There are many aspects of the recovery process. If you or some one you know is going through a process to get better, learning how to help addiction recovery can encourage those involved and give them the strength to make this process work. If you are the one in recovery, no doubt there is a great deal of learning taking place. If you are supporting a loved one in recovery, there are many things that you can do to encourage your loved one. On either side of the process, it is important to have patience in this process. Not everyone fits into a 12-Step or 90 day cycle. Each of us is different and we deserve to give ourselves the chance to adjust and heal.
1- When to Support and When to Let Go
Along with each learning opportunity, there are lessons in what you can keep in your life and what you need to let go. Learning the skills to understand what things are bringing you down as opposed to building you up is part of the recovery process. For family members, it’s knowing when they are enabling verses supporting and loving the person that is going through the recovery process. Everyone has a unique blend of experiences and psychology that bring them different levels of intensity surrounding different triggers. Knowing what things can bring you harm is another way to identify what things in your life you need to move away from.
2- You are not a text book
In either scenario; going through treatment or supporting someone who is, it is important to understand that no one is exactly the same as another person. We are not walking text books. We don’t all magically heal in 90 days. We don’t all follow 12 steps and then we’re cured. We move at our own pace, and that is ok. Having set backs are normal. Having hard days is normal. Having great days are normal, too! Whatever level of progress you are making, always keep this in the back of your head and keep heading in the direction of recovery. Talk to your support system. Build positive surroundings to make you feel safe and comfortable. Keep moving forward.
3- Having Patients to Help Addiction Recovery
We are complex beings. Our brains and genetics are capable of combining a genius cocktail of chemical and life learned chains that determine our behaviors. Learning skills to overcome the way your brain is programmed to react in a stressful situation is difficult. You are basically learning how to go against your bodies instincts to achieve a more healthy emotional state. Being patient with progress is part of the process. Some times progress is slow, but as long as you aren’t sliding back into old habits and continuing to fight to make each day successful, you are on the right path. Building a support system and being the support to others can help gain perspective and keep the loneliness of addiction out of your recovery process.
The Reality of Relapse
Many people struggle to know how to help addiction recovery because they view relapses as failure. Relapsing is not equal to failing. It is something that happens to many people as they are learning how to correct destructive behaviors and learn the right skills to keep them sober and happy. Over reacting to any action that is taken in this process can induce stress and create an emotional storm that can lead to negative thinking. Instead; approach situations with as much logic as possible. Know what triggers are in a certain environment and try to keep emotions in check. Don’t ever give up because you took a step back; fight to keep moving forward. Learn from missteps and find the help you need in the moment to correct your thinking or behaviors to avoid repeating old habits.
There are many reasons relapses happen. Misdiagnosis is one of the most common factors that play into relapsing after treatment. The root or core issue was not addressed or resolved so the treatment was temporary for the behaviors that were used to hide the foundation that was damaged. Many people with addictions don’t just abuse drugs or alcohol to chase a “high”. They are self medicating; which is one of the reasons why schizophrenia and drug abuse are so closely related. They are using so they can function. Those with Borderline Personality Disorder may use or drink to fit into social situations where they feel uncomfortable. Whatever the case, it’s important to not buy into the stereotypes of “addicts”. They can be any person in any walk of life. The chemicals and addiction tendencies in our brain don’t have any prejudices.
The professional team at New Roads Behavioral Health is trained extensively on how to best help those in crisis. If you or some one you know may be looking for help; maybe you don’t know what the next step is. We can help. Give our team a call and find your happiness sooner! 888-358-8998