5 common challenges in early recovery
Everyone who attempts to stop using substances runs into situations that make it difficult to maintain absitinence. Listed below are five of the most common situations that are encountered during the first few weeks of treatment. Also there are some suggested alternatives for handling these situations.
Friends and associates who use: You want to continue associations with old friends or friends who use.
1. Try to make new friends at 12 steop or mutual help meetings.
2. Participate in new activities or hobbies that will increase your chances of meeting abstinent people.
3. plan activities with abstinent friends or family members.
Anger, irritability: small events can create feelings of anger that seem to reoccupy your thoughts and can lead to relapse.
1. Remind yourself that recovery involves a healing of brain chemistry. strong, unpredictable emotions are a natural part of recovery.
2. engage in exercise
3. talk to a counselor or a supportive friend.
Substances in the home: you have decided to stop using but others in your house may still be using.
1. Get rid of all drugs and alcohol.
2. Ask others to refrain from using and drinking at home.
3. If you continue to have a problem, think about moving out for a while.
Boredom, loneliness: stopping substance use often means that activities you did for fun and the people with whom you did them must be avoided.
1. Put new activities in your schedule.
2. Go back to activities you enjoyed before addiction took over.
3. develop new friends at meetings.
Special occasions: parties, dinners, business meetings, and holidays whithout substance use can be difficult.
1. have a plan for answering questions about not using substances
2. start your own abstinent celebrations and traditions.
3. have your own transportation to and from events.
4. leave if you get uncomfortable or start to feel deprived.
Are some of these issues likely to be problems for you in the coming weeks? Which ones?
How will you handle them?