Recovery from addiction is a process. There are many steps involved, and each one is important. However, it’s often said that the first step is the most difficult but also the most important.
The first step is admitting that you have a problem. It sounds simple, but denial is a major component of a substance use disorder (SUD). Moving past denial can be difficult, but it is necessary to move forward on the path to recovery.
Recognizing Your Denial
Most do not develop a SUD overnight, although it sometimes seems that way. Addiction is a progressive illness that gets worse over time. What started out as occasional use can become daily use, and the consequences of use start to become more serious. Before receiving help, you must get past denial that a problem exists in the first place.
People still struggling with denial often experience the following:
Lying about using drugs or alcohol.
Denying how much or how many times they use or drink.
Believing that they can easily stop whenever they want.
Thinking that they still have control over their use.
Overlooking the negative consequences of drinking or using in their lives.
To help you reflect on your current circumstances, use the following questions below:
Is drug use preventing me from eating or exercising?
Am I drinking or using considerably more than my peers?
Is my drug use the reason for me missing school, work, or other obligations?
Is it difficult or uncomfortable for me to imagine my life without using or drinking?
Do I sometimes drink significantly more than I intended?
Have I consumed large quantities of drugs or alcohol despite legal trouble?
Am I using alcohol and drugs as my principal forms of relief?
Has my drug use increased significantly since I started using?
Am I experiencing blackouts after excessive drug or alcohol use?
Am I consuming alcohol or drugs to have fun?
You can come to a simple conclusion that you have a problem with your addiction, or you can pretend that you don’t. This is where the denial can stop or continue. To manage any substance use disorder, you must admit that the problem exists.
Accepting Your Addiction
When substance use affects your life significantly, denial breaks down. This sometimes happens when a traumatic event transpires, like being arrested or losing a loved one. Some people who suffer from addiction experience a “rock bottom,” where they feel they have lost everything to their disease. For many people, though, denial gradually breaks down over time because the effects of addiction become more and more noticeable. As you gradually leave denial, you will soon move into acceptance. Accepting that you have a problem is the next step to recovery.
Asking for Help
The next step towards recovery is realizing that you can't solve your problem alone. Many people who suffer from addiction refrain from asking for help out of fear of burdening others with their problems or the possibility of rejection from those they love and trust. It's important to remember that life's struggles are part of being human and that if you ask for help, others are often willing to support you in some way. Friends and family may have already recognized the signs of addiction and are waiting for you to take the next step and ask for help.
Getting professional help is also a good next step once you have determined you have a problem. Reaching out to your primary care physician or a trusted mental health professional can get you going in the right direction. Health care professionals are trained to know what to do when a patient presents with a substance use disorder and can give you the support and resources you need to start your recovery journey. With their help, you can identify the level of care that you need, be it a full inpatient treatment program or an intensive outpatient option.
Detox and Support
Medical detox in a supervised setting can help you stabilize your health in a safe and controlled environment free from substances. Withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be severe, so it's important to involve a medical professional in your decision to get sober. At a detox center, you can expect 24-hour supervision, monitoring, and medical intervention when needed.
In addition to detoxing, finding support is vital in the recovery process. Having a support network is extremely important, as it helps you know you are not alone. Twelve-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous can provide the support you need amongst peers who have faced similar challenges. Individualized or group therapy is also a good option for learning how to change your behavior and move forward with your life in a positive way.
The first step towards recovery means admitting that you have a problem. By admitting that a problem exists, you can begin seeking the solution. This often means asking for help from a trusted friend or family member and getting the assistance of a mental health professional. With their help, you can determine an appropriate level of care and learn about the resources you need to get going on the path to sobriety. With the right medical and emotional support, recovery is possible. Monte Cristo Recovery is a treatment center that provides a safe environment for your body to rest and heal itself. You'll receive the support you need from trained professionals while undergoing structured clinical assessments and therapy. Monte Cristo assists you with your recovery via medical detox, nutritious meals, and emotional support. Take our hands so we can help. Give us a call today at (714) 824-9896 for more information.