While everyone’s journey through addiction recovery is different and will show up in varying ways, there tend to be certain struggles and challenges that are relatively common among those in this position. Knowing some of the common pitfalls of addiction recovery can be very helpful to many people, allowing them to be cognizant of their struggles and address them in healthy ways.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we provide numerous addiction recovery programs and resources for patients in Boise, Oregon and Washington, including everything from inpatient programs to medical detox and more. Here are some of the frequent pitfalls that can ensnare people in addiction recovery, plus how to stay cognizant of them and avoid them if you can.
Being Unrealistic in Recovery Expectations
While we all wish we could simply kick addiction overnight and never look back, that’s a shockingly unrealistic view of recovery. It’s important to remain realistic about the road ahead, and be prepared for any setbacks or difficult days along the way.
This means having an awareness that relapse is possible and building up supportive networks in order to prevent it if you can. It also means being honest with yourself about the potential for triggers and cravings, and having a plan in place to handle them if they arise.
For instance, if you’re prone to certain cravings, have a list of healthy alternatives that can satisfy them instead. Planning ahead for potential problems is an important part of successful addiction recovery.
Trying to Go It Alone
Another major pitfall in addiction recovery is trying to go through the process alone. This can be a dangerous idea; if you don’t have a support system, it can be much easier to fall back into old habits or behaviors.
By accepting the support of family, friends, and even other people in recovery can be invaluable. You don’t have to go through this process alone—there are numerous resources available for those seeking help.
Moonlight Mountain Recovery is here with a wide variety of different programs to help you get started in the right direction. From detox services to more intensive inpatient programs, we’re here to provide you with the support and guidance you need.
Focus on Short-Term Results
It can be tempting in addiction recovery to focus solely on short-term results; for instance, “I just want this craving to go away right now!” While it’s important to satisfy cravings in the short term, it’s also essential to look at long-term goals and figure out how to reach them.
Long-term success in recovery is about more than just avoiding cravings; it’s about building a healthier lifestyle that can help you stay free from addiction for years or even decades to come. That means looking at things like diet, physical activity, and more.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re here to help you create a long-term plan for success that goes beyond short-term cravings or triggers. We offer a comprehensive set of addiction recovery resources that can guide your journey towards lasting sobriety.
Trying to Quit “Cold Turkey”
This one is technically a sub-category of the unrealistic expectations section, but it’s worth a separate mention. Trying to quit “cold turkey” is usually not an effective way of getting sober, as it doesn’t provide any long-term strategies or resources to maintain sobriety in the future.
Rather, for most people, it’s best to look into an addiction recovery program that provides the structure and support needed for successful sobriety. Such a program should be tailored to your particular needs, as everyone’s journey is different.
Failure to Address Underlying Mental Health Concerns
In many cases, addiction is rooted in a variety of underlying mental health concerns. In order to truly achieve lasting sobriety, it’s essential to address these underlying issues and the root causes of addiction.
For some people, this means speaking to a therapist or counselor in order to untangle the complex web of emotions and issues that may be contributing to their addiction. It can also mean looking into holistic treatments, such as yoga or meditation, in order to better understand yourself and your triggers for substance abuse.
Choosing the Incorrect Program
One pitfall that’s often easy to correct is choosing the incorrect addiction recovery program. It’s important to find a program that fits your individual needs and goals, as well as one that has an experienced team of professionals who are dedicated to helping you succeed.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we understand the importance of finding the right fit for your recovery. We offer a variety of different programs designed to meet the needs of each individual who walks through our doors. Our team is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need in order to succeed, and we’re proud of our commitment to helping people achieve lasting sobriety.
No matter what your journey looks like, an addiction recovery program can help get you on the path. Contact us today to learn about any of our services around Boise, Washington and Oregon.
