Effective recovery requires creating a fulfilling and happy life without drugs and alcohol. Addicts have to travel through various challenging terrains to achieve abstinence. They have to learn new coping skills, change lifestyles, give up on cravings, make new friends, and so forth in a short time. There are chances that they will make errors, but the good news is that those blunders would not stop them from recovering.
If you can identify your errors early enough, you should be able to get back on the teetotal track. Here are the most typical blunders people make in their recovery that are mentioned below:-
Table of Contents
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid While Recovering From Addiction
1. Comparing your progress with others
It is normal to know your recovery progress, but comparing it with others is pointless. First of all, these judgments are never correct. Everyone is going through their challenges. You only know things that others allow you to know. In addiction treatment centers, recovery is considered a cooperative effect.
Every patient can benefit from each other support. However, comparing yourself with others can cause unnecessary stress. It is better to criticize your growth based on your aims and beliefs.
2. Hanging out with People Consuming Alcohol and Drugs
We think it is okay to hang out with people who consume alcohol and drugs, however, we become prey to vulnerability. Even if your peers do not force you to use it, the situation can trigger cravings and make it easier to revert to addiction. Patients get lonely and struggle with recovery, so they spend time with old friends. So, it is significant to build a sober network.
3. Starting a New Relationship
It is advisable to have a perfect year of abstinence before you start dating again. From the age of 18 to 25, people often develop substance abuse disorder and actively date. Dating is fine as long as there are no problems. But, once it emerges you can fall back into unhealthy relationship habits.
4. Thinking you are Better-off Alone
One of the problematic steps in addiction recovery is to admit that you need help. Many addicts have confessed that they have an alcohol or drug abuse problem and want to deal with it on their own. This thinking will affect you a lot more than you know. While you decide to get sober today, it might vanish tomorrow. The finest chance for a strong recovery is to go to social groups, mutual-aid meetings, therapists, etc.
5. Assuming you are Cured
People often recognize they are doing well in their recovery and believe they can use drugs or alcohol in moderation like a normal person at some point. You can succeed in the beginning. But then again, addiction is progressive. Your one beer at lunch can turn into two and even a couple more after work. So, the vicious circle of addiction will repeat itself.
6. Assuming you are Recovered After Treatment Ends
The addiction treatment center is meant for the addicts to recover from their alcohol or drug problem. They believe that once they have completed treatment, their addiction will resolve and, they will not have to worry about it again. An addiction is a chronic problem and takes about a year to relapse.
It is critical to transition smoothly from treatment to everyday life, either by moving to an outpatient program after completing inpatient treatment or spending time in a sober living environment.
7. Taking so much Responsibility
After walking on the path of abstinence, you are likely to feel much better. You are not worried about the withdrawal, you are in a good headspace, you are not waking up hangover, etc. You have made a few new acquaintances and adopted a healthier lifestyle, among other things.
It may feel like you are ready for all the trials. However, remember that recovery is pretty new. Give some time to your mind and skills to stabilize, so there is no need to hurry.
8. Fail to recall Optimistic Triggers
If you are going to therapy or treatment for the addiction, no doubt you will talk about your triggers. In an addiction treatment center, people talk about triggers-Things about the people, place, and associations with the substance use that caused you cravings. Emotions like anxiety, depression, and anger are used as common triggers. You will learn to cope with them.
People often forget to recall positive triggers- happy occasions, marriages, birthdays, etc. A negative reminder can often come without warning and cause a strong physical response. So, remembering good memories can help to cope with the situation.
Conclusion
It takes great courage to ask for help with addiction recovery. People often relapse after getting recovered from rehab, but that does not mean they should feel ashamed of it. Nobody makes it through a long recuperation without making a lot of mistakes. While no one is immune to making mistakes, having the correct direction and support can help to mitigate the consequences. If you are searching for a way to recover from addiction for you or your close ones, the best way is to contact a luxury rehabilitation center.