If you’re like most people who are struggling with addiction, you probably feel helpless and alone. You may have tried to quit numerous times, only to relapse and feel even worse than before. But recovery is possible, and knowing what to do will set you on the right track. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make in addiction recovery, and how to avoid them.
Not Seeking Help
If you struggle with addiction, seeking help is a fundamental first step to putting your life back on track. Trained professionals will look over your case and set you on the road toward overcoming alcohol addiction better than you could ever do. However, if you are unable to or find it difficult to reach out and ask for help, it becomes very difficult to make real progress toward true recovery.
By avoiding asking for assistance, you defeat the purpose of recovery entirely and minimize your chances of success. The right kind of help can include support groups, counseling, or therapy, all of which can give addiction sufferers the strength and guidance needed to break free and move forward in a productive manner. Therefore, do not be afraid to reach out for help; doing so may ultimately prove life-changing in the long run.
Not Doing Research
During addiction recovery, making sure you have the right resources to help you can be a daunting task. It is important to not just simply settle on the first resource you find, as it may not give you the best approach to success. Not doing the necessary research and comparing options can lead to increased struggles and setbacks in your recovery journey.
Taking time to learn about your struggles, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant they may seem, can make all the difference in both your physical and mental health long term. Finding qualified professionals such as a counselor or doctor who specializes in understanding addiction recovery needs should always be a priority. Don’t let yourself go with anything that isn’t proven or safe. Investing in yourself during this process will pay off tremendously.
Failing To Identify Triggers
One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of addiction recovery is identifying and addressing potential triggers that could lead to a relapse. Triggers are usually the following things:
- people
- places
- activities that can ‘trigger’ our urges
- stress
- easy access
- illness
- major life transitions
- boredom
- over-confidence
Learning to recognize these and how to handle them when they occur is an incredibly valuable part of the recovery process. Make sure to seek psychotherapy, so they can help you identify these. Once you do that, you can develop coping strategies that may help alleviate the intensity of the craving.
Remember, relapse prevention is key to establishing a successful recovery journey.
Keeping The Old Lifestyle
One of the most common and also dangerous mistakes people make while they’re in addiction recovery is trying to keep their old lifestyle. This can mean continuing to associate with the same people, going back to their old places of recreation, or simply holding on to unhealthy habits.
Without realizing it, this behavior can be a severe risk factor for relapse. Recovery is a transformative process, so it’s important that individuals create space between themselves and their past environment by seeking out positive relationships and activities that promote healing. Otherwise, the old temptation could be incredibly destructive.
Compensating With Another
It is important to be mindful of any potential “quick fixes” that can lead to a different version of the same issue. Compensating for the lack of substance use with another activity can seem tempting and easy. However, when this behavior becomes overused or exaggerated, then it has the potential to become a negative addiction in its own right.
Recovering addicts need to be aware that healthy activities such as exercise, socializing, and hobbies should be done in moderation and not used as a harmful replacement for addiction. Finding new activities that are engaging and enjoyable but don’t easily become overused is an important part of a successful recovery journey.
Isolating Yourself
Isolation can be a very difficult thing to battle when recovering from an addiction. It can be tempting to take some time away and try to go it alone, but it is important to remember that isolation often leads to further feelings of loneliness and despair, as this can lead to discouraged feelings and cause stress that could lead you down the path of relapse.
A strong support system is essential in order to properly work through recovery, so don’t let pride or self-doubt keep you isolated and lonely. Find people who understand your battle and are willing to offer a shoulder if needed.
In conclusion, addiction recovery can be a challenging process, but it is a worthwhile effort. One must remember to avoid mistakes such as not seeking help, not doing research, failing to identify triggers, keeping the old lifestyle, compensating with another, and isolating yourself. It is important to strive for long-term recovery by equipping yourself with the right resources and having strong support systems to assist you in your journey.