Overcoming Common Fears About Going to Recovery
Life has become overwhelming. You are facing ongoing financial, physical, and emotional turmoil. You know you need to make a change in your current lifestyle, but it feels impossible. And, it’s terrifying to think that every part of your life may need to change.
It is very normal to be afraid of what you do not know. Going into an addiction recovery program is certainly life-changing. And, you may know it is the right thing to do in your situation. That doesn’t make it any less worrisome.
To help you navigate these fears, let’s talk about some of the most common reasons that people are afraid of the experience of addiction recovery and how you can effectively work through it.
What Will Life in Recovery Be Like?
This is one of the biggest worries, and rightfully so. You may have been facing a lifestyle where alcohol or drugs are the focus of your day for a long time. What will life in recovery actually look like for you?
The reality is that you will experience changes. Relationships, work, and activities you engage in will change. You may also be facing physical changes as your body heals.
Change is common and likely, but it does not have to be a bad thing. During your drug and alcohol treatment process, you’ll be able to create goals and structure out some of the details of your life. That may include going to school, taking on a new challenge, or simply working with family members to rebuild relationships. Change will happen, but you can gain the tools to make it a positive experience.
What Will Happen in Treatment?
Drug and alcohol treatment seems like a very different world from the one you know right now. It’s often easier to stick with what you know. However, you shouldn’t be afraid of treatment at Victory. Our treatment center is designed to be a welcoming, family-like location where you’ll always be treated with respect and compassion.
When you enter residential treatment with us, you will gain one-on-one support. This personalized level of care supports your ability to explore healing in a way that is meaningful to you. Start by learning a bit more about what steps to take if you’re ready for addiction treatment, and let our team offer insight into what your care plan may look like. Reach out to an admissions counselor now for answers to your questions. There is no commitment necessary to get information that could clarify your experience.
You Are Afraid of What Others May Think
Here’s the hard reality about addiction. People don’t get it, don’t understand that it’s a design, and that could impact the way you’re treated if you enter into a drug addiction treatment program.
Consider the following, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse:
- Substance use disorders are both chronic and treatable medical conditions.
- Many people face negative attitudes and stereotypes related to their addiction.
- Most people who have these poor beliefs already have them of you. Getting into treatment does not cause them to happen.
Your employer may already suspect something is wrong. Your close family members may also have a good idea of something being off. Getting into treatment, then, doesn’t have to carry that weight. It could mean that you are able to finally gain control over the way people see and perceive you.
This is a very practical worry. Don’t underestimate how much it can impact you. You don’t want to lose relationships, your job, or where you live because you admit to needing and getting help. As realistic as this is, the best resource for overcoming this fear in addiction recovery is to speak to your addiction treatment team about it. Let them help you see what’s really happening and how to navigate around challenges.
You Don’t Think You Have the Time to Go
Who is going to care for your family, pets, or job while you step away into drug and alcohol treatment? This is also a very valid worry, but one that should not stop you from getting the care you need.
Ask for help. Explore various avenues for being able to get treatment while still living at home, including our partial hospitalization program. Don’t let this fear limit your ability to get the care you deserve.
What to Do Right Now to Start on the Path of Wellness
You have very real worries. It may hurt a bit to take a leap of faith and start tackling the treatment you need. Yet, even through all of these fears, the benefits to your mental and physical health are even more powerful.
As you think about tomorrow and getting medical care, know that our team at Victory Addiction Recovery Center is ready to guide you. Contact us now for an empowering conversation.