Recovery from Addiction, Is it Possible?
The Challenge of Addiction
Developing a drug addiction is not a sign of a character flaw or weakness since addiction is far more complicated than being a matter of having enough willpower. Abuse of illicit or certain prescription drugs can alter the brain, resulting in intense cravings and a compulsion to use that make sobriety seemingly impossible. This is compounded by a powerful connection with using a drug of choice alongside attempting to meet deep emotional needs. All of these components create an overwhelming challenge for those in the throes of addiction.
Finding Hope
However, no matter how hopeless your situation appears or how many times you have tried and failed in the past, recovery is always possible. Hope for lasting change is always possible with the proper care and assistance.
The first step toward recovery is often the most difficult for those battling addiction: admitting you have a problem and deciding to take action. Admitting you have a problem and deciding to take action is often the first and most challenging step in the recovery process for people struggling with addiction. Changes that must be made to commit to recovery include:
Any prescription or over-the-counter medication that exacerbate your addiction
The types of people you allow in your life
How you think about yourself and your value
The way you deal and react to stress
What you do in your free time
Even when you are aware of the problems your drug of choice is causing in your life, it is common to experience conflicting feelings about quitting. But despite this internal war, you can overcome your addiction and take back control of your life by committing to change.
Questions to Ask
Alongside a commitment to change, further questions and actions must be integrated to create a sustaining path of sobriety. Consider the following:
Ask yourself if anything is preventing you from changing. What could help you make the change?
List the pros and cons of quitting and the costs and benefits of continuing your drug use.
Ask someone you trust and respect about how they feel concerning your drug use.
Keep track of your drug use, including when and how much you use. This will give you a better sense of the addiction's role and power in your life.
Consider the important things to you, such as your partner, your kids, your pets, your career, or your health. How does your drug use affect those things?
Be brutally honest in how you answer all the previous questions.
Pursuing Meaning and Purpose
Having hobbies and interests that give your life meaning can help you stick with your recovery and prevent relapse. Getting involved in activities you find fulfilling, making you feel needed, and sharing your life purpose is crucial. This cannot be overstated enough! Your addiction will become less appealing once you have rewarding responsibilities and a sense of purpose in your life.
Do Not Let Relapse Keep You Down.
Relapse frequently occurs during the drug addiction recovery process. Although relapse can be upsetting and discouraging, it can also provide an opportunity to learn from your mistakes, find new triggers, and alter your treatment plan. Above all else, NEVER listen to thoughts of shame that inevitably occur during relapse. They are accusations built on lies. You are worth infinitely more than the dark lies accompanying relapse. So seek solace in those you love, review your plan of sobriety, and move forward.
Recovery: Getting the Right Support
A successful drug addiction treatment program combines various forms of support in a suitable way for each patient's unique needs. Relapse signals the need to step back and revise the plan, which can be built using a variety of forms of support, such as:
Treatment for mental illness or stress
Support of family and friends
Protection from abuse or trauma
Recovery support groups
Meditation and self-monitoring
Safe, healthy, and fun activities
Treatment for the addiction
Working on completing life goals (e.g., education)
Conclusion
At the end of the day, addiction is a disorder that is treatable and one from which millions of people recover worldwide. Most people who recover from addiction go on to rejoin society and find fulfilling and happy lives.
Here at Caledonia Recovery Homes, we have a passion to help people find the wholeness they desire and deserve to be free from addiction. We have the resources necessary to help equip our clients to fight the battle against addiction and experience hope for lasting victory in their lives. Contact Us at (844) 738-9848 or visit our contact form: https://www.caledoniarecoveryhomes.com/contact