Recovery is a difficult road to process without proper support. In addition to this, “we don’t know what we don’t know” – and without having the knowledge to understand what type of questions we need to be asking in treatment, we’re likely to make some daily mistakes that actually aren’t contributing well to our overall health. During the first few months – and even in the first year – of recovery, you’re going to find what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ll likely hear a lot of tips from those who’ve been in recovery for a long time, as well as some advice from those who are also new to recovery but have been doing some research. No matter where you’re at in the recovery process, you have to consider what decisions you’re making on a daily basis – and whether that’s improving or hindering your addiction recovery journey.
Take a look at the following common mistakes people make, and see where you stand:
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Consuming too much sugar.
A few years ago, the New York Times published an article that talked about weight gain in addiction recovery. Dr. Pamela Peek, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland, stated, “…You end up with transfer addiction. Off the cocaine, onto the cupcakes.” Sugar activates the reward system in our brain in the same way alcohol, drugs and other addictions do – and by consuming too much sugar, you’re really setting yourself up for a transfer addiction.
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Spending too much time alone.
Hip Sobriety, a website that provides information on sober living, noted in 2018 the many reasons that those in addiction recovery isolate themselves: 1) to keep their “mask” on, 2) in an attempt to deal with all the changes that are taking place, 3) to avoid pain, and more. Isolation happens because we’re not sure how to make sense of our lives at the time – early recovery can be overwhelming at first, but you have to surround yourself with people and make those connections if you want to boost your mental, physical and spiritual health.
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Drinking too much coffee.
Coffee has caffeine, which actually increases our stress and anxiety. Adrenaline, a stress hormone, is elevated when we consume coffee, and while we may think that coffee is helping keep us up, it’s also affecting the neurotransmitters that fuel addiction.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 888-958-7511 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you.
