Addiction is easy, recovery is not.

Addiction is easy, recovery is not.

Once you find yourself stuck in the never ending cycle of drug abuse, you can easily feel a sense of despair and disappointment set in. But if you are lucky enough to have loved ones around you that have talked you into getting professional help or simply have decided to take your life back, then there exists hope for you.

While rehabs and therapy programs exists all over the world, the one thing that you will require the most is strength- strength to change and withstand rehab. As simple as it appears to be, it is not easy to stay motivated, especially when you are dealing with your own battles. However, these few tips will help you find your true inner strength.

1.Evaluating your Life

Ask yourself this question: Is this really how you want to see yourself? Is this what you planned for? Do you like being this way? Of course these questions cross one’s mind, but with substance abuse, these questions tend to get louder and louder, as no one enjoys the misery of addictions. A simple evaluation of your life will be enough to give you the boost of strength that will make you say “Yes! I want to get my life back”.

2. Admitting You Have a Problem

Without recognition, you can never break the cycle. The thought of doing the right thing exists in our sub-conscious but we, being human, are equipped to justify our actions. In case of drug addiction, admitting that you have a problem can actually do wonders for you. An independent study conducted by Rehab Report concluded that this self-realization will give you the strength to reach out to people close to you and get help. Chances are that as you stretch your hand, they will guide you to the best route.

3. Being Patient and Kind to Yourself

Since recovery takes a long time, people tend to give up rather easily. Detoxification is critical to healing from an addiction. The goal of any detox program is physiological healing  and prevent unpleasant or fatal consequences resulting from sudden cessation of use. A wide range of at-home drug detox kits purport to help a person through the process on their own. However, a follow-up care and therapy is also important to avoid the risk of problematic relapse.

The initial will to change fades out real quick as the detox period hits them withdrawal symptoms. In such situation, one should be kind to themselves and not indulge into self-blame. While your therapist monitors you, its important that you understand that there will be good days and bad days both. Therefore expecting yourself to immediately give up everything won’t happen overnight. Tracking your progress in a journal can help you physically see your progress and will uplift your morale on the rough days.

4. Avoid Making Comparisons

The biggest block in the road to recovery involves comparison- Comparison of your state with either the fellow inmates or with people in your life. No one plans to end up in a bad place, but its normal for one to land in situations like these. Also, no two people are the same. Therefore, comparing your progress or state with another one would do absolute no good to you. Remember: Everyone heals, but at their own pace.

5. Reaching out to People around You

Connecting with people under-going the same circumstances can actually empower not just you, but them as well.  In addition to knowing different ways to deal with addiction, you also get company that can relate directly with your situation. This is the reason why interventions and group meetings help people more because as humans, a feeling of connection tends to motivate us more than medication or other alternatives.

The road to recovery can be exceptionally hard, but the prize at the end of it is nothing but a good life for you. Therefore, don’t hesitate in getting help or reaching out, even if you fear that it’s too late.