Common Barriers to Recovery
For every person who has overcome addiction, there is a different story of the unique challenges that tested that person’s commitment to sobriety. As a part of the process of recovery, a good addiction treatment facility will provide their clients with the tools that will make overcoming these challenges an easier prospect. Individualized psychotherapy will help identify specific potential triggers, but there are a few broad categories everyone can look to in the effort to expose any existing barriers to recovery. Hivehealthmedia.com lays out these categories in an informative article.
The first is Fear:
“There are a lot of fears attributed to drug addiction. They may include fear of being found out, fear of letting loved ones down, fear of losing a job, fear of getting kicked off a sports team, etc. As a general rule of thumb, fear is never a good motivator. It prevents people from facing the truth. If you can’t overcome the fears associated with drug use and recovery, it will be nearly impossible to ever change.”
Next is Denial:
“Probably the most common reason people fail to overcome drug addiction is a denial that they even have one. If you don’t think there’s anything wrong, there’s nothing to fix. Even when someone does realize they have a drug addiction, they may not understand its full consequences. Addictions affect more than just the user. Drug users may be blinded to the effect their actions are having on family and friends. The first step of any meaningful recovery is understanding the full consequences of your actions.”
Finally, there is Lack of Support:
“Once someone has decided to make a change, it is necessary for them to distance themselves from the people and places that remind them of drug use. There are many types of environmental factors that could trigger a craving. Going out to a bar with friends, hanging around certain people, or walking past a place that they used to do drugs can trigger the mind and body. Relapse often occurs because people put themselves in difficult situations. Was there a certain song you listened to while doing drugs? Was there a certain food you ate? Stay away from anything and everything that will remind of those times.”
When you recognize harmful patterns and seek treatment, you can increase your chances of leading a healthier life. Cliffside Malibu is here to support you in your search for an alcohol-free life. We believe you deserve to have a private, comfortable and luxurious environment as you navigate your journey to a sober life. Our center allows you to explore your mental health needs, creates a treatment plan that is unique to you and allows you to discover beneficial coping skills. To learn more about alcohol treatment at Cliffside Malibu, call (855) 403-5641.