Even if you do not read comic books or enjoy the ongoing onslaught of superhero television programs and movies, you are probably familiar with DC Comics’ three most famous heroes. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman have been embedded in American culture for decades and decades, so almost everyone knows them and aspects of their famous costumes—an ‘S’ across the chest and a flowing red cape, a cowl with pointy ears and a belt filled with useful gadgets, and a pair of golden bracelets good for deflecting projectiles.
These three heroes are so closely connected in the comics that they are sometimes known as DC’s “Trinity.” And as it would turn out, each hero has at least one character trait that can support the sobriety of a person in recovery—traits that all of us can foster in our own lives.
So, today’s thrilling adventure is a journey into the world of the comics to see what lessons we can learn that relate to maintaining your heroically reclaimed sobriety.
Superman is Unfailingly Kind
Sure, we think of Superman’s amazing abilities—he’s faster than a speeding bullet, stronger than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound (fun fact: originally, Superman bounded from place to place rather than flying)—as his defining characteristics. But a lot of costumed characters have plenty of power. What sets Supes apart is his unfailing kindness.
Kindness can be a powerful asset in recovery. Sure, it can help when other people are kind to you, but we would argue that it can be equally helpful in recovery for you to cultivate a spirit of kindness.
Being kind to others is a good way to remind yourself that most everyone is facing a challenge of some kind most of the time. Your kindness might improve someone’s day, and by extension improve your own. And it is equally important to work on being kind to yourself. Sobriety can be an ongoing challenge and it can be all too easy to get discouraged. When you are kind to yourself, you are better able to withstand difficulties with your sobriety intact.
Batman is Endlessly Resilient
Batman is not a barrel of laughs. His relentless efforts to keep the people of Gotham City safe from various costumed creeps is a grim business, made more grim by his insistence of using a cave as his base of operations. But what Bats lacks in good humor, he more than makes up for with his resilience. He is always prepared for any situation that might arise, and he knows when to take action and when to patiently wait.
Resilience is so important in recovery. And you can develop it over time. Each time you think through your strategies for dealing with cravings, for example, you are building resilience that you can use when those cravings next arise.
You can amp up your resilience by taking good care of your physical and mental health, too. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and restful sleep can help you become more resilient. So can any steps you take—like pursuing an engaging hobby or spending time with close and supportive friends—that reduce your stress levels. Resilience is a powerful protector of your sobriety.
Wonder Woman is Committed to Truth
In addition to her bullet-beating bracelets, Wonder Woman is also known for one other amazing object (well, two, if you count the invisible jet). Her lasso of truth compels anyone wrapped up in it to speak honestly to her. Often enough, the lasso leads to information that is helpful to Wonder Woman—and is sometimes helpful to the person who told her, too.
Truthfulness is essential to a person in recovery. And that’s true (see what we did there?) for a number of reasons. First, it is important to be truthful with others about any harm you may have caused while you were using drugs or drinking alcohol. Next, it is important to be truthful with others when you need support to get through a tough moment in your recovery journey. And it is important to be truthful with yourself so that you recognize and address any threats to your sobriety that may pop up without warning or may slowly start to undermine the foundations of your recovery.
When you are tempted to lie to others or to yourself, you can call to mind the lasso of truth and redouble your commitment to truthfulness in support of your ongoing recovery journey.
Be Your Own Hero and Reclaim Your Sobriety
At French Creek Recovery Center—located in Meadville, Pennsylvania—we can help you do the heroic work of reclaiming your sobriety and your life. We will see you through medically supervised detoxification and a robust rehabilitation program from which you will emerge transformed—not into a superhero, but into a person who has left the dangers of drugs and alcohol behind.
As your recovery journey gets underway, we will provide ongoing support so you can enjoy your new life with confidence. And we will always be here to help when the sobriety journey gets rocky. After all, even the most powerful superheroes—like Supes, Bats, and Wonder Woman—need to team up from time to time.