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Challenges of Addiction Recovery
Why do people have lots of challenges quitting a particular drug? Why do they feign ignorance about the risks of addiction? These are questions most people fail to ask before committing answers.
Everyone seems like an expert in treating addiction, but few people care about the person beyond the addiction.
Completing therapy and re-integration into society is not as easy as outsiders imagine. It takes loads of courage and strong will, and some systems don't make it easier on them. Most people have to fight a lot of physical and non-physical “demons” just accepting the truth.
However, maybe if we understand some of the challenges people face, it may make their recovery easier.
Surviving through the trauma and shame
Most of the people suffering from substance abuse go through a lot to come out. If they stop using these drugs, there is a constant feeling of shame and moroseness that they feel. It makes them feel worthless, no-good and damaged. And it takes a lot of courage and effort to come out from that. In therapy, you will and should discuss this with your therapists.
Tearing down and rebuilding bridges
The hard (good) part about rehab is that some "friends" are lost forever; your older circle, those filled with shame, and others. However, rehab is an opportunity to make new friends, move closer to the family, learn more about yourself, and grow.
Do not worry about friends that are lost, but focus on the healing that you will gain. Also, you will have to burn some bridges.
Suffering relapses
The recovery process can be a little hard, even though it is necessary. Unfortunately, the body fights against this change. During or after the recovery process, you might occasionally feel cravings, stress, anxiety, and other reminders. Even old acquaintances will not be too happy that you are "leaving them."
This is why the recovery process helps you with life skills, good social skills, and a good life plan. Ensuring that you follow through with these plans is critical to your healing.
The “What’s next?” question
Most people find it hard to make a smooth transition to daily living after rehab. Sometimes settling into a job, business, or life may prove difficult. However, the good thing about rehab is that you have the chance to indulge in new hobbies during your sessions like art, music, yoga, sports, and the rest.
Having hobbies can bring you refreshing interests or a source of joy.
Following through with new coping strategies
Your total sobriety is not only about avoiding these drugs but making a new lifestyle for yourself. After rehab, you may begin to feel a new "emptiness" due to the absence of previous "activities" that once "filled" your life.
New coping mechanisms and strategies can help to maintain the newfound "calm." And it takes a lot of resilience and courage to create and follow through with this new lifestyle, but it is worth it in the end.
Conclusions
Dealing with recovery can be hard on you in the early stages, but it gets better with time and practice. Mastery of the mind and cravings is a crucial tool that will help you in this journey. However, things you might lose should not be your focus, but the victory at the end.
Remember to keep your family closer; you are a victor.
Call ASV for a free phone consultation
or for more information email
jason@addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au
addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au
1227-1229 Malvern Road
Malvern, VIC 3144
ASV staff provide programs that are delivered by experienced, qualified industry professionals.
For more information call Jason on 03 8374 7648
Email jason@addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au
or
jason@addictionsolutionsgeelong.org.au
addictionsolutionsvictoria.org.au - addictionsolutionsgeelong.org.au
To access additional information and support, visit the Collective Recovery Support Network.