Why It’s Easier to Succeed in Drug Addiction Recovery Than You Might Think
If you’re seeking treatment for an addiction, it’s normal to feel a bit intimidated by your drug addiction recovery journey ahead. Recovery from drugs and alcohol isn’t an easy task, and making the decision to get help at a recovery center can be one of the toughest tasks. Don’t let the challenges of recovery keep you from making important changes in your life: Overcoming addiction may be easier than you think.
When Drug Addiction Recovery Is More Difficult Than It Needs to Be
The road to recovery will always have some rough patches, but some people make the process harder than it should be. There are a few reasons why this might happen:
Self-fulfilling prophecy:
When you expect the worst in life, that’s usually what you’ll get. People who assume that recovery will be hard are likely to experience more difficulties along the way.
Making unwise choices:
Certain decisions can add unnecessary challenges to your life in recovery. For example, if you choose to spend time with your friends at a bar, it’s going to be more difficult to avoid drinking.
Unrealistic expectations:
Many people believe that their lives will suddenly become perfect once they overcome their addiction. This unrealistic view of recovery will inevitably lead to disappointment and a lack of motivation to stay sober.
How to Make Your Recovery Go More Smoothly
After you’ve completed outpatient or inpatient substance abuse treatment, there are several suggestions you can keep in mind to make your recovery a bit easier:
Stay positive:
Having a positive, optimistic attitude can go a long way toward making your recovery go more smoothly. When you maintain a good attitude, you’re more likely to handle challenges without losing your motivation, and you’ll be better prepared to deal with minor setbacks.
Surround yourself with support:
Being around positive, supportive people can help you stay motivated and help you bounce back after a tough day. Support groups and 12-step programs can help you meet like-minded people who share the same goals.
Keep expectations in check:
Quitting alcohol and drugs will greatly improve your life, but it won’t make your life perfect. It’s important to manage your expectations about recovery to avoid disappointment.
Have patience:
Recovery is a lifelong process, and it takes time to build a new life after overcoming an addiction. Take one day at a time, and allow yourself time to adjust to changes.
Silence your inner critic:
People can be their own worst critics. When you catch yourself engaging in critical self-talk, try to replace these negative thoughts with more encouraging ones.
It’s clear that the road to recovery can be challenging, but the journey is easier than you might have imagined. Advances in medicine and therapy have made treatment at rehabilitation centers more effective than ever, and many resources are available to provide the support you need every step of the way. With a good support system and the right mindset, you can tackle the challenges of recovery and begin a healthy, sober lifestyle.
If you or someone you care about could benefit from outpatient addiction treatment, contact Discovery Transitions today at +1-(866)-916-3211 to speak with an addiction counselor. We can provide information about the treatment programs at our intensive outpatient addiction treatment center and answer any questions you might have about your addiction and recovery.
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