Recovery is hard work. If you ask anyone that is currently going through recovery at any stage, you will hear that it takes a lot of focus, determination, and resilience. There will be challenges that you need to overcome from time to time, and it is understandable to feel a sense of exhaustion or burnout after a while of being in recovery. Recovery burnout is extremely common, and you should not feel bad for experiencing it. However, learning more about it and how to cope with it can help you maintain your recovery for the long-haul.
What is Recovery Burnout?
Recovery burnout is a term to describe the feeling that many get after being in recovery for a little while. It typically happens after the “pink cloud” period and can cause numerous negative feelings towards recovery because you have been in the treatment bubble for so long.
You may experience feelings such as:
- Feeling like giving up on recovery due to the exhaustion it may cause
- Becoming annoyed of always discussing sobriety
- Getting irritated by the treatment bubble you are in (AA, Residential treatment, etc.)
- Feeling helpless due to the popularity of drugs and alcohol in society
While you may feel this from time to time, it is essential to recognize that this is only a phase in your recovery. It will pass, and it is worth putting in the effort to maintain your sobriety.
How to Cope With Burnout
The best thing you can do to overcome burnout is to learn healthy ways of coping with it. There are multiple things you can do, such as:
- Identify and acknowledge what you are feeling
- Accept what you are feeling
- Talk to someone you trust
- Take a break and allow yourself to rest
- Try to decrease your stress by finding outlets
- Try meditation or yoga to listen to your inner self
Many people experience recovery burnout and do not know what to call it. It can be challenging to acknowledge that you are feeling sick of recovery. However, after being in the treatment bubble for so long, it is an understandable feeling. The most important thing you can remember is this is just a phase of your recovery. There are ways to cope with recovery burnout that will not put you or your sobriety at risk. At Alta Loma Transformational Services, we can help you get back on track if you feel burned out by the recovery process. Call us today at (866) 457-3843.
