When people first become motivated to quit drugs and alcohol, they often think recovery is only about abstinence. As long as they can resist using drugs or drinking alcohol, they’ll be fine. But there’s so much more to addiction recovery. Research has identified many ways to motivate substance users to continue abstinence during and after addiction treatment. A formal program for drug or alcohol treatment at a Washington rehab facility can get you started on the right path. However, recovering addicts must make lifelong efforts to maintain positive behaviors to remain sober. Today, we’re talking about 5 obstacles that can prevent you from making positive changes and what you can do about them.
1. Perfectionism
By definition, perfectionism is the need to be or appear perfect or to believe that it is possible to achieve perfection. It is often considered a positive or healthy personality trait rather than a flaw. However, when it comes to substance abuse, perfectionism can become an obstacle. It can sometimes prevent drug users or alcoholics from taking steps that feel overwhelming. This is because a perfectionist wants any change to be perfect. Such an individual may delay getting help at a Washington rehab facility because they’re waiting for the perfect time or perfect place to start. They may be hesitant to seek help at an alcohol treatment center in Washington because they want a guaranteed outcome of success.
The truth is that there may never be a perfect time or place to start alcohol or drug rehab. The more you delay treatment, the greater the risk of serious health problems, relapses, and overdose. That’s why it can serve recovering addicts well to let go of perfectionism by adjusting their standards and giving themselves a deadline to start drug or alcohol addiction treatment.
2. People-pleasing behaviors
A people-pleaser is someone who tries exceptionally hard to make others happy. Such an individual will go out of their way to please others, often at the cost of their own time and wellbeing. People-pleasing tendencies are often rooted in insecurities or lack of self-esteem. When it comes to recovery from substance abuse, this personality trait can become a barrier to long-term sobriety.
For example, a recovering addict may realize that they need to end an unhealthy relationship, but they may be unwilling to hurt the other person. If the other person is someone who was a former drug buddy, for instance, keeping the relationship alive can be detrimental to recovery and may lead to relapse.
Over time, people-pleasing behaviors can result in burnout and resentment, creating stress and increasing the risk of drug or alcohol use as an escape. If you are a recovering addict who has just come out of alcohol or drug rehab in Washington, it’s important to start putting yourself first. You may have to work on learning to say no, but letting go of people-pleasing behaviors will be an important step in rewriting your life story and making it one that is free of drugs.
3. Low self-esteem
When a person has low self-esteem, they are more likely to be influenced by the world around them. They may also not believe in themselves – that they are capable of making positive changes or are good enough to live a happy life free of drugs. Low self-esteem can convince you that your current reality of a drug- or alcohol-riddled life is all you’re good for and that you’re incapable of doing better things.
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+18442884672 Drug abuse treatment at a Washington rehab facility like Discover Recovery can help improve self-esteem through behavioral therapy. Addiction treatment programs are designed to address many of the conditions that affect self-esteem, such as anxiety, depression, and mood disorders. Getting professional help at a leading Washington rehab can, therefore, help you make a positive change through personal reflection and emotional growth.
4. Lack of support
The encouragement of friends and family members can make it considerably easier to make positive behavioral changes that support recovery. Yet, one of the most common obstacles people face during recovery from substance abuse is a lack of support. When a recovering addict lacks support, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness. It can also lead a person to second-guess their desire to change and get clean.
If you are a recovering addict who does not have sufficient support from family and friends, there are support groups that can help. Addiction support groups are made up of people like yourself who have or are still battling substance abuse. In these groups, you can share your experiences and learn from others. Top-rated Washington rehab centers like Discover Recovery offer aftercare programs for graduates of inpatient addiction treatment programs, including help with finding addiction support groups.
5. Lack of resources
Many people who are struggling with addiction have identified that they need to change their life. However, their financial situation, work obligations, or family situation make it impossible to move forward with substance abuse treatment. In addition to a lack of physical resources, a lack of emotional resources (inability to choose and control emotions) can also become an obstacle to making positive changes. Emotional resources are the most important resources people need to avoid returning to old habits.
During therapy sessions at Discover Recovery Treatment Center, therapists will work with you to help develop emotional resources. The staff will also aid you in identifying community resources that can help you in your journey to sobriety. Your family and friends will receive advice on how to support the recovery process.
Discover Recovery Treatment Center
At Discover Recovery Treatment Center in Long Beach, Washington, we understand that there is no magic switch for living a drug-free life. Recovery is a lifelong process that involves daily physical and mental challenges. Our inpatient alcohol and drug rehab programs in Washington are designed to help you develop the skills to cope with these challenges. Our goal is to support you in overcoming all the obstacles that prevent you from making positive changes. To this end, we offer comprehensive, individualized drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs that take a multi-pronged approach to recovery. Talk to us today and start working toward recovery that lasts.
