Recovery from drugs, alcohol, or both can take a lot of hard work, time, patience, and endurance. It may seem as though you will be working towards sobriety for a long time, and you might be worrying that you will give up and go back to using. No one is saying that recovery is easy, but it is 100% possible that you will be successful.
There are many things that you will have to accept while you are in addiction recovery. Here are five very important things to remember while you are fighting to get your life back together.
1. Addiction recovery is a slow and steady process
Recovery is never going to happen overnight. In fact, it won’t even happen in weeks or months. You’ll have to take your recovery day by day, even hour by hour sometimes. If you try to rush the process or believe that you can conquer it quicker than others, you will only be fooling yourself. Being in rehab will help you understand that some things cannot be rushed, and addiction recovery is one of those things. Don’t get discouraged- accept that things will take time and that your life WILL get better in the long run.
2. You’ll never actually be “cured”
While addiction is now known to be a disease, you cannot be cured of it like you can from a physical issue. A ruptured appendix can be taken out and you never have to worry about it again, but you will always have the thought of drugs or alcohol in the back of your mind. It isn’t unusual to have small cravings even years after you have quit using. Rehab will teach you how to avoid the triggers that have caused you to want to use in the past, and how to deal with them when they do happen in the future.
3. You cannot do this alone
Many addicts suffer in silence because they are ashamed of their disease and what they have done to feed their addiction. If you fall into this category, you must realize that you cannot go through addiction recovery on your own. While there may be one random person who beat an addiction without outside help, the statistics are not good when it comes to keeping the issue a secret. You’ll need the support of friends, family, coworkers, and rehab staff to get you through this difficult time. You’ve likely heard that admitting you need help is always the first step to recovery, right? That is a phrase that couldn’t be truer! Don’t fight it alone when there are so many other people who are willing to step up and help you. Even if your family and friends are wary of your intentions, it will help them realize you are serious if you check into a rehab facility.
4. Relapses may occur
You should always go into addiction recovery with the goal of staying clean and sober. Being positive and optimistic is a huge part of beating your demons. However, it is also perfectly okay to be realistic. While you aren’t trying to relapse, you should remember that it can happen. If it does, don’t immediately give up on yourself. Relapses can happen to the best of us, and it is often harder the first time you attempt to kick a drug or alcohol problem. Don’t be shy about telling your counselor or doctor that you have relapsed. Remember, one day at a time. You can always start over.
5. Your life WILL change for the better
It is understandable if you don’t think it will now, but your life is definitely going to change for the better once you get off of drugs or stop drinking. Keeping that goal in mind will help you get through the tougher challenges you will be facing. This mantra is especially important to remember if you are dealing with physical withdrawals from drugs or alcohol, as your body will be craving the fix. Keep in mind that it will not always be like that. Ask any addict in recovery and they will almost all tell you the same thing- once the substances left their bodies for good, they felt so much better, physically and mentally. Keeping this thought in your mind will help you stay focused on your goal.
Are you tired of a life of addiction? Are you ready to change? Give us a call at 833-610-1174 to find out your options. We can’t wait to hear from you!