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In fact, those struggling with addiction know that getting sober will be one of the hardest things they ever do, which makes it all the more admirable when someone finds the courage to turn their life around. Even though recovery is no walk in the park, the benefits far outweigh the challenges each and every time. This cold season is an important time for those in early recovery to have adequate addiction treatment support to talk about subtle situations such as this along with the more obvious- like the Holidays. Individuals who are in recovery from Opiate Use Disorder anecdotally report the highest traumatic response to getting sick. This can be tied to the opiate withdrawal symptoms that they had commonly tried to avoid throughout their active addiction.
As life gets good again it’s easy to forget how ‘sick’ with the disease of addiction you once were. Continuing to attend support groups and alumni meetings and events as well as reach out to those individuals in early recovery are essential habits to keep up with throughout your journey. When you take the first step to recovery the road ahead may seem long and hard, however, many others felt just like you and they are now living their best lives ever. The first days, weeks, and months of recovery can present reframing holidays in early recovery challenges, but it’s important to remember that life always presents challenges and with the right tools you can overcome and thrive through each one. Transitioning from life in active addiction to one in recovery is different for everyone. For many, the first days, weeks, months, and even years can be spent in what is referred to by many as ‘a pink cloud.’ As the mind and body begin to clear and heal, the world comes alive again. What once was dreaded becomes an eagerly anticipated part of the day.
How Do You Keep Grief from Sinking Your Recovery from Addiction?
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but many women entering recovery encounter these hurdles. Some of the challenges women face in recovery include shame, relationship issues, dual-diagnosis, and pregnancy/motherhood. Women often use substances differently than men, such as using smaller amounts of certain drugs for less time before they become addicted.
- The further you move away from your old life, the more you can embrace your new one.
- You may also be required to attend a certain number of meetings each week.
- Women, however, tend to gravitate toward codependency , especially in their addictions.
- During this time, you are consumed with the misery of your physical discomfort.
- During your treatment program, you’ll likely follow a structured daily schedule of support group meetings, exercise, meals, personal reflection, and leisure time.
- Attend a 12 step meeting and share about what you are going through, call your sponsor and hash it out either in person or over the phone or set up an extra therapy appointment.
Setting off down the path of recovery from substance use or addiction can be anywhere from challenging to downright terrifying. The GCER leads global and interagency efforts to establish and maintain standards and policy, build response capacity and provide operational support. Brain changes in women who use drugs can be different from those in men.
How Do You Improve Your Self-Awareness in Addiction Recovery?
Recovery is a continuous process, and as you grow in your sobriety, you may face new challenges that you need help with. There is no shame in seeking continued outpatient or mental health counseling. Counseling is a great way to make sure you’re staying on the right track.
Women in recovery also often deal with trauma and PTSD issues. Fortunately, a reputable addiction treatment center will offer case management and recovery coaching services that can help you build a resume, develop work-life skills, and find work. Even if you have a home to return to after rehab, it may not be suitable for early recovery. For example, if you live alone without support or live with someone who is still using drugs or alcohol, it may not be the best choice for you to return home. Going home directly after rehab can be triggering for anyone, and returning to the same environment that you used to get high in isn’t always good for your mental health. Additionally, drug and alcohol abuse cause health problems related to hormones, including menstrual cycles, fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause. Children of women in active addiction during pregnancy can struggle with long-lasting behavioral and physical problems, as well.