7 Things You Never Expected to Be True about Recovery

As you begin your new life in recovery, there are a couple things that are certain: You will no longer be using drugs and alcohol, and it won’t always be easy. But there are a lot of surprises that you will encounter along the way as well. Here are just a few things you may not have expected to experience but are pretty much unavoidable in recovery:

1. You cannot smoke weed. For those whose drug of choice was something other than marijuana, it is often asked in early recovery if it is okay to smoke marijuana. The answer is “no.” Total abstinence is key, and this even means that taking medications for illness is something to approach with caution. Why? No matter what your substance of choice, use of any mind-altering drug or alcohol can trigger cravings to return to active drug use. In fact, because is addiction is a disorder that manifests in many different ways and not just through substance abuse, there are many activities that could trigger cravings as well. In treatment, you will learn to identify your particular triggers and manage the behaviors that are associated with addiction.

2. It’s not just about abstinence. You may have come to addiction treatment due to problems caused by an inability to manage drug and alcohol use, but recovery from addiction is a layered issue that manifests in a number of different ways. You will find that pretty much all the choices you make in life from how and where you sleep to what you eat and how you spend your downtime all deeply impact your recovery. Recovery is about far more than simply not using drugs or drinking; it is about learning how to live the most authentic version of your life every day.

3. Honesty is important. Keeping secrets, hiding shame, or otherwise pretending to be someone or something you’re not all contribute to the urge to drink and get high. Drug and alcohol use may have provided a shroud in active addiction, but in recovery, honesty is essential. It can be painful to shed those layers that may have buffered you from the world for so long. But when you do, you will find that you feel much lighter and freer.

4. All your friends do not have to be sober. At first, it is safe to spend your time only with other people who are in recovery. You know that they understand where you are coming from and what you are going through and will be more forgiving of some of the unavoidable awkwardness that comes with early recovery. You will soon find, however, that not everyone in recovery is good company and that some people who are not actively sober may end up being the most fun, interesting, and inspiring people in your life. You do not have to limit yourself to the recovery world when it comes to friendship, but it’s a good place to start building your support network.

5. You can be a good friend to other people. This may sound simplistic, but many people in active addiction have only been told all the ways that they failed in their relationships – for years. It can be an incredible moment when you realize that you are not the person you once were and that you can be a positive part of other people’s lives.

6. Showing up is pretty much everything. Going to 12-Step meetings even when they begin to feel monotonous and irritating, going to your doctors’ appointments to continue mental health treatment even when it feels like it’s not working, going to therapy and holistic treatments – just continuing to show up to these things even when your heart isn’t in it is a huge part of building a strong foundation for yourself in recovery.

7. Sobriety is not boring. By choosing to commit to recovery, you are not choosing to sit on the couch and watch TV for the rest of your life in order to avoid coming into contact with drugs or alcohol or any stressful situations that could cause you to relapse. Your recovery can be everything and anything you make of it. You can begin a new career, travel, start your own business, accomplish something in your art or hobby that you’ve always wanted to do, or just explore your options and spend time with your family. Without the use of drugs and alcohol, you will have the clarity of mind, emotional balance, and finances to do pretty much anything that comes your way, and that is not boring at all.

Recovery is a continuous process that requires patience and persistence

Recovery is not a quick fix, it is a continuous process that requires patience and persistence. It can be easy to get discouraged when progress feels slow or setbacks occur, but it is important to remember that recovery is a journey with many ups and downs. It takes time to build new habits, develop coping mechanisms, and heal from the damage caused by addiction.

Patience and persistence are key to achieving long-term recovery. It is important to set realistic goals, celebrate small victories along the way, and stay committed to the process even when it feels challenging. With time, effort, and support, anyone can achieve lasting recovery.

Support from Peers: Essential to Recovery

Recovery can be a lonely journey, but it doesn't have to be. Support from peers who have gone through similar experiences can be an essential part of the recovery process. Peer support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can share their struggles and successes with others who understand what they are going through.

Peer support can offer many benefits to those in recovery. It provides a sense of community and belonging, which can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. It also offers a space for individuals to discuss their challenges and receive advice and encouragement from others who have faced similar obstacles.

In addition to providing emotional support, peer groups can also offer practical guidance on navigating the recovery process. Members may share resources or tips for coping with triggers or stressors that could lead to relapse.

Overall, peer support is an important component of the recovery journey. The connections made through these groups can last a lifetime and provide ongoing encouragement and accountability. If you are in recovery, consider seeking out a peer support group in your area to supplement your individual treatment plan.

A Healthy Lifestyle Can Support Recovery Efforts

While addiction recovery often focuses on abstaining from drugs or alcohol, it is important to remember that a healthy lifestyle can also play an important role in the recovery process. Exercise and proper nutrition can help support physical and mental health, which can in turn aid in the recovery journey.

Regular exercise has been shown to have many benefits for those in recovery. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, increase energy levels, and promote better sleep. Exercise can also provide a healthy outlet for emotions and help individuals build self-esteem and confidence.

Proper nutrition is also crucial for those in recovery. Substance abuse can take a toll on the body, leading to nutrient deficiencies and other health problems. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats can help support physical health and aid in the healing process.

In addition to supporting physical health, a healthy lifestyle can also promote mental wellness. Taking care of your body through exercise and nutrition can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve cognitive function, and boost overall mood.

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle may seem daunting at first, it is important to start small and set achievable goals. Even small changes like taking daily walks or incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet can make a big difference over time.

By prioritizing physical health alongside addiction treatment efforts, individuals in recovery can support their overall wellness and increase their chances of achieving long-term success.

Addressing Past Traumas and Emotional Issues in Recovery

Recovery is not just about abstaining from drugs or alcohol; it also involves addressing the underlying causes of addiction. For many individuals, past traumas or unresolved emotional issues can contribute to addictive behaviors. In order to achieve lasting recovery, it is important to address these issues and work towards healing.

Addressing past traumas or emotional issues can be a challenging process, but it is an essential part of the recovery journey. It may involve working with a therapist or counselor to explore past experiences and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with triggers or stressors.

Working through past traumas or emotional issues can also help individuals build resilience and develop stronger self-awareness. By understanding the root causes of their addiction, individuals can better identify potential triggers and develop strategies for avoiding relapse.

Incorporating therapy or counseling into your recovery plan can be an effective way to address past traumas or unresolved emotional issues. It provides a safe space to discuss difficult topics and receive guidance from a trained professional.

Remember that recovery is a personal journey that requires a personalized approach. If you feel that addressing past traumas or emotional issues could benefit your recovery, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in addiction treatment. With time and effort, healing is possible, and you can achieve lasting recovery.

Stigma Surrounding Addiction and Recovery

Stigma surrounding addiction and recovery can be a significant barrier to seeking help. Society often views addiction as a moral failing or a lack of willpower, rather than a complex disease that requires medical treatment.

This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need, for fear of judgment or discrimination. It can also make it difficult for those in recovery to maintain their sobriety, as they may feel ashamed or isolated.

It is important to remember that addiction is not a choice, but a chronic disease that affects the brain. Like any other medical condition, it requires proper diagnosis and treatment to manage effectively.

Addressing stigma surrounding addiction and recovery requires education and advocacy. By increasing awareness of the nature of addiction and promoting understanding and compassion for those in recovery, we can work towards reducing the negative impact of stigma on individuals and communities.

If you are struggling with addiction or in recovery, remember that you are not alone. Seeking help is a brave step towards healing, and there are many resources available to support you on your journey. Don't let stigma stand in the way of your recovery – reach out for help today.

Access to Affordable and Effective Treatment Options is Critical for Successful Recovery Outcomes

Access to affordable and effective treatment options is a critical factor in achieving successful recovery outcomes. Unfortunately, many individuals struggling with addiction face significant barriers when it comes to accessing the care they need.

High costs of treatment can be a major obstacle for those seeking help. Without insurance coverage or financial resources, it can be difficult to afford the cost of therapy, medication, or other forms of treatment. This can result in delayed or inadequate care, which can increase the risk of relapse or other negative outcomes.

In addition to cost, availability of treatment options can also be a challenge. In some areas, there may be limited access to addiction specialists or treatment facilities. This can make it difficult for individuals to find the right care that meets their unique needs.

Addressing these barriers requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves increasing access to affordable and effective treatment options, as well as promoting education and awareness about addiction and its treatment.

Efforts such as expanding insurance coverage for addiction treatment, increasing funding for community-based programs, and improving access to telehealth services are all important steps towards improving access to care.

It is also important to continue advocating for policies that reduce stigma surrounding addiction and promote understanding and compassion for those in recovery. By working together towards these goals, we can help ensure that everyone has access to the care they need to achieve successful recovery outcomes.

Conclusion

Recovery is a complex process that requires effort and dedication. Every individual's journey is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Relapse is normal, but can be overcome with the right support. Recovery is lifelong and requires ongoing commitment, support, and involvement from loved ones. Patience, persistence, and peer support are key.

A healthy lifestyle and addressing past traumas are essential. Addiction is a chronic disease, not a choice. Access to affordable and effective treatment is critical for successful recovery outcomes. Efforts must be made to increase access to care for those who need it.

What are your expectations of your life in recovery? What did you think would happen when you stopped drinking and getting high, and how have you been surprised?

Sources:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2021). Treatment and Recovery.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2021). Recovery and Recovery Support.