Dallas Bragg argues that recovery clichés like "it works if you work it" are gaslighting that breeds guilt and shame. He says people should reject prescribed plans and forge their own path instead of feeling forced into abstinence or trapped seeking forgiveness.
Here's what I wish I knew in early recovery. I would say to myself, Dallas, you don't have to follow any set recovery plan. There is empowerment in making calls in your own life. There's empowerment in being an expert in your own life and doing what aligns with you, what feels authentic to you. And that when people throw clichés at you like, it works if you work it, that's gaslighting. And you're going to feel so guilty and so shameful that you're going to think that you have to keep coming back and begging for forgiveness. And you don't have to do that. And so for you, I would say, step up and forge your own path. Do not ever let anyone try to make you feel obligated or forced, or let them scare you into abstinence. It doesn't have to be that way.
