To provide a better understanding of the recovery process, We are debunking seven common recovery myths!
Excuses and misconceptions. For addicts especially, they are wolves in sheep’s clothing; comfortable but toxic. When those falsehoods are used to avoid recovery, it can become a deadly downward spiral. Whether you’re living in active addiction or trying to encourage a loved one to seek recovery, the first step is to get informed. Let’s dispel recovery myths so more people can receive the help they need to recover from addiction and mental health issues.
Debunking Recovery Myths
The following recovery myths have prevented many people from seeking treatment. Learn about why these recovery myths are false and how you can debunk them to your loved ones who need treatment.
1. Addicts have to hit rock bottom before entering recovery.
What exactly is rock bottom? Is it when you lose your house, almost die from an overdose, or estrange all of your loved ones? How much are you willing to sacrifice to addiction before enough is enough?Many recovering addicts do rebuild their lives from rock bottom, but it’s not required or suggested to wait until then. Addiction is not a choice, but seeking help as soon as possible is.
2. Recovery is boring.
Have you heard of adventure therapy? It includes rock-climbing, zip-lining, and white-water rafting with your therapist and other recovering addicts. Those are healthy thrills you can enjoy instead of the destructive, fleeting rush of a fix. You’ll make genuine friendships and rediscover forgotten hobbies. How much money and time do you sacrifice to your addiction? Imagine the potential those precious resources if applied to improving your life. You can travel, take cooking classes, enter horse-riding competitions, return to school or unleash your inner entrepreneur. Variety is the spice of life.
3. There is only one way to recover from addiction, and that way is not appealing to me at all.
Addiction does not make you any less of a unique individual. So your recovery experience will be unique, just like you are. The course you take will be your choice. It could include therapy to address the comorbidity of substance abuse and your mental health. You could be fueled by faith, or inspired to create artwork to nurture and express yourself. If you love animals, you could try pet or equine therapy. That’s the beauty of freedom in recovery; you take the reins of your life back from addiction.
4. I’m absolutely hopeless, and there’s no way I’ll ever recover, so why should I try?
I’m going to be blunt here; it’s not over until you’re dead. While you’re still breathing, there’s hope for recovery. You are not beyond help. I’ve witnessed addicts from all circumstances rise up and break free. Although it will take baby steps at first, you can defeat this affliction as long as you give it your all.
5. In order to recover, I’ll have to become all about God.
Do all addicts believe in God? God and spirituality are a part of some programs, and some recovering addicts do gather strength from their faith. As for you, I urge you to look around; happy, successful people come from all walks of life, religious or not. Recovery is the same, so I urge you explore recovery techniques that are in tune with your beliefs and values.
6. Recovery will wipe all of my issues away!
The roots of addiction are deep and complex. The environmental, genetic, and developmental factors that influenced your addiction won’t simply vanish when you pursue recovery. Healing and self-discover take time and effort, but I can assure you with my whole heart that it will be worth it.
7. Recovery is all about sacrificing what I enjoy.
The pleasure of addiction is a toxic lie; the chemicals convince your brain that it’s needed for survival. Once you break free from that cycle and embark on your own recovery journey, I promise that you’ll discover new ways to feel wonderful and satisfied. Some will be big, such as acquiring a job you love and rekindling trust with your family. Some will be small, such as your special pet companion, delicious chocolate cake, and the warm ocean water. You’ll find that there is so much to see and do once you break your focus away from addiction.
I hope that I’ve shed some light on the nature of recovery. With new awareness, I urge you to take charge. You have the power to begin, shape and follow through with this journey.
If your loved one is ready to take the next step in treatment, call Morningside Recovery today at 855-631-2135. Our rehab programs and dual diagnosis programs help people from all backgrounds overcome substance abuse and addiction. To learn more about our Orange County rehab center, contact us today.
