Whether you are in recovery from an addiction yourself or helping a friend or family member recover from their own addiction, there are a few things that you will need to know to make the process go as smoothly as it possibly can. There are so many things that people don’t realize about recovery addiction that it can really throw them off when it comes up.
With that in mind, here are a few things anyone touched by should know about recovery:
Rehab is only the start
Getting into a good rehab and recovery centre like the Canadian Health Recovery Centre is only the first step in the journey out of addiction. Rehab will help you to gain control of your addiction, and hopefully, kick the drugs, but the period after rehab is even more important and must be managed with even more care, You cannot afford to be lax in managing your recovery if you want to be successful.
Addiction is a Disease of the Brain
When times are tough, it’s always worth remembering that addiction is a disease of the brain. It is not down to poor morals or a lack of care about one’s life. IT will probably need to be managed for many years to come and it will take a commitment that will sometimes be difficult to maintain, Treat those with addictions just like you would people with cancer or heart disease when it comes to the understanding your show them.
Addiction Has No Cure
Addiction has no cure and as such individuals in recovery will always be in remission, and should, therefore, avoid any situations in which they may be tempted to use again, as best they can.
Developing a New Addiction is a Real Possibility
When people give up one addiction, it is not unusual for them to replace it with another one, albeit one which is usually less harmful. For example, many heroin addicts get a taste for sugar, some ex-alcoholics take to gambling, or maybe they will take up shopping or overeating to fill the void that drugs and alcohol once filled. It’s important to be aware of this so that you can see what you’re doing when you’re doing it and work to change/manage your behavior so that it is not too harmful to your life.
You Need to Be Active in Recovery
You cannot overcome an addiction with good intentions, Even in the recovery stage, you need to be very proactive about looking after your physical and mental health and avoiding the temptation that will take you back to your drug of choice. Attending AA meetings, meditating, using more positive affirmations, taking up hobbies and surrounding yourself with positive clean friends are all good ways of doing this, but feel free to think of your own.
It’s okay to find recovery that works best for you. For instance, a gambling addict will need specialized help compared to someone with a drug habit, even though the underlying mechanisms of the addiction are similar. The same can go for those who may need others to relate to their situation, such as VA alcohol rehab services that allow for a veteran’s particular need of support.
It Is Possible
Perhaps, the most important thing you need to know about recovery from addiction is that it is possible. Many people have successfully kicked the habit and gone on to lead healthy, happy and more productive lives and there’s no reason why you or your loved one cannot be one of them, Sure, there may be relapses along the way, and plenty of tough times to come, but if you keep working towards your goal of being addiction-free, you will get there in the end.
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