Addiction is not an easy battle to fight. It leaves you confused, irritated, and frustrated. Whether it is a drug or alcohol addiction, it impacts you financially, emotionally, physically, and socially. But addiction help is available across the world if you need the solution or want to recover for the better. Since addiction recovery or sobriety is rarely a linear path, half of the people tend to make mistakes on this bumpy road, enough to set them back pretty far. In other words, the chances of relapse are high if you don’t stay vigilant. However, the good news is most mistakes in recovery are easy to avoid if you know what you should watch out for.
Keep reading this article as we discuss seven common addiction recovery mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Thinking That You Can Do It Alone
When you enter the addiction treatment centres in UK, it is common to think that you have to go through this alone because you are the one responsible for it. Right? Wrong! While taking responsibility for your actions is excellent, recovering alone can lead to a negative mindset (depression and anxiety). And addiction recovery needs a positive attitude, which makes having the support of family and friends of utmost importance. So, surround yourself with a supportive community that can relate to you and be there throughout the journey. If you find it challenging to convey your struggles to your loved ones, the therapists and medical staff at the rehab centres can be your first safe and supportive community that will motivate you to stay on the path of sobriety. We know it is not easy to ask for help, but it will change your life.
2. Setting Unrealistic Expectations
Addiction recovery is a slow, personal battle that requires small steps to heal. And setting unrealistic expectations will only disappoint you and result in a negative mindset. Even if you are making progress, you won’t be able to appreciate the small results that keep tallying up. One of the unrealistic expectations that might hover in your mind is that recovery will happen fast, which is definitely not the case. Because addiction disturbs the whole brain chemistry, it takes time to reset it. Hence, instead of setting up hard-to-reach goals, stay committed to the recovery for the long haul, considering it a slow process.
3. Believing That You Are Fully Recovered
Thinking that you have recovered fully after completing the rehab is normal because you feel good physically and mentally. However, no one is ever wholly cured of addiction. It is a disease that disturbs the brain chemistry, makes you dependent on substances, and often destroys your relationships at home and work; hence, it must be managed for the rest of your life. There is no way that you can have a glass of wine here and there and believe that it will not affect you because, of course, you used to finish a bottle of whiskey earlier. Complete abstinence is the only suitable way to avoid addictive behaviours because even a slight interference of alcohol can lead to a relapse.
4. Keeping the Same Social Circle
Staying in touch with the same social circle you used to is the biggest mistake you can make after coming out of alcohol rehab. Returning to old friends or places where you drink or engage with friends in substance abuse can expose you to triggers and temptations. For example, addicts usually have a habit of going to the bar every weekend with friends, but you, as a recovering addict, cannot do that safely, even if you don’t drink. If you attend these parties, slowly or steadily, you get pulled into the addictive lifestyle due to social peer pressure. To avoid this problem, the best way is to avoid acquaintances who have negative influences in your life or force you to take a sip. Also, addiction treatment centres in UK can help you set boundaries for yourself, avoid temptations, and deal with unexpected triggers.
5. Falling into the Comparison Trap
Comparing is the thief of joy. While it is easy to compare yourself to others, it only feeds your negative emotions, and you end up feeling like you are falling short or not good enough. Comparison thinking is also dangerous if you think you are better than others. You will put your guard down; before you know it, you will be backsliding to relapse. Hence, instead of comparing yourself to others, pay attention to your progress and support others around you by celebrating their accomplishments.
6. Not Paying Attention to Your Mental Health
Treating mental health disorders is as essential as treating substance use disorders because they work hand in hand. For example, addiction can quickly lead to mental health disorders. Similarly, mental illnesses can lead a person into an addiction trap. At a good addiction treatment centre in UK, your therapist will work to treat co-occurring disorders simultaneously to keep your overall health in check.
7. Feeling Ashamed
Asking for addiction help takes a lot of courage and humility, especially for addicts. No one likes to admit they are struggling with alcohol addiction and often feel shame, but it is a great way to feel loved and supported. Feeling ashamed is a negative emotion, and you shouldn’t feel that if you want to be successful in your addiction recovery journey. You may never know, but the rehab staff is always ready to help you without judgment. Also, if you find yourself slipping back to addictive behaviours, don’t be afraid to tell someone that you are struggling again and need help.
Avoid Addiction Recovery Mistakes
While each of you has your struggles walking on a sobriety or addiction recovery journey, learning about the mistakes mentioned above will help you steer clear of the obstacles on the road. Start by finding a sound support system, practising coping strategies, and trusting yourself to make your life alcohol-free. Also, the addiction treatment centres in UK provide the best addiction help worldwide. To choose one that suits your requirements, consult your therapist or counsellor today.