When you choose recovery over addiction

Developing an addiction or substance use disorder is not a character flaw or a sign of weakness. Addictions slowly remove a person’s drive and capacity to escape, meaning that more than willpower is often needed to break free.

The forces that hold people back from receiving recovery

The forces that stop people from getting the help they need are incredibly complex and specific to each person suffering. The love and care we need to show ourselves dwindles as addiction takes hold.

Though the list is boundless, some of the most common factors that can hold a person back from receiving help include:

The past

Broadly speaking, a person’s past may be the biggest barrier to entering the transformative process of addiction recovery. Addiction marks the start of a completely new life, so it is natural to be fearful of such change. Past experiences lead us into developing coping mechanisms to combat the stresses of today and the anxieties of an imagined tomorrow. A person may have grown up in a household where drugs were always nearby, which makes them question whether they ever stood a chance of avoiding addiction. The truth is that the past cannot define your future and it is never too late to change.

The “just once more” rumination

In the realm of psychology, ‘rumination’ is considered to be a cycle of negative thinking. When a person is going through depression, they become more likely to remember the negative things that happened to them in the past. Psychological research shows how being in a depressed state leads a person to grow more hopeless about the future they desire.

For a person with a substance use disorder who ruminates, the idea of escaping “just once more” can become one of the most devastating statements the inner voice utters. This statement is a common trigger for relapse and, without professional support, “just once more” may never stop recurring..

Toxic people

The people we choose to surround ourselves with can become a catalyst for our salvation or downfall. For millions of people who try to escape addiction, being around people who aren’t supportive creates an insurmountable barrier to change. When a person has been struggling with addiction and then enters recovery, they enter a state of vulnerability. Sobriety must become a sanctuary that needs protecting, so being around people who don’t actually care about your recovery becomes a situation that simply has to change.

Avoidance of discomfort

If a person chooses to avoid discomfort, they are usually avoiding what is needed for progress. If we only ever stayed within our comfort zones, would we have ever left home, made new friends, or found a significant other? Comfort can become like a double-edged sword that holds us back from getting the help we need and deserve, shackling us into a false sense of security.

How can I get in the right frame of mind for recovery?

The decision to enter recovery is one of the most powerful steps you can ever take. In order to make the first step, it can help to work towards developing the frame of mind suited for such a drastic lifestyle change.

To start work on developing your mental state before entering rehab treatment, try these steps:

Envision a life free from addiction

Create a mental picture of yourself after breaking free from the shackles of addiction. Most people who have been addicted for a long time have already realised how habitual behaviour is unhelpful, but still struggle to envision what life would truly be like if they weren’t addicted.

First, imagine how you’d look through the eyes of friends and family: stronger, wiser, more emotionally stable. Then consider an even deeper appreciation you would feel towards yourself. An addiction ultimately destroys a person’s capacity for self-care and alter the way their mind works. Dedicate time to thinking about how much more balanced life would be free from addiction and the ways a new lifestyle in your sober body can bring you a profound sense of meaning and purpose.

Be aware of your drug triggers

As we mentioned earlier, the people around you can make or break the success of your recovery. However, people are not the only triggers for returning to drug or alcohol use. Psychologists who research the most effective recovery practices often mention the influence of “People, places and things.” Though the concept has a relatively simple name, the influence of these stimuli shouldn’t be overlooked. Reflect on places and events your mind associates with substance use and make a list. Work on changing the sources of triggers to make an environment that supports you during the most difficult moments of the recovery process.

Create a “trial period” of drug-free living

While a small number of people with a substance use disorder manage to quit suddenly and never relapse, the overwhelming majority of people will naturally need more than one attempt. As thoroughly as you can, set a timeframe of sobriety. Talk to friends, loved ones and people who have been through similar experiences to work out how long you should aim for.

Although your feelings in this sober time may be quite overwhelming, it can help to make conscious efforts to try new activities. Exercise routines can keep you grounded, or try joining a sports activity, recreational arts class, or an outdoor group trip. Throughout the experience, remember to be kind to yourself and refrain from judging yourself too harshly. Practice seeing yourself in a new light, as a person who is strong, committed and able to take that crucial first step to recovery.

Being “wilful” instead of “willing”

There is an interesting concept in the framework of dialectic behavioural therapy that begins by understanding the linguistic difference between “willingness vs wilfulness.” In this practice, we learn how willingness is the ability to be open and engaged with the present moment, ready to begin the process of change and healing. Wilfulness, on the other hand, is a rigid, inflexible mindset that refuses to consider alternative viewpoints. DBT experts have developed exercises to help you kickstart this learning process. By simply recognising the semantic difference, it can become easier to take the first step to being in the state of mind needed for rehab treatment.

Journal your experience

Even before you enter rehab, during the steps leading up to taking the first steps, journal your daily thoughts and feelings. This can become an incredibly deep resource for inspiration and provides a chance to look back and reflect on changes. In a journal, you can track every other step we mentioned and more accurately describe the way you’re feeling to the people who are supporting your recovery. Taking note of the way your mind and body are changing helps manage overwhelming feelings in increments, rather than in sudden bursts.

While each person’s journaling process is completely unique, there are some resources to help guide you through recovery. Choosingtherapy.com has a fantastic collection of prompts and questions to ask yourself on your journey of transformation. We hope that through journaling, you can find the moments of peace, clarity hope that you deserve.

I need help taking the first step in recovery

We understand that being in the confines of addiction can feel like a dark and hopeless place. Even at your lowest moments, remember that there is hope.

If you or someone you love is battling addiction and needs support, we are here for you. Here at UKAT, we specialise in addiction treatment that helps you reach complete recovery. Our expert staff help you manage physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. We incorporate evidence-based therapies to make sure you’re learning skills that you carry into your sober future. Our aftercare services are in place to help both the recovering person and their loved ones.

The help you need to regain your life may only be one phone call away. Take the first step and reach out to us today. It may be the most important decision you ever make.