Recovery from alcohol and or drug addiction is an immense personal accomplishment and certainly one of life’s toughest journeys. With the goal of sustained sobriety in sight, the road to recovery often spans a long and bumpy path paved with various struggles, ranging from psychological and spiritual to social and occupational. Although inspirational stories of successful recovery give hope and motivation to many, the struggles associated with recovery are rarely discussed, leaving individuals feeling isolated and struggling to cope.
One of the often-overlooked struggles of recovery is the psychological struggle. This can include intense bouts of stress, depression, and anxious thoughts as the individual re-navigates life without their former substances. Low motivation and energy levels can be difficult to cope with during this psychological adjustment period, and often times individuals feel helpless and overwhelmed. Coping with cravings and substance-related temptations can also be extremely difficult and emotionally taxing.
In addition to the psychological challenges, recovery can also be a spiritual battle. While this doesn’t refer to any particular religion, spirituality is a key factor in fighting substance abuse and finding a sustainable path to recovery. Many individuals come to recognize their mistakes, guilt, and past choices as they journey to self-discovery, inner strength, and determination during recovery. Therefore, it is essential to search within to gain clarity on the spiritual cause of distress and regain faith in oneself as this can be a major struggle.
The struggles of recovery don’t end there; social and occupational burdens also arise. Social isolation is a common issue as most individuals find themselves cut off from the former group of “drinking buddies” or “drug-taking acquaintances”. This can cause social anxieties and loneliness which can lead to depression, and it can be hard to rebuild relationships that were previously overshadowed by substance abuse. Furthermore, primitive thoughts or behaviors can lead to difficulty in in managing interpersonal factors such as relationships and careers which can be an uphill battle to overcome.
Overall, while support groups, positive role models, and medications/therapy can provide some comfort to those seeking recovery, the real challenge is in overcoming the various struggles associated with recovery on a personal level. It is easy to lose hope and/or reach points of relapse, and while this is common and understandable, it is important to remember that recovery is a journey. There will be obstacles along the path, but with courage, determination, and discipline, individuals with substance problems can make great strides in overcoming their struggles and achieving recovery.