Addiction recovery is a sensitive time where respecting one’s own boundaries and capabilities plays a major role. These elements ensure that individuals don’t overly push themselves and become vulnerable to experiencing a surge of negative emotions and self-talk.
While programs at centers like Lighthouse Recovery Texas aim to help individuals regain a sense of purpose and meaning, it is still crucial not to get into the cycle of comparing recovery rates or the progress others with similar histories are making.
It dishonors one’s own struggles and makes them feel undeserving of the support and love they are getting from their loved ones. Here are some common mistakes to avoid during recovery treatment:
1. Dismissing Their Feelings
Recovery is the time when a person with addiction gets to correct their ways and ensure they are working on themselves to become their best selves. However, this doesn’t mean all the painful emotions and feelings will disappear solely because you have been through recovery.
There are different levels and timelines during which emotions will resurface, and it is vital to honor your feelings, regardless of how long it has been since the last time you have been in recovery. Neglecting or dismissing your emotions only results in their accumulation, increasing the risk of relapse.
2. Isolating Themselves
It is common for people to feel ashamed and guilty of their past actions. These heavy thoughts often lead them to convince themselves that they are a burden to their family and friends.
While it may seem right, the long-term negative effects can leave the individual feeling excluded. Instead, reconsider who you are willing to spend time with and set realistic boundaries for these relationships.
Recovery and navigating through the terrain of sobriety are personal and shouldn’t be judged or commented on. If you have people in your network who unknowingly bring your issues up, politely correcting them can be helpful. In case they still continue to do it, limiting your interactions can safeguard your peace of mind.
3. Not Attending Group Therapy
Group therapy aims to bring people with similar experiences together to help those in need find hope and courage to fight their own battles. These groups are vital components in the life of anyone recovering from an addiction or maintaining sobriety.
Attending sessions will open pathways to connecting with yourself and others. Moreover, having people who have been through the same journey as you will enable you to share your pains and inspirations without withholding yourself.
4. Setting Unrealistic Goals
Sobriety is different for everyone, and you must honor your pace as well as your needs at all times. By setting unrealistic goals, you will be stressing yourself and might push yourself beyond your current capacity. When these goals are unmet, you will end up with intense disappointment and eventually start losing self-confidence and esteem.
Instead, focus on creating sustainable goals that can be segmented into smaller goals, making them easier to achieve. Doing so also allows you to work on your goals and skills, creating room for improvement. You can also consider seeking help from your therapists or counselors to find resources.
5. Being Too Harsh on Oneself
Avoid making comparisons and trying to speed up your healing process merely because others are reclaiming their lives faster than you are. Constantly drawing parallels will dull your light and make you question your abilities.
This will seriously impact your mental health, confidence, and consistency. Instead, understand that your progress story is your own, and rushing will force you to skip essential steps, leading to inadequate healing.
Bottomline
You are finally making progress and are adding more days to your sobriety achievement. However, when you hit a roadblock and encounter overwhelming emotions, you question your own being, eventually feeling demotivated and out of control.
Understanding that recovery is different for everyone is crucial, and your best day will not look the same as anyone else’s, which is the key to moving ahead. Embracing your uniqueness while prioritizing your well-being is the key to moving ahead.
