It’s no secret that addiction recovery can be a difficult and challenging process. But it’s also an incredibly rewarding one. If you’re considering entering into recovery, or are already in the early stages, there are a few things you should know about what to expect.
It’s Not a Destination
First and foremost, sobriety is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad days. Learning how to navigate these ups and downs is a key part of successful recovery. One of the best pieces of advice for anyone in recovery is to take things one day at a time.
You Will Have to Work
Recovery is not a passive process. In order to achieve and maintain sobriety, you will need to put in the work. This may mean attending therapy or support groups, working with a recovery coach, reading self-help books, or journaling. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, so find what works for you and stick with it.
You Will Experience Emotional Roller Coasters
As you work through your recovery, you will likely experience a wide range of emotions. This is normal and to be expected. Recovery is a process of healing and growth, so allow yourself the space to feel all of your emotions. Just remember that the bad days will eventually end and the good days will come again.
Triggers Will Happen
A trigger is anything that can cause you to relapse into old patterns of behavior. Triggers can be internal (stress, anxiety, boredom) or external (seeing drug paraphernalia, being around people who use drugs).
Learning how to identify and deal with your triggers is an important part of recovery. If you find yourself in a situation where you are feeling triggered, remove yourself from the situation if possible and do something to distract yourself until the urge passes.
You Will Make Mistakes
No one is perfect, and that’s especially true for people in recovery. You will make mistakes along the way, but that’s okay. What’s important is that you learn from your mistakes and don’t let them derail your progress.
You Are Not Alone
One of the best things about recovery is that you are not alone. There are millions of people who have been through what you’re going through and understand what you’re going through. Lean on your support system when things get tough and celebrate your successes with them.
Recovery Is Possible
Know that recovery is possible. No matter how difficult things may seem, there is always hope. If you feel like you’re struggling, reach out for help. There are people who care about you and want to see you succeed.
Relapse Is Common
Relapse is defined as a return to drug or alcohol use after a period of sobriety. It’s common in recovery, and that’s ok. If you do relapse, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just pick yourself up and start again. Remember, sobriety is a journey, not a destination.
Recovery Is Worth It
No matter how difficult recovery may be, it’s always worth it in the end. Seeing your life transform for the better is an incredible feeling. If you’re feeling doubtful or like you can’t do it, reach out to your support system or a professional for help.
Triggers to Avoid:
There are certain things that can trigger a relapse for anyone in recovery. It’s important to be aware of these triggers and do your best to avoid them. Some common triggers include:
– Stress
Stress is a common trigger for relapse. If you’re feeling stressed, take some time for yourself to relax and recharge. Try things like yoga, meditation, or aromatherapy to help you de-stress.
– Boredom
Boredom can lead to relapse because it’s often when people turn to drugs or alcohol to entertain themselves. To avoid this, find things that you enjoy doing and make sure to keep yourself busy. Join a club, take up a new hobby, or volunteer your time to a worthy cause.
– Anxiety
Anxiety can be a major trigger for relapse. If you’re feeling anxious, try some relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. You can also talk to your therapist or doctor about medication options if your anxiety is severe.
– Depression
Depression is another common trigger for relapse. If you’re feeling down, reach out to your support system or a professional for help. There are also many effective treatments for depression, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it.
– Isolation
Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and despair, which can trigger a relapse. It’s important to stay connected to other people in recovery and to have a strong support system. Attend meetings, get involved in your community, and make time for friends and family.
– Cravings
Cravings are one of the most difficult things to deal with in recovery. They can be intense and overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that they will eventually pass. Distract yourself with something else until the craving goes away. Drink some water, take a walk, or call a friend.
– Triggering People or Places
Spending time with people who use drugs or alcohol, or being in places where you used to use, can trigger a relapse. It’s important to avoid these people and places if possible. If you can’t avoid them, be sure to have a plan in place for how you’ll deal with the situation.
– Negative Emotions
Negative emotions like anger, sadness, and shame can trigger a relapse. If you’re feeling any of these emotions, try to find healthy ways to cope with them. Talk to a friend, journal, or exercise. Avoid using drugs or alcohol as a way to deal with your emotions.
Lapse
A lapse is defined as a slip-up in recovery that doesn’t result in a full-blown relapse. It’s important to avoid lapses because they can lead to relapse. If you have a lapse, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just get back on track and continue working towards your goal of sobriety.
Relapse
Relapse is defined as a return to drug or alcohol use after a period of sobriety. It’s common in recovery, and that’s ok. If you do relapse, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just get back on track and continue working towards your goal of sobriety.
If you find yourself in a situation where you are feeling triggered, remove yourself from the situation if possible and do something to distract yourself until the urge passes. If you’re struggling to deal with triggers on your own, reach out for help from a professional or your support system.
Different Addiction Recovery Service Verticals
Addiction recovery is a process of change through which an individual achieves abstinence from a substance or behavior to which they were previously addicted. It is not a one-time event but rather a journey that requires commitment and hard work.
There are many different paths to recovery, and no one method is right for everyone. The most important thing in addiction recovery is to find what works for you and stick with it. There are many different treatment options available, so do some research and find the one that best meets your needs.
Some common treatment options include:
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment is a type of rehabilitation that allows you to live at the facility while you receive treatment. This option is often recommended for people with severe addiction or those who have relapsed multiple times.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment is a type of rehabilitation that allows you to live at home while you receive treatment. This option is often recommended for people with less severe addiction or those who have a strong support system at home.
Intensive Outpatient
Intensive Outpatient is a type of treatment that is between Inpatient and Outpatient. It usually requires you to live at home but come to the facility for multiple hours a day, 3-5 days a week.
Therapy
Therapy can be an important part of addiction recovery. It can help you deal with underlying issues that may be contributing to your addiction, such as trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Telemed
Telemed is a type of therapy that allows you to meet with a therapist via video chat. This can be a great option for people who live in rural areas or who have scheduling conflicts.
Multiple Pathways Treatment
Multiple Pathways Treatment is an evidence-based treatment that uses a combination of therapies to treat addiction. This type of treatment has been shown to be effective in treating people with addiction.
There are many different paths to recovery, so find the one that works best for you and stick with it. Remember, recovery is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs, but as long as you stay committed to your sobriety, you will eventually reach your goal.
Impact Outpatient Program is a one-of-a-kind outpatient drug & alcohol treatment center that offers a path to lasting, sustainable recovery.
Our evidence-based treatment program combines individualized care with group therapy, 12-step support, and other proven methods to help our clients achieve and maintain sobriety. To find out more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one, please contact us today.