Recovery is hard work. It takes a lot of time and energy, and sometimes you feel like you’re not making any progress at all. That being said, recovery is the best thing you can do for yourself and your life. Sobriety brings you many new opportunities that you wouldn’t have available to you if you had stayed in active addiction. The rewards of living clean can be hard to realize sometimes, especially in early recovery, during the detox stage. However, getting through this difficult stage will open up many doors for you and the next steps will seem that much easier and less daunting. As you work through any withdrawal symptoms—which can be extreme and physically exhausting—it’s important to keep the end in mind, and that’s to live the best life you can. Here are some tips for staying positive during detox.
1. Remember Why You Started
You decided to enter treatment for a reason, or most likely a multitude of reasons. You probably had some negative health consequences because of addiction. You may have lost close friends and family members because of your actions and behavior during active addiction. No matter your reason for starting, it put you on the right track to sobriety and recovery. Remember what you are heading towards and why you chose to begin. This can be a great motivator during the difficulties that come with detox and withdrawal.
2. Set & Meet Goals
A great way to distract yourself during withdrawal is to set goals for your future. Imagine what you want your recovery to look like and what life will be like after one month, one year, and then ten years sober. Focusing on the positives will contrast greatly with the life you have been living in active addiction and serve as motivators for finishing the course.
3. Think About Your Loved Ones
You most likely will have minimal to no contact with family and friends during the withdrawal stage of treatment. This is in your best interest, as the professionals that help you know the best ways to get you through detox. Not having the company of those you care about can be a lonely and isolating experience. When you feel alone, think about those on the outside of the facility that are rooting you on. You are deeply loved and cared about by at least one person, and that person will be looking forward to seeing you once you are sober.
4. Remember This Won’t Last Forever
While the symptoms of withdrawal can be especially unpleasant, know that they won’t last forever. Soon you will be feeling better and more motivated to start your life in treatment. The negative physical and mental symptoms are all temporary. Remind yourself that you have survived worse and you will be able to get through this, too.
5. Talk with Your Doctor or Therapist
Keep in mind that the staff at the treatment facility are there to help you. You shouldn’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions, discuss what you are having difficulties with, and more. They are there to listen to you and help you through this process. Talking to someone can open you up and move you forward in recovery.
At Casa Palmera, we are dedicated to helping our patients overcome addiction and learn to manage their behavioral health issues so they can live their best possible lives. We understand that early recovery can be difficult, especially if you need to detox from a substance. Our skilled and compassionate staff are experienced in helping people detox and understand the support and help they need in this critical stage. We will help you stay positive and focused on the better days ahead.
Located in Los Angeles, our comprehensive program is designed to provide you with the support and help you build the skills you need to attain and maintain long-term recovery. We treat people at every stage of disease with residential programs and ongoing services to sustain you once you are ready to integrate back into the community. Contact us today.
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