How Do You Successfully Recover from Drugs? Where Do You Start?
If you want to know how do you successfully recover from drugs, you need to start at the beginning. The first step to solving any problem is recognizing it’s a problem to begin with. The fact that you’re here reading this article means you have likely accomplished that already. That’s good news. Believe it or not, denial that there is a problem to begin with is the biggest obstacle to recovery for most people. You must be willing to admit that:
- Drugs are a problem for you.
- This is a problem you cannot solve alone.
- You are willing to accept help to solve your problem.
That may seem simple. That’s because it is. If you want to know how do you successfully recover from drug addiction, the secret is there is no secret. Recovery is simple. Note that simple does not mean easy though. Recovering from addiction is hard. It may be one of the toughest things you ever do. But, it is also incredibly rewarding. It is a character-building exercise that will make you a stronger, better person.
What is Recovery?
Before we continue exploring how do you successfully recover from drugs, we need to define the word ‘recover’ in this context. To recover from drug addiction means much more than simply stopping the drugs. The disease of addiction doesn’t begin and end with drugs. Some people say that, in a way, using drugs is a symptom of a larger problem. The point is that simply removing the drugs does not solve the entire problem. What is to stop you from picking up again the next time boredom, depression or anger hit?
Recovery is Big
Recovery is much bigger than just drugs. It is about getting to know the real you. Even the parts of yourself you may be less comfortable with. In the end, recovery isn’t just removing the drugs. It’s removing the drugs and becoming the person you were always meant to be. Reforming your behavior. Changing the way you think and how you view the world. Treating yourself and others with more kindness than you ever have before. Developing your conscience, empathy and understanding. It’s a tall order. But don’t worry because helping others is a cornerstone of recovery and so others will help you.
How Do You Successfully Recover from Drugs if You’ve Never Done it Before?
If you’re asking yourself, how do you successfully recover from drugs for the first time, it’s OK. You aren’t expected to have all the answers here. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Recovery happens one day at a time. Don’t get stuck worrying about how to stay sober for the next 40 years. One day at a time.
- Be kind to yourself. Holding yourself accountable does not mean beating yourself up. Recovery is healing, so don’t hurt yourself.
- Willingness is essential in recovery. It will take some courage but push yourself. Be willing to accept help. Be willing to work.
How Do You Successfully Recover from Drugs if You Keep Relapsing?
Maybe you have been down this road a few times. Perhaps you’ve even been to treatment several times before. If you’ve tried quitting drugs only to pick them up over and over again, don’t fret. The truth is a lot of people don’t get it the first time around. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Here are some things to remember:
- The quality of your recovery is just as important or more important than the time under your belt. Shame isn’t helpful, don’t hold onto it.
- Growth is often painful. Try to think of your past as fuel for your growth in your present recovery rather than failure or mistakes.
- Learn from your past. Be willing to do things differently. Go the extra distance in recovery that you didn’t last time. Leave no stone unturned!
Conclusion
We hope we have given you some food for thought around the question ‘how do you successfully recover from drugs’. By now you know that there isn’t a quick fix or an easy answer here. But the good news is millions of people have happy, productive lives in recovery. There is absolutely no reason why you or your loved one can’t do it to. Remember that recovery is a lifestyle, not a task we start and finish. Recovery is a process that continues for the rest of our lives. It’s a marathon not a sprint. So, be in it to win it and invest the time and energy it takes to do it right. If you or someone you love is living with a substance use disorder, Harmony Healing Center can help. Give us a call at (848) 253-6065 or reach out to us via our contact page here.