No matter what stage you’re at in recovery, it’s normal to feel a bit apprehensive at times. The beginning of recovery can be challenging because you don’t know what to expect, while even months or years into recovery can bring about uneasiness if you’re not quite sure where your journey will take you next. There becomes a problem, however, when we start letting those uncertainties dictate our views on recovery. We may start making excuses for why recovery is no longer a viable option for us, and that’s what can cause us to take drastic measures. If this is where you’re at right now, take a deep breath and remind yourself that ups and downs are part of the process – and recognize the 3 common lies we tell ourselves:
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“I’m cured”.
As much as we’d like to believe it’s true, there is no cure for addiction. In fact, recovery is a lifelong process – and if we’re telling ourselves we’re cured, it’s likely because we’re over-confident in our capabilities or we’re feeling nervous about moving forward in treatment. The University of Pennsylvania states that just as diabetes can’t be cured, addiction recovery is an ongoing maintenance process.
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“I’m not as bad as the people around me. I don’t have a problem.”
We all have different backgrounds, and we can’t compare ourselves to others in recovery. Oftentimes, the belief that we don’t have a problem because others seem to be worse is used as an excuse because we don’t want to face the reality of where we’re at in recovery. Put simply, it’s often used as an “easy way out” – and that would be undermining the potential that you have to push forward.
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“I don’t think I can do this. I’m mean to be an addict for the rest of my life.”
In 2017, the National Public Radio (NPR) conducted an interview with author Neil Steinberg on shame and guilt in recovery. Neil stated that he, “…was ashamed of his addiction and thus was reluctant to talk about it during his life.”
Guilt and shame are difficult emotions in recovery, but that doesn’t mean you’re not able to recover. Speak with your therapist about this concerns and don’t let those negative thoughts hold you back.
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.
