For many, the hardest part of recovery is the beginning when you are just becoming sober. However, further down the road you may hit some other snags on a day to day basis. There are a number of ways to better avoid or deal with these snags so that they do not result in a relapse.
If you ask someone who drinks, they probably don’t consider themselves an alcoholic. The line between social drinker and alcoholic is often blurry since alcohol is legal for anyone over the age of 21. Those who drink casually on the weekends with friends or having a glass of wine with dinner are not abusing alcohol, but they are opening the door for large problems to arise down the road. Many alcoholics start off as casual social drinkers and let their substance use spiral out of control.
Many individuals who struggle with addiction find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, shame or embarrassment. Alcohol and drug addiction cause serious problems — problems that feel difficult to admit and impossible to overcome. When you enroll at a detox that specializes in individualized treatment and offers a small client-to-staff ratio, you’ll feel less overwhelmed and alone. You’ll also benefit from care that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Believe it or not, one of the most important things you can do to help a loved one with a drug or alcohol problem is to take care of yourself. Whether this means visiting one of the Orange County treatment centers to attend or learn about an Al-Anon group, or just tending to your nutritional needs, you come first.
Denial may be the single biggest obstacle in getting treatment for addiction, and it is certainly a source of huge frustration for those close to the addict. Denial, essentially, is the addicts inability (willful or otherwise) to assess the extent of his or her own problem with drugs. The addict’s delusion is expressed in two self-told lies” “It’s not that bad” and “I can handle it myself” despite ample evidence to the contrary.
There are many factors which contribute to a person’s risk for addiction and substance abuse. Genetics may be one risk. A family history of substance abuse does not determine that a person will wind up in some form of addiction, but studies reveal that heredity can be a contributing factor. Another significant risk factor is environment. While environment can sometimes refer to the influence of others, research also shows that high-stress work environments can likewise play a role.
Denial is an inherent part of addiction. This includes not being open and honest about symptoms and severity of alcohol addiction and drug addiction. There are many reasons why addicted people don’t confide in physicians, family, or friends; one being that the addicts, themselves, don’t realize they have a problem. Open communication in the form of listening to loved ones, counselors and professionals, listing to the inner voice, and actively talking about experiences.
Certain newcomers show up at meetings with no real intention of staying sober. They go through the motions for a little while, but their hearts are not in it. They fail to see themselves as addicts. They refuse to admit that the only cure is sobriety. They will indeed drink or use again. There are other members, however, who do realize that alcohol or drugs is their problem and who do deeply desire to never again drink or use. Lifetime sobriety is not impossible, but it is also something that cannot be taken for granted. Above all, it requires intentionality and a willingness to be honest with yourself.
Staying clean and sober takes commitment and a lot of hard work. There’s no magic wand to keep alcoholics and drug addicts from relapse. However, there are ways to decrease the possibility of relapse.
The first step to solving a problem with alcohol or drug abuse is recognizing that it exists. Dr. Gary Stollman, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist who helps people overcome self-defeating behavioral patterns. He recently shared with the readers of drphil.com 10 key behavioral signs that a person needs help with an addiction problem.
Having sound nutrition in recovery is one of the best ways to restore a mind and body that have been ravaged by addiction. The possibility of relapse may be diminished when an individual is engaged in balanced eating habits that include necessary nutrients.
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