There is probably nothing more dismal to an addict in addiction recovery then the fact that they are going through a process which seems like it takes forever. If you have just gotten out of an addiction center or alcohol and drug rehab center, chances are that you experienced one-on-one counseling, group therapy, as well as a variety of other experiences.
The absolute most important thing to make sure you do is to continue going to counseling even after you finish your program at the treatment center. Turn to your next stage therapists and counselors to make sure you stay on the right path in recovery.
Don't forget that it will take time! Once your are released from the addiction treatment program, you may feel very frustrated by the fact that cravings for alcohol or drugs are still nagging at your thoughts. No matter how dismal or depressing that thought seems, you must remember that recovery is a process that takes time. There is nothing you can do to speed up the recovery process.
Do not let yourself become overwhelmed! If you are becoming so frustrated that you're feeling like you just want to have a drink or that one last drug episode, stop before you get there! Relax and realize that even though you may want it, you don't have to act it out. Many people have to force themselves to take one minute, hour, and day at a time simply to keep their heads above water!
Developing new behaviors: This is a prime therapeutic focus. When you you feel the urge to drink or drug, use these newly developed coping skills and behaviors to replace these urges. Don't act out. Imagine how much you will benefit by replacing using activity with something that is productive!
For any person suffering from an addiction, and in a recovery, it is important to have support from those that love and care about you. Getting your family involved and letting them know about your problems and addictions is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Many addicts don't tell their families when they are struggling, but family should know. They will help you get back on your feet and stay there and provide a lot of emotional support when you need it the most!
Don't ever give up! Although it is a very common cliche, the results do not lie; a person deeply committed succeeds. A recovering addict is an individual who cannot afford to give up, it is literally a life or death situation. The drugs and/or alcohol that you just got away from will return to tempt you, so you must remember to never give up in the face of temptation or frustration!
After deciding to stop your substance abuse, following these steps is essential to getting through the earlier stages of recovery. Staying loyal to these steps and keeping positive influences present in your life will not only pay off now, but also in the future.