Recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is a lifelong process that requires you to address and eradicate unhealthy behaviors developed during an extended period of substance abuse. The journey to recovery is not always smooth or comfortable, especially during your first months of sobriety.
You will have to face the underlying causes of your SUD and work toward healing from the trauma that inspired your reliance on drugs or alcohol. You will also have to take responsibility for any pain that you caused others. Depression, anxiety, personality disorders, or other comorbid conditions require targeted treatment as well.
Recovery is not easy, but mental, emotional, and physical health are achievable only when you pursue help for your SUD. The process is uncomfortable, but the results are amazing.
Accepting Progress, Stillness, and Setback
Once you take your first steps in recovery, you may find that any position you take during the journey feels strange to you. Many achievements may be considered “progress” during treatment–completing detoxification, reaching the next phase of your 12-Step program, and sharing in group therapy are all potential markers for progress in recovery–but moving forward on the path of sobriety means moving further from the life you led during a period of substance abuse.
You grew comfortable in an environment of abuse and leaving the familiar for the unknown may be scary. Until you are confident in yourself and your support team, the steps you take that lead you away from addiction will be shaky. When you begin treatment, you will experience dramatic changes in your life, but, as you continue your recovery journey, you will focus more on maintaining positive practices than revising previous habits.
Your routine may grow tiresome and you may find yourself longing for the excitement of rapid progress you saw in your early days of recovery. Rejecting temptation to use drugs or alcohol is a choice you make every moment of every day. It might not always be apparent, but keeping up good habits is progress, too. Relapse is a major concern for anybody in recovery because many people view relapse as a failure.
However, relapse does not signify the end of the recovery journey, but, rather, serves as a bump in the road. If you accept that relapse is merely a part of recovery and work toward addressing the issues that caused you to abuse a substance or substances, you will emerge from the experience with a better understanding of self.
Continue your hard work, even when therapy and other treatment strategies are frustrating, with Alta Loma. Alta Loma prioritizes you and your treatment. Dedicated substance addiction and mental health experts will work with you to develop a plan to ensure your mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. The tranquil Texas ranch environment provides a contemplative space in which you can reflect on yourself and your journey. Our team is eager to help you heal and grow. If you are interested, please contact us at (866) 457-3843.
