The word “journey” is one of the best ways to describe recovery. Along the way, you will experience many peaks and valleys. Some days, the path will be clear and straight, while other days will feel as if you are wandering through the wilderness. Though recovering addicts will all share the same goal of lifelong sobriety, no two people will have identical experiences in getting there. It requires patience, perseverance and dedication to reap the ultimate rewards of your recovery.
1. Treatment is only the beginning.
Treatment is valuable because it will equip you with the therapeutic background and coping skills you need to start your life over. There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the longer you spend in treatment, the more successful you will be in recovery, but even a long-term program can’t teach you everything about how to live a fulfilling life as a recovering addict. It will take the rest of your life to absorb valuable lessons about love, patience and self-acceptance.
2. Your mindset matters.
There’s a common misconception that people who enter rehabilitation will be completely healed when they leave the program, but it’s important to consider that the process of becoming addicted changes your brain. That’s why recovery is not a one-and-done task, but a dynamic, fluid process that evolves with time. You need to accept that getting sober isn’t something you can achieve, cross off your list and never look back again. Instead, you need to carve out time every day to dedicate yourself to your recovery, whether it’s attending therapy sessions, going to sober group meetings, meditating, doing yoga or some combination of those activities. You can’t afford to lose sight of your objectives. One lapse in judgment could be all it takes to weaken your resolve.
3. Sobriety requires an ongoing commitment.
Deciding to get clean and sober by entering treatment is just one of many decisions you will have to make in your recovery. Not only will you need to make your health your top priority every day, but you will also have to renew your commitment to the process time and time again. Unfortunately, there is no cure for addiction, but just as with other chronic illnesses, you can learn to manage it with the skills from your recovery program.
4. There will be challenges along the way.
No matter how much your life will improve after you break free of the addiction cycle, life isn’t always fair. You may encounter stressful situations like the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, an illness or an injury. When drinking or drug use has been your go-to coping mechanism for so long, obstacles like these can jeopardize your sobriety, even when you are doing the right thing. At difficult times like these, you will need to take a deep breath and reassess your reasons for getting sober and all the progress you have made. Meditation can be a helpful way to restore your sense of equilibrium.
Healing You Mentally, Physically and Emotionally
Many people who get sober will freely admit that they couldn’t have done it alone. Indeed, some days will be more challenging than others, and there will be times when you need a healthy support system of family, friends and therapists to help pick you up. Recovery will always involve learning, growing and facing your challenges with a positive mindset. At Canyon Crossing, our mission is to help women overcome their battle with substance misuse and forge a new path as the best version of themselves they can be. Contact us today to begin your recovery at our beautiful Prescott, AZ addiction recovery facility.