How to Avoid the Most Common Addiction Recovery Mistakes at All Costs
Addiction recovery is anything but simple. For some, it’s the hardest obstacle they’ll tackle in their lives.
However, just because recovery is hard doesn’t mean it isn’t worthwhile, or ineffective. There is hope. In fact, roughly 75% of individuals struggling with drug or alcohol addiction eventually recover.
That being said, it isn’t easy. There are some common pitfalls that recovering addicts often experience. Read on to learn what some of these pitfalls are and how you can avoid them.
Getting Complacent
If your recovery is going well, it’s easy to become complacent. This usually happens around the 9 to 10-month mark, once you’ve fallen into a routine and abstinence begins to feel “easy.”
However, this can cause you to begin neglecting parts of your recovery plan, like skipping meetings or neglecting self-care. You implemented this plan for a reason, and it’s working for a reason, so stick with it.
That 10-month mark isn’t the only time to watch out for though. Relapses actually occur most often during the first 90 days of recovery. This is why it’s recommended that, if possible, you spend at least 3 months in a substance abuse recovery center.
Thinking Addiction Recovery Ends After Treatment
Although drug rehabilitation centers are a very effective jumpstart to recovery, they aren’t a cure. After going to rehab, it’s important to implement the new skills you’ve learned into your day-to-day life.
It’s easy to get derailed by the hustle and bustle of daily life, but sticking to a recovery plan can help. Even after treatment, it’s important to seek out transitional services. This could look like outpatient care, sober living arrangements, or simply building a strong sober support network.
Spending Too Much Time With the Wrong People
While your friends might be supportive of your substance abuse recovery, that doesn’t make it easy to be in an environment filled with triggers. If your friends continue to partake, it may be a good idea to consider taking a step back. Even if they don’t pressure you, simply being around people who drink and use drugs might trigger cravings for you.
Loneliness early in recovery is extremely common (and understandable). That’s why it’s important to create a sober network as early on as possible. A great way to do so is by attending 12-step meetings on a regular basis.
Beating Yourself up For Your Mistakes
Recovery is a process. One might say that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. You’re bound to make mistakes, and that’s okay.
What’s important to remember is that making a mistake, whether that’s a relapse or a close call, doesn’t make or break your recovery. There are always resources for you to turn to, and having the right kind of support can go a long way.
Choose Yourself, Seek Help
If you’re starting on your journey to addiction recovery, it’s important to understand that there’s no shame in seeking help. Perhaps the biggest mistake people make in recovery is thinking they can do it alone. Joining a 12-step program, making sober friends (or speaking with a sponsor), and looking for substance abuse recovery centers are all great places to start.
For more advice on staying healthy during recovery, check out our Health section.
