21 Things You Need to Know about Addiction Recovery

After finishing alcohol or drug rehab, hopefully you feel prepared to start your road to long-term recovery. However, no matter how prepared you feel there are many aspects to addiction recovery that many addicts do not expect, and these can throw them off balance. To help you stay on track we have compiled this list of 21 things you should know about addiction recovery from the start.

21 Addiction Recovery Tips and Facts

1. Addiction is a brain disease.

It is helpful to remember that addiction is a disease of the brain, like asthma is a disease of the lungs. Addiction is not a moral failing. You are not a bad or flawed person. However, the reality of most diseases, including addiction, is that they require ongoing care to manage. Being in recovery is a lifelong commitment that will not always come easy.

2. There is no “cure.”

Attending a drug and alcohol rehab centre is not a cure. These places provide people with the appropriate tools to manage the disease and set them on the right path, but after that it is in the addict’s hands to remain sober and in recovery. This is why many people choose to refer to themselves as “recovering addicts” — the term serves as a permenant reminder that they are never fully cured, but simply in remission as long as they continue to use the tools necessary to remain clean and sober.

3. Getting sober and living sober are not the same.

Getting sober, or stopping the use of drugs and alcohol, is only the first step to living sober. Living sober requires making lifestyle changes that promote personal growth and long-term addiction recovery.

4. Substitute addictions can be sneaky.

If you attended an addiction treatment centre then you are probably aware of the dangers of substituting alcohol for another drug of choice or vice versa — which is why complete abstinence from all substances is recommended. As well, it is important to be aware of the less talked about process addictions such as gambling, food, shopping, sex, or love that can also be used to fulfil the void of your previous addiction.

5. There is no “one way” in addiction recovery.

While there are many suggestions as to what will help, the fact is there is no one way to achieve recovery. At first it will be beneficial take advice from those in long-term recovery, but use it then to find what works best for you. For example, some people find meditation is a crucial aspect of their recovery, while others find that it does not help at all.

6. Be prepared to grieve.

Addiction recovery is wonderful and it will feel that way eventually, but be prepared to initially grieve the loss of your addiction. You cannot expect to make positive change and simply forget the many years you spent tied up with your drug of choice and that lifestyle. You are making the wise choice to give it up, but it is still a loss that will likely need to be emotionally and mentally processed.

7. Recovery requires actions rather than intentions.

Happy thoughts will only get you so far. Positive affirmations and intentions can be helpful, but addiction recovery requires actions. Taking small daily actions to improve your lifestyle and work towards your goals, such as walking for 15 minutes, or signing up for a new class to keep yourself busy is the only way to move forward.

8. Recovery requires lifestyle changes.

If you think you can live the same lifestyle as you did before addiction treatment while simply abstaining from using drugs or alcohol you are on the fast track to relapse. Addiction recovery requires a lifestyle overhaul — including the activities you participate in, the people you hang out with, and the way you think.

9. Changing people, places, and things is not enough.

While it is a good start, simply changing the people, places, and things that were prevalent while you were actively addicted is not enough. Inner change – changing the way you think and deal with emotions – is what will truly lead to long-term recovery.

10. Find your own path outside of meetings.

Attending an addiction recovery group is vital, especially in early recovery, but you will eventually need to find your own path outside of meetings. This means developing your own ways, other than meetings, to support your own recovery. Activities such as volunteering, exercising and attending classes are great options.