Healthwatch by Shyft

Truimphing over adversity: The trails of addiction recovery

Truimphing over adversity: The trails of addiction recovery
Content
Content

Substance use disorders are inherently challenging, but the difficulties faced by individuals in recovery are often overlooked and underappreciated. Recovering from substance abuse disorders and addiction takes a huge toll. It demands a lot of commitment, and while this is the correct path, it being correct doesn’t make it any easier.

The least we can do is educate ourselves on their hardships so that in whatever way possible, we are able to contribute to a smoother recovery.

Common challenges that people face in recovery 

The first thing that we need to understand about recovery is that it is a process. A process which begins with the decision of quitting the substance but goes a long way. It requires a person to rebuild their life and find their new balance. After everything that they must have been through, recovery can be fairly challenging. While they differ with each individuals, some challenges present themselves quite commonly:

  1. Developing healthy coping mechanisms : One of the key elements of substance abuse is that the substance becomes the core solution to any problem in one’s life. When in recovery, the challenge then becomes, finding alternate ways to cope with stress, and other such situations.
  1. Building and Repairing relationships : It is a commonly known fact that addiction severs the relationships a person shares, to a great extent. Since social support is an essential element of recovery, building new relationships and repairing the old ones becomes important. Of course it is not as easy and simple as it sounds. Addiction alters your perception and makes you do compromising things, and undoing them is not an option. The challenge of facing the mistakes, one has made and having the patience to deal with the emotions of the person on the other end, can prove to be fairly challenging.
  1. Dealing with trauma and shame : As one progresses to build a new life, one may find oneself struggling with a lot of shame, related to past behaviours or incidents. Since substance abuse has the potential of rendering horrendous effects on the person and their surroundings, they may also suffer from trauma. The real challenge comes when they are asked to face and accept their most difficult emotions without the use of the substance.
  1. Boredom : When you are undergoing recovery, you will be asked to follow a fairly strict routine. Since your routine is now fixed and you may find a major chunk of time being free, urges to indulge may resurface.
  1. Relapse : All the factors that we have talked about so far, may lead to one relapsing. This is fairly common since addiction is a chronic disease. When you are in recovery, a lot around you will force you to fall back into the pit, and hey, you might not be able to resist the fall but a strong system, support, and the will to get out of it, will pull you back up in no time
  2. Finding a home : Life post addiction can be daunting in many ways. In a more fundamental sense, finding purpose might be something you may struggle with. Making sense of the world and the new values you have learnt can make finding a sense of belonginness difficult.

How to keep going?

We understand that recovery is difficult but it is a journey that you can go through, with the help of proper support. There are several ways to make it easier :

  1. Focus on yourself : While you are recovering, there will be several things that won’t go according to plan, people who won’t listen, institutions who won’t understand but it is important that you focus on what you can control. Things will fall into place, eventually.
  2. Actively participating in a support group : A support group can be very inspiring. Apart from providing resources, it is a place where you feel less alone and vulnerable.
  3. Practice mindfulness: As the practice suggests, try to stay in the present moment. Recovery may also be a time where you may get anxious at the uncertainty of the future and may get overwhelmed by the events of the past. To come to terms with both, you need to establish a strong belief in your present, and that can be achieved through mindfulness meditation techniques.
  4. Exercise : Exercise is a great way to vent out any pent up energy and stress. It can help you regain your physical strength and build a healthier routine
  5. Find your people and lean on them : A huge part of recovery is being able to ask for help. Your people, the ones who are there for you, are your golden gift. With their support and help, recovery may not seem all that difficult for you.

Finally, addiction recovery is a difficult process needing a lot of work, attention, and commitment. The path to recovery is frequently paved with difficulties including cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and societal pressures. Medication, counselling, therapy, support groups, and other forms of treatment are all capable of assisting people in achieving and maintaining sobriety. All in all, regardless of how challenging it may be, it is possible to beat addiction with the correct support, care, and attitude.


Author:
Shyft Health

Shyft

linkedin
Shyft is your trusted source for health and wellness insights. We collaborate with a network of writers and health experts to curate evidence-based content. This content is further vetted and reviewed by our team of internal experts. Our platform is dedicated to providing you with reliable, accessible health information so you can make informed choices for a healthier life. read more

Over 20,000 customers have reduced their symptoms and improved their health by consulting Shyft's Clinical Nutritionists. When are you starting?

READ MORE ON :

Article By:

Read more

Continue to read on a range of topics related to Exercise, Nutrition, Mental Health and Sleep Health.

Feeling Good After Exercising? Our Brain on Endorphins

The third of our How to Feel Good series. Check out the other parts of the series here: dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. Ever wondered what actually happens in your body when you stub your toe? Or accidentally cut yourself? Or when you’re feeling particularly stressed after a long day? Your body is releasing endorphins - its natural painkiller. Endorphins refer to a group of hormones your body releases to prevent pain, whether emotional or physical. They’re also released by the… Read more

Editor’s pick

Feeling Good After Exercising? Our Brain on Endorphins

Feeling Good After Exercising? Our Brain on Endorphins

The third of our How to Feel Good series. Check out the other parts of the series here: dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin. Ever wondered what actually happens in your body when you stub your toe? Or accidentally cut yourself? Or when you’re feeling particularly stressed after a long day? Your body is releasing endorphins - its natural painkiller. Endorphins refer to a group of hormones your body releases to prevent pain, whether emotional or physical. They’re also released by the…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

01 Feb 2024

Editor’s pick

Living with Bipolar Disorder

3 minutes

14 Aug 2023

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenging and complex experience. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings. These mood swings can range from periods of intense energy and euphoria, known as manic or hypomanic episodes, to periods of deep sadness, known as depressive episodes. While bipolar disorder affects people in different ways, there are some common experiences that people with bipolar disorder may have to navigate. In… Read more

Featured

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Living with Bipolar Disorder

Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenging and complex experience. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a mental health condition characterized by episodes of extreme mood swings. These mood swings can range from periods of intense energy and euphoria, known as manic or hypomanic episodes, to periods of deep sadness, known as depressive episodes. While bipolar disorder affects people in different ways, there are some common experiences that people with bipolar disorder may have to navigate. In…

book

3 minutes

|

calendar

14 Aug 2023

Featured

Navigating ADHD through Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

The world today moves at a brisk pace. Sometimes catching up can get overwhelming, especially if you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Medicines (under a Doctor’s supervision) and therapy are the way to go, but if you truly want to enhance their impact and understand how your brain functions, practicing mindfulness meditation techniques can be immensely helpful. What is mindfulness? The concept of mindfulness is very simple to understand. It is the ability to be aware of where you… Read more

Navigating ADHD through Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

Navigating ADHD through Mindfulness Meditation Techniques

The world today moves at a brisk pace. Sometimes catching up can get overwhelming, especially if you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Medicines (under a Doctor’s supervision) and therapy are the way to go, but if you truly want to enhance their impact and understand how your brain functions, practicing mindfulness meditation techniques can be immensely helpful. What is mindfulness? The concept of mindfulness is very simple to understand. It is the ability to be aware of where you…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

06 Apr 2023

Understanding Addiction Through its Stages

The term "addiction" carries significant weight and negative connotations. While some view it as a purposeful act of self-sabotage, it is, in fact, a disease that requires treatment rather than judgment. To help yourself or someone you know struggling with addiction, it's essential to understand its stages, how it develops, and the symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with a substance. Today, we will explore addiction in depth by examining its various stages and symptoms to gain a better understanding… Read more

Most read

Understanding Addiction Through its Stages

Understanding Addiction Through its Stages

The term "addiction" carries significant weight and negative connotations. While some view it as a purposeful act of self-sabotage, it is, in fact, a disease that requires treatment rather than judgment. To help yourself or someone you know struggling with addiction, it's essential to understand its stages, how it develops, and the symptoms that indicate an unhealthy relationship with a substance. Today, we will explore addiction in depth by examining its various stages and symptoms to gain a better understanding…

book

4 minutes

|

calendar

14 Aug 2023

Most read

Checkout some healthy recipes that taste good, approved by our nutritionists

View all
Understanding Metabolism

Prawn Pakoda

A crispy preparation of prawns marinated in flavourful batter - a perfect snack for all age groups.

12 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Tomato Sambar

A delicious variation of classic South Indian sambhar that makes for a hearty and comforting meal.

14 INGREDIENTS

|

60 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Creamy Veggie Pasta

Pasta packed with veggies and tossed in a creamy, rich white sauce - perfect for sneaking vegetables into your kids’ diets!

7 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Power Smoothie

A bright and refreshing smoothie with goodness of mango and coconut water.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

10 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Lemon Steamed Broccoli

A quick & easy to prepare salad with the goodness of broccoli.

6 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Spinach and Egg Curry

Wholesome and finger-licking curry made with spinach and boiled eggs

13 INGREDIENTS

|

30 MINS.

Understanding Metabolism

Chicken Hummus Salad

A filling non vegetarian, ideal for meal times

7 INGREDIENTS

|

15 MINS.

View all