Addressing Fear as a Barrier to Recovery
Acknowledging that someone has a problem with drugs or alcohol is a big step in recovery. However, there are more steps in between acknowledging the need to get sober and even making an appointment. Guilt and fear often populate someone’s mind before they have even come out and acknowledged their use as a problem. Fear is a common barrier for people who may need assistance in their recovery from addiction. It can be tempting for people to try to address the issue by themselves because of this fear and guilt. However, this only leads to a bigger chance for relapse. Getting professional help for addiction is important for ongoing sobriety. Overcoming the fear of getting help is a key aspect of making that appointment for the help that someone may desperately need.
Confronting Friends and Loved Ones
Acknowledging addiction to one’s self often comes before admitting it to a family member or friend. Starting that conversation is difficult, and it can be very difficult to find the right words. The fear of how someone will react to this admission can be a deterrent, just as much as the guilt and shame that may accompany the conversation. As a result, it can be easier for individuals to just avoid the conversation as a whole and try to address the addiction to drugs or alcohol alone. However, talking to the people that are important in one’s life is a very important aspect of recovery.
While it can seem scary to admit that there is a problem, chances are family members already know, or at least have a good inkling about the problems plaguing a loved one. The conversation with family, friends, and loved ones is essential in creating a unified front to address the addiction, rather than trying to deal with the complicated problem in isolation.
This can tighten the trust between the person suffering and their immediate support group. While it is possible that loved ones will feel frustrated at the situation, it is possible to feel very different emotions simultaneously. It is possible to be frustrated and proud, both worried and happy, all at the same time. Having this difficult conversation is important in ensuring that the positive emotions and relationships are brought to the forefront when dealing with recovery and healing.
Changing Someone’s Life
Going through recovery is known to be difficult, as people try to reconceptualize the world around them. They can begin to create new friend groups and social circles, take up new hobbies, and actively try to change their lifestyles. This large-scale change itself can be a difficult thing to confront, as it can leave the future looking very uncertain. It is easy to fall into the trap of a “better the devil you know than the devil you don’t” mentality.
While addressing addiction is difficult in a myriad of ways, not seeking help can convince someone that they only have to address one aspect of their life. However, without changing or addressing other factors in one’s life, the chances of prolonged sobriety are slim. While making changes in recovery is inevitable, they are made for a reason. Professionals and support systems only seek to help someone change for the better. Having the support to head in the right direction through times of change is an important aspect of someone’s recovery.
Addressing Holidays and Parties
People often have the most difficulty during recovery during holidays and parties. For some people, celebrating a holiday can simply be an excuse to drink or use again in an acceptable venue. Seeking recovery may mean giving up the only way that someone knows how to interact during the holiday season. They may fear being isolated from friends and left out of social gatherings. However, there are many ways to celebrate with people outside of alcohol and drugs.
Reconstructing holiday traditions is important in creating sober parties. Hosting holiday events can be about exploring the history of the holiday itself, rather than using the day as an excuse to use or drink. It can be a time for someone to start new traditions, like cooking for a party on the 4th of July or Thanksgiving. Opening oneself to new ways of celebrating holidays and bringing family and friends along for the ride can help someone make a powerful change in their life.
Confronting Fear
Fear is a powerful enemy in addressing addiction recovery. It is easy for people to give themselves many reasons to not seek help due to their fear, shame, or guilt. However, addressing addiction in isolation is often the most difficult path that someone can take if they have a goal for sustainable, ongoing sobriety. Barriers to seeking aid in recovery can be strong, but people can make the choice to confront their fears and reach out for help. It is important for someone who needs aid to allow their friends and family to help them make those changes for a positive, healthy future.
If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction, contact Brighton Recovery Center. Taking that first step is difficult, and the fear and guilt that come with addressing these complicated problems require action. Brighton focuses on championing the community on their large, 6 building campus in order to make sure that people don’t ever feel alone in their troubles and recovery. Addressing the fear that comes with suffering from addiction is always at the forefront of treatment, and each step is made individually with each person in order to help them through their own fears, and towards their own, specific goals. For more information on the different programs that Brighton Recovery. Center provides, call today at (844) 479-7035.