Addiction Recovery: 7 Things to Know
The beginning of the road to recovering from addiction can be a hopeful yet anxious time. Even the most prepared will still encounter things during addiction recovery that they are not quite ready for. If you’re just starting your addiction recovery, here are seven things to keep in mind during your journey.
No One Path to Addiction Recovery
It’s important to remember that there is no one universal path to recovery. While it is wise to take advice from those who have recovered from addiction, everybody’s journey is unique and their path depends on what works for them.
Substance Abuse is a Brain Disease
Addiction is a brain disease. Becoming addicted is not a moral failure and doesn’t speak to a person’s character. An addicted individual can be a good person who is just going through something difficult. They need support instead of derision of their character.
No Set Cure
Addiction recovery programs are meant to help people manage their addiction and receive the necessary support to succeed in breaking these addictive patterns. Ultimately, it is the addicted person’s responsibility to remain in recovery and on the road to a sober way of life.
Gaining Other Addictions
Those familiar with the addiction recovery process are aware of the very real possibility of substitute addictions. A person recovering from alcohol abuse can become addicted to another drug or vice-like gambling. A recovering individual is encouraged to abstain from any of these activities while in the process of healing in order to prevent possible addiction to these substitutes, thus prolonging the recovery process.
Relapsing
Although it isn’t ideal, some who are recovering will relapse. Those who relapse aren’t failures doomed to never recover. From then on, it’s about picking yourself up and beginning the road to recovery again.
Life Changes Are Needed for Recovery
For a person to put themselves in the best position to make the most out of their addiction treatment, they must undergo lifestyle changes for the better. This could mean living a healthier lifestyle, further examining personal decisions, or hanging around people who help bring out the best in your recovery instead of encouraging you to maintain substance abuse.
An Emotional Process
The process of substance recovery can be filled with a range of emotions. Making progress during addiction recovery can bring much joy. However, a person will likely also experience periods of sadness and emptiness because they are shedding a significant part of their life. People whose lives have revolved around addictions like drug use or alcohol consumption are going through sudden changes to their lifestyle while also working on healing what may have triggered their addiction, to begin with. It is important to remember that it is a process, and it takes time.
Twin Town Treatment Centers is a welcoming space for those recovering from addiction. We operate six facilities throughout Los Angeles and Orange County where our team is committed to providing support and serving as a bridge so that those recovering may begin the process of personal healing and development. Give us a call at (866) 594-8844 to get started with an initial assessment.
