Common Challenges You Will Face During Early Stages of Recovery

When people think of quitting substance abuse, they only assume that recuperation entails abstinence. However, there is much associated with recovery. Challenges during the initial stages of recovery from drug and substance abuse are inevitable. Below are the common challenges in the early stages. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Relapse Triggers

Addiction is a chronic illness, and relapse is prevalent. It is demoralizing since you feel like you’ve wasted money and time. In addition, you feel like you’ve disappointed everyone who cares about you. List your triggers and device alternatives to navigate around them. With this, you will learn how to avoid them. If they are unavoidable, you will know how to stay on track of them.

2. Cravings and Withdrawal Symptoms

Cravings and withdrawal symptoms are common during recovery if you have high levels of substance dependence. They cause a temporary level of disruption, which is accompanied by emotional and physical symptoms. Learning healthy ways to cope, such as talking to a therapist or your doctor about different Suboxone addiction treatment options to help manage your symptoms.

3. Dealing with Feelings While Sober

Some people indulge in substance abuse due to their feelings about themselves. Managing the feelings when sober is quite tricky. Professionals recommend starting a feeling journal, where you document everything, positive or negative. Tracking emotions helps you identify triggers and methods of avoiding them.

4. Boredom and Loneliness

Most substance abusers spend their free time doing drugs. When getting into sobriety, you are no longer friends with people who use drugs. You meet new people who introduce you to other leisure activities such as exercising or reading novels.

Although these things are helpful, feelings of loneliness and boredom frequently kick in because you long for leisure activities with former friends. Learning how to use your free time better would be best. Fortunately, numerous activities can keep you occupied. Consequently, you avoid the feelings of being alone and bored.

5. High Sensitivity to Stress

This is a common withdrawal syndrome in the initial phases of recovery. More often, it is viewed as anger and irritability. Your body is readjusting to operation without depending on chemicals. The substances that make you feel good are low, and the available things, such as being around family and eating favourite meals, aren’t doing it for you.

It’s pretty challenging because you always want to feel nice through the easiest way, the use of drugs. Fortunately, the mood swings and hyperactivity will die and eventually adjust to a drug-free life.

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6. Financial Problems

Drugs cost money, and some are pretty expensive. Addiction is, therefore, hard on your finances since you are forced to borrow from people or steal to support the habit. When you are finally sober, you’ll be surprised at the depth of the debts.

It will be demoralizing to get out of drug abuse only to realize that you are in massive debt. Things could be better if you have money coming in. However, the best thing would be to talk to a financial advisor or someone you trust to help you put your life and finances in order.

7. Mental Health Disorders

Stress, anxiety and depression are everyday experiences during the initial recuperation phases. A quality treatment program would be appropriate. Professionals will identify and treat all the issues since mental wellness is vital for long-term recovery.

8. Relationship Problems

Although health and career suffer from addiction for some period, relationships suffer much more. Substance abuse brings about deceptive behaviour, which quickly breaks trust in unions. In most circumstances, you prioritize drugs and forget duties and responsibilities as a parent or a spouse.

After getting sober and clean, avoid getting into new relationships. Instead, focus on rebuilding the broken trust between friends and loved ones. Be helpful, care and listen to them. Make sure you stay true to your word; fulfil all promises.

Conclusion

Trying to adapt to a new life after periods of substance abuse is quite a journey. However, focusing on your goals and avoiding distractions would help. Above all, seek guidance from professionals and join support groups.

Check out: 6 Ways to Naturally Relax When You’re Feeling Stressed

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