

Seek professional help through trauma-informed therapy (EMDR, CBT, somatic therapy).
Learn grounding techniques to regulate your nervous system.
Practice self-compassion and understand trauma is not your fault.
Engage in safe spaces where your story can be heard without judgment.

3. Limiting Beliefs

What Needs Fixing: “I’m not good enough.” “I’ll never change.” These internal scripts shape your reality. If you believe you’re incapable of recovery or unworthy of love, you’ll act accordingly.

How to Fix It:

Challenge your inner dialogue. Ask, “Is this true?”
Replace negative beliefs with empowering affirmations.
Surround yourself with voices of encouragement—people who see your potential.
Track evidence of your progress to disprove limiting beliefs.

4. Damaged Relationships

What Needs Fixing: Addiction often leaves a trail of broken relationships—betrayed trust, unspoken pain, and distance. Avoiding this prevents healing.

How to Fix It:

Take responsibility for your part without defending or blaming.
Practice sincere amends, but respect others’ readiness to accept them.
Rebuild through consistency, honesty, and time—not grand promises.
Engage in family or relationship counseling if needed.

5. Negative Self-Image

What Needs Fixing: Recovery requires a reintroduction to your true self. If you see yourself only through the lens of addiction, shame, or failure, you’ll never fully embrace wellness.

How to Fix It:

Acknowledge your achievements, however small.
Start a gratitude or strengths journal.
Avoid comparison—your journey is uniquely yours.
Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d give a loved one.

6. Fear of Change

What Needs Fixing: Fear can be paralyzing. It tells you it’s safer to stay in pain than risk the unknown. But growth lives on the other side of change.

How to Fix It:

Acknowledge your fears without shame.
Break change into small, manageable steps.
Celebrate micro-wins.
Use visualization to see the positive outcomes of change.
Build a support network that encourages and holds you accountable.

7. Toxic Habits

What Needs Fixing: Addictions often come with a lifestyle that includes destructive routines—poor sleep, negative influences, inactivity, or unhealthy coping mechanisms.

How to Fix It:

Audit your daily habits. Which ones serve your recovery? Which ones don’t?
Introduce wellness routines—exercise, proper nutrition, meditation.
Replace instead of remove. For example, trade late-night scrolling for a calming book.
Avoid old people, places, and things that trigger you.

8. Denial

What Needs Fixing: Denial keeps you stuck. It tells you there’s no problem, or that things aren’t “that bad.” It blocks insight and delays healing.

How to Fix It:

Be radically honest with yourself. Journaling and therapy can help.
Accept feedback from those who care about you.
Identify patterns—recurring consequences, emotions, or setbacks.
Replace shame with curiosity. Ask, “Why do I feel the need to hide this?”

9. Unforgiveness

What Needs Fixing: Holding on to past wrongs—whether done to you or by you—locks you in the past. Forgiveness isn’t forgetting; it’s choosing freedom.

How to Fix It:

Understand that forgiveness is a process, not a single act.
Write letters you don’t send to release emotional weight.
Acknowledge your own humanity. You did the best you could with what you had.
Invite forgiveness into your self-talk, daily.

10. Disconnection from Purpose

What Needs Fixing: Purpose gives life direction. Without it, recovery can feel aimless. Addiction robs you of dreams—but they can be reclaimed.

How to Fix It:

Reflect on what once inspired or moved you.
Explore new interests or hobbies that align with your values.
Serve others. Purpose often emerges through contribution.
Set meaningful goals and celebrate progress.
Work with a mentor or counselor to uncover your deeper motivations.

Looking back doesn’t have to mean reliving your worst days. It can mean measuring your growth and honoring your resilience. But forward movement—real, lasting growth—requires the bravery to fix what’s broken.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about willingness, intention, and the pursuit of healing. At South Coast Recovery Centre and in recovery communities around the world, these are the daily battles and victories that define transformation.

Fix what needs fixing. Heal what needs healing. Reclaim what was lost.

The journey forward begins now.