Are you embarking on a road to overcome your drug addiction?
Well, quitting drugs, either by entering a detox center, rehab center or doing it on your own is the first step in the long journey of recovery.
According to a 2014 study published in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, recovery is defined as a process through which people improve their health, live self-directed lives and strive to reach their potential.
The recovery of every person is unique and comes as the most confusing period for every individual. Moreover, because everyone’s struggle with addiction is different, so is their recovery period.
As there is no one elixir that works for everyone, here are a few things that can be expected during your first year in recovery.
Risk of Relapse
It is a common belief that relapse is a result of a person’s lack of will to overcome their addiction. Relapse is often a regular occurrence of urges to have the drugs, but it doesn’t ultimately mean failure.
Due to the neuroplasticity of the brain, various interventions can lead to relapses during and after addiction recovery. While you are on your way to overcoming the addiction, the previous neurological pathways between pleasure and addiction can still trigger a relapse.
The only way to guard yourself against relapse is to actively work through the recovery elements every day.
Difficulty In Maintaining The Abstention Practices
One of the key factors during drug addiction recovery is not to take abstinence for granted.
The stage of lasting recovery during drug and alcohol rehab begins after four months. During this period, the addict keeps working on various abstinence tactics to stop indulging in the practices related to drugs.
The addict might face difficulty in staying away from drugs or maintaining the abstinention practices, but these things are important to prevent sudden relapses. It is also important to maintain a positive attitude during the period so as to reap the benefits from the recovery practices.
Challenges In Sticking To Recovery Schedules
Once the addict is done with the rehab, returning to their normal routine comes as a difficult task for them. The old daily routine jeopardizes the progress and has a huge impact on their recovery schedules.
The addict might take on various jobs to keep away from the substance, but attempting too much can also lead to a stress-induced relapse.
Moreover, addicts may also start to experience feelings of anxiety during the initial stages of changing schedules. When these feelings occur, they start to interfere with recovery and a person’s ability to participate in the programs throughout the year.
So, don’t be stressed during the first few weeks of recovery as your brain is adjusting to the absence of the abused substances.
The Emotional Tides
The first year of drug addiction recovery is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. There are many emotional turnarounds, which usually takes a toll on your overall behavior.
During the first year of recovery, especially after the drug addiction treatment, feeling a broad range of emotions is completely normal.
The feelings of depression, anger, sadness, and disappointment might surround you. Moreover, just as you experience these lows, you might also start to feel overconfident at times.
Many addicts struggle to overcome these emotions but find it difficult to do so.
Therefore, it is imperative to realize how far you have come and how you can stop these emotions from affecting you.
End Some Relationships
To get the best results out of your recovery period, it is important that everyone who surrounds you encourages your recovery.
If any of your old friends or relatives makes you want to go back to substance abuse, temptsing you or triggersing you towards using, it is best to let go of that relationship.
If you really want to remain sober successfully, it is best to step back. This can often be a difficult situation to deal with, but it will help your recovery period become a successful one.
Realizing That Everyone Recovers In Their Own Way
When you are in recovery, it is important to know that everyone recovers differently and results should not be compared with other individuals. Every person has different emotions, and struggles, so the best approach is to focus on yourself.
Give yourself some space, try different recovery methods, explore what works for you, and do not measure your success rate against others.
To make the best use of your recovery period, make your list of achievable goals and ensure that you fulfill them in the allotted time.
Conclusion:
Like with other chronic illnesses, drug addiction recovery also takes time. With recovery comes the bad and good days, relationship changes, and lifestyle changes.
Don’t let the small diversions or relapses act as pitfalls make the most of your recovery and get results on your way to the sober life. Patience and perseverance during this period will also help you to achieve your goal of recovering from addiction.