Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
If you’ve decided to finally face your addiction issues, congratulations! One of the hardest parts in this entire process is actually admitting to yourself and others that you have a problem, so you’ve taken a big step forward.
You’ll now be wondering where to go from here, because as you know, you’ve got a long journey ahead of you that will present many big challenges. Anyone can recover, though – it’s just about choosing the right path forward for you. In this article, you’ll learn about three important elements for getting and staying on track.
Turning Words Into Action
As mentioned above, it’s a truly important step to say outloud that you have a problem and need help – but putting those words into action is a considerably greater challenge.
Making a commitment to change is all about behavior in the beginning. The mindset will develop later, but starting means taking physical action. You should first take the initiative to outline exactly what your problem is and why you want to change it. Try to identify three of your core values and align them to your reasons for getting better.
It’s these values that you’ll look towards in your most difficult moments. When you’re at risk of relapse, reiterating why you’re doing this will keep you on track. You should also explore this with one or two close friends or family members so that they’re clear on why you’re doing this, as you’ll need their help at some point on the path to recovery.
The Importance of Professional Help
While it’s true that some people have recovered without professional help, you’re always going to be much better with it.
Recovery from addiction has been studied for decades at this point, and the evidence-based protocols are well established. It’s very difficult to tap into these yourself, as it requires years of training to convey how and why to do things.
A good therapist will design your plan from the ground up. The therapeutic approach used will be customized to your specific needs, and you’ll be supported at each step in the process. The best way to approach therapy is typically through a dedicated detox and rehab center, so do a search online for ‘rehab’ and then your hometown or city (rehab New Jersey, for example) to see what’s available.
Developing a Strong Support Network
Unless you’ve chosen a residential detox program, it’s critical to be mindful of the fact that you’ll need support on the outside after your therapy sessions.
It’s common for many people to feel optimistic during their sessions, but then once they get home, it all goes south.
To avoid this problem, develop a strong support network of friends and family. It’s these people who will build you up when you falter, making them highly instrumental in preventing relapse. Choose your friends wisely, and pick one or two family members who will act as your main supports.
Wrapping Up
Your decision to seek help is admirable, as not many people ever get to that point. Providing you lean on the right people and take things bit by bit, you’re sure to get through and experience the wonders of life on the other side. Good luck!
