shydawg
02-04-2009, 03:02 PM
The #1 Enemy of the Recovering Addict
by: Deanna Bounds-Ross
For the addict in recovery, there is an enemy greater even than easy access to their drug of choice…
Isolation.
Addiction is an isolating disease. When first using, we may surround ourselves with people and fun, but addiction always, always leads to feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness.
In our efforts to maintain our addiction, we inevitably distance ourselves from family and friends. First it is the actual act of using that causes us to distance ourselves; however, as our disease progresses it often becomes too painful, too intrusive to be around “normal” people, especially those who love and care about us. The looks of concern and worry, of compassion and of pity, especially the pity are just too much to bear. Eventually, this distancing of ourselves coupled with the physical effects of long-term use; lead to deep depression and in many, even thoughts of suicide.
It would stand to reason that too much time spent alone would trigger feelings of depression and isolation, mimicking those we experienced during the worst of our use and dependency. Ironically, becoming depressed can then lead to significant urges to use, sending us spiraling into relapse; perpetuating a vicious cycle that is difficult, at best, to break.
The guidance to not allow ourselves to become isolated in our recovery is drilled into us in all of the conventional rehab programs. Participation in a 12-step and/or other ongoing recovery program and attendance of regular meetings is one of the key components to staying connected with others. These groups and meetings also provide both the support we need from people who know and share our experiences, as well as the opportunity to provide that same support to our peers and particularly, the still suffering addict.
Through participation in the various groups and recovery programs, we are also regularly taught of the many reasons we should not isolate ourselves from others and continuously reminded of the various ill effects of trying to “go it alone”.
The real truth is . . . we crave human companionship. Being alone may come easier to us, but the price is far too high. Maintaining contact with other people, building strong relationships and family bonds, and creating a network of live, face-to-face support is vital to our recovery.
Reaching out isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding, and it will help us sustain in our recovery.
As an addict in recovery, hopefully you have a network of support you have built through rehab, 12-step or other programs. Remember, those are the people who understand best, share a lot of the same feelings and have been right where you are, regardless of where you are in your recovery.
The fellow recovering addicts in your support group(s) have had to reach out, just like you, in times of discomfort, distress, loneliness, and when they just plain didn’t want to. Most importantly though is that they did. And, they are clean and sober and living a recovery life. And, they are there to help support you in doing the same.
So, don’t be alone. Don’t let yourself.
Just the fact that you seek or are already in recovery means you’ve come so far already!
Reach out. Keep reaching. You will find an understanding soul to help pull you through!
by: Deanna Bounds-Ross
For the addict in recovery, there is an enemy greater even than easy access to their drug of choice…
Isolation.
Addiction is an isolating disease. When first using, we may surround ourselves with people and fun, but addiction always, always leads to feelings of isolation, depression and loneliness.
In our efforts to maintain our addiction, we inevitably distance ourselves from family and friends. First it is the actual act of using that causes us to distance ourselves; however, as our disease progresses it often becomes too painful, too intrusive to be around “normal” people, especially those who love and care about us. The looks of concern and worry, of compassion and of pity, especially the pity are just too much to bear. Eventually, this distancing of ourselves coupled with the physical effects of long-term use; lead to deep depression and in many, even thoughts of suicide.
It would stand to reason that too much time spent alone would trigger feelings of depression and isolation, mimicking those we experienced during the worst of our use and dependency. Ironically, becoming depressed can then lead to significant urges to use, sending us spiraling into relapse; perpetuating a vicious cycle that is difficult, at best, to break.
The guidance to not allow ourselves to become isolated in our recovery is drilled into us in all of the conventional rehab programs. Participation in a 12-step and/or other ongoing recovery program and attendance of regular meetings is one of the key components to staying connected with others. These groups and meetings also provide both the support we need from people who know and share our experiences, as well as the opportunity to provide that same support to our peers and particularly, the still suffering addict.
Through participation in the various groups and recovery programs, we are also regularly taught of the many reasons we should not isolate ourselves from others and continuously reminded of the various ill effects of trying to “go it alone”.
The real truth is . . . we crave human companionship. Being alone may come easier to us, but the price is far too high. Maintaining contact with other people, building strong relationships and family bonds, and creating a network of live, face-to-face support is vital to our recovery.
Reaching out isn’t always easy, but it is rewarding, and it will help us sustain in our recovery.
As an addict in recovery, hopefully you have a network of support you have built through rehab, 12-step or other programs. Remember, those are the people who understand best, share a lot of the same feelings and have been right where you are, regardless of where you are in your recovery.
The fellow recovering addicts in your support group(s) have had to reach out, just like you, in times of discomfort, distress, loneliness, and when they just plain didn’t want to. Most importantly though is that they did. And, they are clean and sober and living a recovery life. And, they are there to help support you in doing the same.
So, don’t be alone. Don’t let yourself.
Just the fact that you seek or are already in recovery means you’ve come so far already!
Reach out. Keep reaching. You will find an understanding soul to help pull you through!