There are many fallacies about what addiction recovery can and cannot do for you. Although, it is not as simple as it may seem from the surface. Many people in recovery will tell you that it is a lot of trial and error. It is crucial to recognize these subtle differences as early as feasible to safeguard you have created a foundation in sobriety.
Here are four common misconceptions that will shed light on what recovery will NOT do for you.
#1. Recovery Is Not an Instant Solution
Recovery takes time. It takes time for drugs or alcohol to fully leave your body. Your first day sober does not mean that your body has instantly recovered from the harm done by using substances. Recovery can also feel like a roller coaster rather than a steady, straight climb. It has its share of ups and downs.
Because recovery changes each day, it is important to take your recovery one day at a time. As much as you would like to, you can’t promise to stay sober for the rest of your life. It’s not reasonable. It takes effort to find ease and stability in recovery, and it will not come at in an instant.
#2. Recovery Cannot Wash Away the Past
One of the greatest things you may be looking forward to in recovery is restoring your relationship with loved ones. However, your loved ones may still be cautious, considering your actions in addiction. These behaviors typically include stealing, lying, and all those the second and third chances you may have been given.
Resolving these relationships is important. However, it will take time. Your family will want you to demonstrate that you are trying to fix your shortcomings. Restoring your relationships will include you taking responsibility and making amends for your behaviors. Hopefully, you’ll carry this over into your daily life as you make mistakes later in life will be just as important to show that you are willing to continue to improve yourself.
#3. Recovery Does NOT Mean You Can Continue Your Old Life
Coming home from rehab does not mean you can pick up where you left off in life. You will have to establish healthy boundaries between yourself and any factors that may spark relapse. Boundaries may include avoiding friends (or family) that you would use or drink with a career with high stress that may threaten your recovery, or a toxic relationship.
In early recovery, you should do avoid these situations. Setting boundaries will involve making difficult decisions, but they may be the difference between sobriety and relapse. Any space you can put between yourself and prompts of your past will be essential.
#4. Recovery Is Not the End to Having Fun
Recovery is not a lonely process. In fact, it’s a team sport! Although it may be hard to return to your old social life in early recovery, it does not mean that social prospects will cease forever. As you resolve old relationships and develop healthy, new ones, plenty of opportunities to friendship and fun will happen.
Life after rehab should lead you to 12-step support groups. These groups are formed around a unity and a single purpose to get sober and stay that way. 12-steppers will help you weather the storm that arises. Enjoying time with these support groups outside of meetings is just as important as joining them. And, before you know it, you will be pursuing your hobbies and interests with other sober people.
Simple Path Recovery is an oceanside, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
