What is the most difficult aspect of recovery?
Is it the craving? Is it the pressure of those around you to stay clean and sober? The difficulty to adapt to the world? Picking up the pieces of the life the substance left behind? Or the fear of relapsing again?
These are by no means all the questions we as recovering addict need to face, there are many more, but all questions have answers. They all bring on anxiety. They all need to be addressed in order for us to stay in recovery. The answers depend on the individual. No one is the same, no one has the same circumstances. We all have different ways cope with different aspects of life. Different viewpoints, and perceptions.
For me personally, recovery is made easier by setting small goals every day, staying to a routine, and expressing my feelings. Either on talking about it, or writing it down. I set out a certain time of my day, focusing, and thinking just about recovery. The rest of the day, I divide up in segments to deal other aspects of my life. Study, work, exercise etc.
I have learnt that spending too much time, thinking about a certain aspect has negative consequences. Overthinking brings our minds in confusion. Which brings on stress, and craving. It causes us to miss other goals that we set out to do, which in turn will put us on the road back to relapse.
I have come to realize that we need to take little steps towards, in everything we do, and in the end all will fall in place. The most important thing is to stay positive. Think positive, surround yourself with positive people. I have come to realize that anything is possible. The only thing that stands between you, and your dreams is You. ‘’Whether YOU think YOU can, or YOU can’t YOU’RE right!’’
The Fear of relapsing, and the Fear of disappointing others, will lead you to relapse. You won’t relapse if you stay positive, stick to your plan, and if relapse it’s not the end of the world. Get help as quick as you can, and change the things that caused you to relapse. Don’t feel like a failure. You are not the exception. Most addicts have relapsed before, they stuck to recovery. The most important thing is you need, to be open and honest about it. People will appreciate your honesty more than, hiding it from them. They will help you not to fall into the spiral of death again.
Recovery is different for all of us, it can be difficult, and scary. But it can be so rewarding as well. Every day we stay sober is an accomplishment. It shows us that we are human. It shows us that we can do anything that we set our mind to. It’s brings out the best in us. It builds our character. It shows everybody around us, that we are stronger, and better than they thought we are.
Let’s stay in recovery, let’s stay free!
Addiction to Recovery 