Important Milestones for Addiction Recovery
Though the statistics for individuals suffering from addiction problems are concerning, many tend to overlook favorable statistics that shed light on those who recover from their addiction. According to the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, more than 23.5 million (10 percent of the population) adults are in recovery from alcohol and drug addictions. The numbers have significantly risen in the past few years because of the awareness and resources provided.
If you are on the path of recovery like many others, then it is essential to understand how celebrating each milestone would assist you throughout your journey.
What Are Some Key Milestones?
You will be able to celebrate many milestones in your lifelong journey. However, acknowledging these three significant shifts in your life will encourage you to do better.
1. Breaking Free From Physical Dependence
Breaking free from physical dependence is the earliest stage of your road to recovery and perhaps the most difficult. This phase is difficult because the National Institute of Drug Abuse states that around 40-60 percent of people relapse because of severe withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms occur when the body’s homeostasis has adjusted according to the change in levels of neurotransmitters. Once you stop using, your homeostasis disrupts again, causing you to deal with withdrawal symptoms such as changes in appetite, mood, congestion, fatigue, irritability, tremors, and vomiting.
Breaking free from physical dependency is the most significant milestone you would be able to achieve. Acknowledge and celebrate overcoming it.
2. Showing Improvement in Mental Health
As per the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, around 9.5 million people who suffer from substance abuse disorder (SUD) also suffer from some form of mental illness. These mental illnesses are the reason why many fall prey to substance abuse. In your path to recovery, you will also work with your feelings and emotions, aligning them to avoid falling back to old ways. This step is also as difficult as the first, as it requires a lot of patience and effort. You would have to face your traumas and negative thoughts while curating coping strategies that would assist you in your recovery process. The process may take a while, depending on how well you cooperate with your therapist.
3. Reentering Relationships and Work
The third most essential milestone to celebrate once you overcome your addiction is when you can reenter work and relationships. It is daunting because society tends to abandon addicts unable to function productively in a workspace. When you reach this milestone, you will realize how far you were able to make it through your addiction problems. After this phase, everything will slowly fall into place and return to normal.
The Importance of Celebrating Recovery Milestones
Whether your achievements are big or small, it is always important to celebrate them. Congratulate yourself on your own or surround yourself with your loved ones to help you acknowledge your strength and resilience. As mentioned, the path to recovery is not easy.
Resources for Addiction Recovery
The internet is full of resources to assist you with your addiction recovery. Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many organizations, including TBYS, are willing to help you with your road to success. Other than that, you must make use of national helplines whenever possible.
Conclusion The path to recovery is difficult, but it is not impossible. We suggest that you acknowledge and celebrate every milestone you can accomplish throughout your journey to remind yourself that you are strong and capable.
