Having realistic expectations in any new situation tends to be valuable, and one of the best examples here is for anyone beginning addiction treatment of any kind. This process will often come with a wide range of emotions, but one way to help control these and keep things as manageable as possible is to set and manage realistic expectations throughout.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re here to help. We offer several addiction treatment programs for varying needs, from inpatient and outpatient services to medical detox and much more, and we regularly work with patients and their families to develop realistic, robust expectations for how to approach treatment. Here are some of the areas we typically discuss.
Common Forms of Unrealistic Expectation
Some people come into addiction treatment with extremely unrealistic expectations, and this is actually understandable. This is a new experience for many, and it’s natural to want to get the best possible outcome. However, this may lead to some common unrealistic expectations that should be guarded against, such as:
- Assuming it will be easy: Addiction treatment is a long and difficult journey, and it often includes many ups and downs. That being said, having an expectation that the entire process will be easy or quick can lead to disappointment.
- Assuming it will fix everything: Yes, addiction treatment can have an overwhelmingly positive effect on a person’s life, but it isn’t a magical cure-all. There will still be challenges to face, and it’s important to have realistic expectations about the long-term outcomes of treatment.
- Believing one can recover without any major life changes: Some simply expect to go through treatment and then come out “cured.” While this may be the goal, it’s important to understand that rehabilitation requires major lifestyle changes and a commitment to ongoing work.
- It can be done alone: Addiction treatment is a very personal process, but it’s rarely done alone. Professional help and support from family and friends is vital to long-term success.
Ways of Setting More Realistic Expectations
Rather than entering with unrealistic expectations like the ones we went over above, there are some simple methods for establishing a more realistic baseline. Here are some tips:
- Educate yourself about addiction treatment: The more you understand about the different forms of treatment and what they entail, the easier it will be to set realistic expectations. Ask questions of your treatment professional and research the process as much as possible, from start to finish.
- Set measurable goals: Setting goals that are achievable and quantifiable can be incredibly useful for addiction treatment, as it gives you something concrete to strive for. This could be anything from attending a certain amount of therapy sessions per month to progressing in an outpatient program.
- Learn about addiction itself: For many, the most important step to setting realistic expectations for addiction treatment is to learn as much as you can about addiction itself, how it works and how it affects different people. This will give you a better understanding of your own journey and make it easier to set measurable goals.
- Talk to peers: Talking with those who have gone through or are going through addiction treatment can be incredibly helpful. Not only will they have experience to impart, but you’ll also feel less alone in your journey.
Minimizing Stress
One major part of setting realistic expectations for addiction treatment is the goal of minimizing stress. This can be a difficult task, as life with addiction can already be quite stressful. But by understanding what to expect and having achievable goals in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever comes your way during treatment – and beyond.
Maintaining Expectations Despite Changing Conditions
Another key part of setting realistic expectations is to realize that things can change quickly in the world of addiction treatment. It’s important to be flexible and adjust your expectations as needed, while still keeping an eye on the larger goal of recovery. With a positive attitude and an open mind, you’ll be more likely to stay on track with your journey and reach success in the end.
One major positive element here: Simply recognizing and adjusting to the progress you make during treatment can be a great way to stay on track and manage expectations. Acknowledging the successes you experience along the way is an important part of maintaining focus and keeping morale high.
Finally, always remember that recovery takes time – it’s not something that happens overnight. With realistic expectations, patience and support, however, you can reach your goals and be free of addiction for good.
For more on how to set realistic expectations for addiction treatment, or to learn about any of our addiction recovery and treatment services, speak to our caring staff at Moonlight Mountain Recovery today.
