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Recovery Process
Ask yourself, “Could it be possible that I have an addiction?”
Now, answer the question. Recovery begins as soon as you answer the question honestly.
One way of doing this is to look at the symptoms as they show up in your life and confront them. Justifying and rationalizing your behaviors are a natural part of this stage and therefore, you may seek the help of a trained professional. Acknowledging that you may have a problem can be painful. Addiction has tangible benefits-intense emotional highs and an escape route from a perceived intolerable reality.
Next, examine the harmful consequences that the addiction has had on your life:
- health,
- occupation,
- finances,
- and, relationships.
It may be a good idea to write the consequences down. Once you have listed the consequences, you may be tempted to follow the “Do-it Yourself” approach. You may tell yourself, “I don’t need help, I can do this myself’.
But remember, addiction is a “cunning, baffling and powerful” disease. On his first visit to my office, Phil, a 37 year old successful executive reported that his wife had threatened to leave him declaring that he is an alcoholic. Phil was set to prove her wrong. “I haven’t had a drink in 11 days, and I am doing fine”. This is called “white knuckling and doesn’t last long.
At this stage, it is important to find a therapist who understands and works with addictions. The therapist will help you address the real issues underlying the addiction as well as help you examine the triggers to your addictive behaviors. Triggers usually point to the particular emotions that appear to be intolerable and anxiety-provoking to you. The addictive behavior helps you to numb or escape these emotions. Examining triggers simply means that you have a greater awareness of what causes your addictive behaviors. It does not, however, prevent them from triggering you.
In order to stop your addictive behaviors, you need to be abstinent and be willing to experience the withdrawal symptoms. In other words, there are no short cuts to Recovery. Withdrawal is a set of painful symptoms that show up when the addictive substance is removed. The symptoms could be physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual. It is very important to get the support of your therapist, family members, 12 Step fellowship during this phase as withdrawal may drive you back to the addictive behavior all over again.
Some of us may need medical attention. Severe alcoholics or drug addicts need medication to keep them from the effects of withdrawal. Others may need the support of antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage the withdrawal.
While the Recovery process may seem to be hard (and it is), it is important to remember that the sense of freedom and relief that you experience in Recovery is immeasurable. Also, it is important to keep in mind that …
Addiction is a progressive disease
And the longer you wait,
the longer and harder you have to work in Recovery.
It is your choice.
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