Are you struggling with alcohol recovery? If the answer is ‘yes’, it is important to know that you are not alone. Millions of alcohol addicts struggle with recovery every year. But you know what? You can overcome the struggle and complete the journey to full recovery. Here are 12 things you need to remember if you are struggling with alcohol recovery.
#1 Addiction is a Disease
Perhaps the most important thing you need to remember is that addiction is a disease. Just like other diseases, addiction infiltrates the mind and it will take time to clear. But if you see it as a choice, like many people do, the reality that it is a disease can get lost.
When you appreciate that the problem is a disease, you will know the need to follow a professional route for recovery. This includes checking into rehab for assistance.
#2 There is No Right Route to Alcohol Recovery
Another fact that you need to always remember if you are struggling with alcohol recovery is that there is no one correct route for everyone. Different people respond differently to various treatments. Some might respond well to specific treatment methods while others might not.
If one method or form of treatment is not working for your recovery, do not get frustrated with the process or yourself. Simply appreciate that it might not be the right method and consider using a different option.
#3 You have to Make Changes in Your Life
One thing that can make recovery from alcohol a big mountain to climb is failing to make changes in your lifestyle. In rehab, one of the things you are asked is the lifestyle changes that you need to make. Here, it is important to have an inventory of how you live and establish what needs to stay and what to let go. Here are some things you should let go if struggling with alcohol recovery:
- TV programs that encourage drinking.
- Unsupportive friends.
- Visiting areas such as clubs that can tempt you to drink.
#4 You have to Fire Your Drinking Friends
The people you surround yourself with are important determinants of how effectively you can overcome the alcohol addiction problem. You should particularly be careful about the friends you hang around with. If they are the ones who introduced you to alcohol or are still drinking, you have to fire them. Instead, identify friends who are supportive of your recovery journey.
#5 A Relapse is Not an End
As you work towards recovery, it is possible to get stressed by relapse. However, relapse is not the end of the road. Rather, it is a restart. The important thing is to look at what caused the relapse and seek professional help. When relapse occurs, make sure to move with speed and get back to the recovery path.
#6 You are Not Alone
When you are trying to get out of alcoholism, it is common to feel like you are alone. But this is not the case. A lot of people want you to change and become a better person. Here are some people who would love to see you overcome the addiction.
- Your spouse.
- Your children.
- Workplace colleagues.
- Rehab staff.
- Alcohol addiction group members.
Make sure to get a person/people who support your course and regularly share successes and challenges.
#7 Education is Very Important to Alcohol Recovery
The more you learn about alcohol addiction and recovery, the more empowered you will be in overcoming the challenges. Whether you are learning from books, online sessions, or in a rehab, you will know the best route for recovery. For example, you will be able to know how other addicts overcame alcohol recovery problem.
#8 The Danger of Replacement Addiction Looms
Like we mentioned earlier on, alcohol addiction is a disease of the brain. This implies that as you work towards recovery, there is a risk of the drug getting replaced by another negative thing such as smoking. Therefore, you need to be on the lookout for replacement addition and resist it too.
#9 Some People will not Understand Your Struggle
People who have never been directly affected by addiction might find it difficult to understand the struggle you are going through. The most difficult people are those whose understanding of addiction is guided my misconception and myth. Unfortunately, there is very little you can do about these people. The best thing is identifying communities that motivate your course for alcohol recovery.
#10 It is Okay to Grieve
One fact you need to appreciate and remember about alcohol recovery is that you are losing something that was part of you. Alcohol had become your closest confidant and best friend. Recovery also means losing what was fun to you. Therefore, you should allow yourself to grieve as a way of saying goodbye to alcohol addiction.
#11 Stigma should not stand on Your Way
There is no denying that addiction to alcohol comes with a lot of stigma. This stigma triggers shames that can make you feel trapped in dark secrets. When you are struggling with alcohol recovery, you should not let stigma stand on the way. Do not think about what others have to say about your alcohol recovery efforts. Instead, look for those who understand the recovery road and that can motivate you to soldier on.
#12 The Importance of Being Good to Yourself
There is no denying that alcohol recovery is a rough road. It can make you forget yourself as you work on targets, shed off friends, and try to adopt a new lifestyle. But you can beat this by being good to yourself.
Well, treat yourself to a new pair of shoes or massage when you hit a few weeks or months without taking a drink. When you set these targets, your mind will yearn for the next reward and the recovery process will be a lot easier.
The Final Take
If you are struggling with alcohol recovery, it is prudent to understand that the road can be rough. However, you should set the eyes on the price and remain determined to overcome. If you can remember the above 12 things, rest assured that your recovery road will be a lot easier.
If others have overcome alcohol recovery struggles, your story can also be a success!
