The road to recovery from a drug or alcohol addiction can be a long and difficult journey. While many treatment programs offer support and guidance, relapse is common among individuals who have been sober for as little as one day after going through treatment. What’s more, recovering from addiction is a life-long process. 

While there are some things that you may look forward to when you first begin the road to sobriety, there are also certain aspects of recovery that may feel difficult and challenging. These are normal, and part of the process. It is important to remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination. Here is why you should look forward to recovery from addiction:

1. You are Finally Taking Responsibility For Your Actions

One of the most challenging aspects of addiction is having to take responsibility for your actions. For many people, this may mean facing the fact that you have a problem with drug or alcohol abuse. It may also mean accepting the fact that you are powerless over the situation. No one ever said that recovery would be easy, and taking full responsibility for your actions is a vital step towards overcoming addiction.

If you have been struggling with addiction for a while, you may feel like you are being blamed for the state of your life. This is not the case. The only person responsible for your actions is you. There may be circumstances in your life that contributed to your addiction, but ultimately, you are responsible for your actions.

Even if you feel like you are being held accountable for your addiction, it is important to remember that you are not. No one can make you addicted, and no one can make you stop being addicted. You are the only one who can take responsibility for it, and the only one who can overcome it.

2. You are Making Progress

After years of struggling, many individuals find themselves in a position where they can see the light at front of the tunnel. This can be a difficult realization to come to, given that addiction is a chronic disease that is often relapsing and remitting. It can be easy to get lost in the cycle of anticipation, relapse, and despair. 

Progress may feel slow and unsatisfactory when you are first in recovery, but it is important to remember that change does not happen overnight. It may be that you have to work hard to change one thing, and then see it lead to another, and another, and so on. Progress is a very relative concept, and while one person’s recovery journey may feel like they are making progress, it is important to remember that everyone’s recovery process is unique.

3. You are Learning New Ways To cope

Addiction is a disease that robs people of control, and in many cases, drugs or alcohol are the only things that seem to give that sense of control back. You may have experimented with different drugs or had different habits in high school or college that you later regretted. Or, you may have started drinking or using drugs in order to fit into a certain social or academic environment. Whatever the case, there are likely to be aspects of your life that you once associated with sobriety that you now look forward to again. 

You may be looking forward to returning to work, having a social life, or spending more time with your family. You have the choice of whether or not you want to associate these things with having a substance abuse problem, but they are things that are often missed by those who have not been through the process of recovery.

4. You are Reducing The Effects Of Addiction

Addiction is a difficult condition to overcome, but the good news is that it tends to get better with time. Many individuals who struggle with addiction tell themselves that they will never feel “normal” again, or that they will live with the symptoms of addiction for the rest of their lives. The fact is, though, that the longer you are an addict, the less normal your life will be. 

You are likely to start to feel less anxious, less irritable, and less deprived as you progress in your recovery. You will also experience cravings less frequently, and when you do, they will be less intense. As time passes, you are likely to find that you are able to live your life normally again, and that you are able to fit more into a day than you once could.

5. You are Making New Friends

One of the most rewarding aspects of recovery is the opportunity to meet new people and form new friendships. After years of isolating yourself due to your addiction, you may be apprehensive about how this new chapter in your life will pan out. However, this is an important part of the recovery process. 

You need not only new friends, but also people who can encourage and help you through the rough times. There are plenty of sober people in the world who can do this, and you are likely to meet many of them during your recovery. When you are in recovery, you are also likely to make new friends who have substance use disorders. This can be a powerful support system for both of you, and your recovery is likely to benefit from their experience, insight, and guidance.

6. You are Enhancing Your Mental Health

Finally, there is some good news for those who are struggling with addiction. While it is true that the mental health of an addict will be impaired, it is possible to recover completely. You may have experienced bouts of depression throughout your life, but have been able to manage them with medication or therapy. 

Now, you have the opportunity to create a healthier relationship with your depression. With time and effort, you may be able to negotiate a healthier mood with which to tackle each day. You can also look forward to feeling less anxious and more in control of your thoughts and emotions.

7. You are Living a Life Free of Alcohol Or Other Drugs

One of the most challenging things about recovery is learning to say no to substances that you used to enjoy. This is often easier said than done, and for many people, this is where the struggle lies. You are likely to say yes to drugs and alcohol in order to cope with the pain or discomfort that you experience in your life. However, once you have overcome physical dependence, you will find that you do not miss them as much as you used to. You can look forward to this process fading away with time.

Recovery is Worth It

Addiction is a disease, and like all diseases, it can be overcome with the right combination of support, treatment, and perseverance. It is important to remember that recovery is a journey, not a destination and that while you may feel like you are making slow or uneven progress, you are not alone. There are support groups and recovery communities that can help you stay sober, and regain control of your life. Look forward to the challenges that lie ahead, and appreciate the progress that you have already made.

Oasis Recovery is Here for You

If you feel that you or a loved one may be struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. Substance abuse and addiction can affect anyone. If you or a loved one are currently struggling with addiction, help is available! We encourage you to reach out to the professionals at Oasis Recovery to learn more about our personalized treatment programs and mental health services.

 Oasis Recovery was founded from firsthand experience of addiction and recovery, with a mission of providing a space where people can heal from addiction in a compassionate, creative, open-minded, and heart-centered environment. We believe recovery is always possible. Our experts work with you to design a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatment programs include:

• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
• Full-time Addiction Treatment on campus
• Aftercare Services

Contact us today for more information about how our programs and services can help you get your life back on track. You no longer have to struggle with addiction on your own. We are here to help.