4 Conversations You Should Have About Recovery
Addiction to drugs or alcohol can be a painful struggle, resulting in shame, guilt, denial, and fear of rejection.
And while many people tell themselves that addiction cannot happen to them, or to those they love, this is not true.
In fact, roughly 100,000 people die annually from drug overdoses, and alcohol kills roughly 178,000 people every year.
Additionally, estimates indicate that roughly 23.5 million individuals in America are struggling with a Substance Use Disorder, but less than 11% of those struggling with addiction get treatment.
Entering a treatment center is a more likely, and successful, experience with the support of others.
With that in mind, those who are struggling with addiction should be prepared to have some very important conversations, asking for the encouragement of those in their lives.
While this may seem like a terrifying choice, these conversations can equip you with the encouragement, and resources, required to change your life, break the bonds of addiction, and begin the new life you deserve.
Below are four types of conversations you should be prepared to have about your recovery.
And, remember – there is no stigma in seeking the help you need!
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What are 4 Conversations You Should Have About Recovery
Talking to Your Family and Loved Ones
One of the hardest conversations you can have when you are considering entering addiction treatment is the one you will have with your family.
Nobody wants to feel that they have let down their parents, siblings, friends, or spouse.
But it is important to keep in mind that many of the closest people in your life have already noticed changes in your behavior and health – and they have likely been worried about you.
Opening up about your struggle, and your willingness to get help, will likely bring them relief. And because of their understanding of your experience, you will likely find more success on the road to recovery.
In fact, research has shown that family engagement is a significant factor in the success of recovery programming, and those individuals with family and social support are more likely to enter and complete recovery programming, as well as maintain sobriety.
And while not everyone has immediate family on which they can rely, asking for the support of those closest to you will be important to keeping you strong and focused as you embark on this important journey.
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Talk to Your Roommates
Talking to your roommates is another challenging conversation for those seeking recovery.
If you are struggling with addiction, it is likely that your roommates engage in substance use behaviors, as well. However, as you begin your life without drugs and alcohol, you may not be able to occupy a living space in which these substances are used.
Receiving the support of your roommates in living a sober life can help you remove some barriers to your long-term freedom from addiction.
But should your roommates not be supportive, do not let that derail your choice. You may no longer be able to continue living with those individuals, but discussing your recovery goals with your roommates may help you better understand if they can support you in this important decision.
Talk to Your Employer
Many men and women facing addiction never even consider talking to their employer about their recovery needs for fear that they will lose their jobs.
However, you may not realize that there are legal protections in place for employees who seek substance abuse recovery, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prevents discrimination against those who are seeking treatment.
The Family and Medical Leave Act, passed in 1993, provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected, benefits eligible leave per year, depending on the size of their employer.
Under this Act, substance abuse recovery treatment is considered a justifiable use of job-protected leave.
Furthermore, an increasing number of employers offer Employee Assistance Programs, which offer free counseling resources and referrals, and some large employers offer company-supported addiction recovery resources.
While not all employers are able to offer the aforementioned programs, knowing the opportunities available to you may increase the affordability and practicality of your recovery treatment, helping you to experience job protection and benefits to assist you along the way.
Talk to a Recovery Center
Addiction is a serious physical and mental health issue, and requires professional assistance.
For this reason, you should look for a qualified recovery center that offers inpatient programs, medically supervised detox, diverse treatment options, and a qualified treatment team.
Visit their website, talk to their admissions staff, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
This is not the time to look for the least expensive or the quickest option – instead look for a center that makes you feel at home, and that offers a restful, immersive experience, with capable staff.
The best treatment centers, such as Resurgence Behavioral Health, should be able to talk to you about what they offer, share information and resources, and help you understand your insurance coverage.
Effects of 4 Conversations You Should Have About Recovery
Helping those in your life understand your goals, and the role they can play in supporting you, will help ensure that you don’t have to face your addiction treatment alone.
Since so much of what lies ahead will depend on your resilience and sense of empowerment, taking these early steps will help you enter recovery in a stronger place emotionally.
But should you receive any negative feedback, do not allow yourself to second guess your choice, or to place additional guilt or blame upon yourself.
In seeking freedom from recovery, you are making the best choice you can make for yourself, and those you love. And by having the courage to open up to those in your life about recovery you are showing strength that will serve you well in the days to come.
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Mental Illness and 4 Conversations You Should Have About Recovery
One in four individuals with a serious mental illness will develop a substance abuse issue.
While it may be humbling, sharing this information with the individuals you have chosen for your support system will also assist in your recovery.
If you family, friends, trusted coworkers, and roommates understand your mental health needs, they can help you navigate them more effectively.
Acknowledging a mental health issue does not mean you are making excuses. Instead, it helps you explain how you arrived at a place of addiction, and how you can find the way out.
Failure to acknowledge underlying mental health conditions as part of your recovery can create unrealistic expectations, and make you feel stigmatized on days when you feel tempted to relapse.
And while the resulting feelings of vulnerability may sometimes be difficult to experience, helping others understand your journey will increase your success, while educating them about the true experience of addiction and recovery.
Treatment and 4 Conversations You Should Have About Recovery
While it is never easy to admit that you need help, you are making the right choice.
The first step in your recovery will be supervised detoxification, which may include medications to help ease the pain and discomfort of withdrawal symptoms.
At an inpatient treatment center, such as Resurgence Behavioral Health, you will be supervised and coached by a treatment team that understands exactly what you are going through, and you will be offered a variety of programs and treatments that will encourage self-awareness, and help you build coping skills.
Depending on the severity of your addiction, your treatment may last between 45 days and 6 months, and there will be times that you may feel frustrated, or tempted to relapse.
But with the support of your treatment team, and your loved ones, you can manage these feelings, and build the happy, substance-free, life of your dreams.
ese feelings, and build the happy, substance-free, life of your dreams.
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Resurgence Behavioral Health opens doors to recovery and offers resources that make you feel truly supported.
We offer payment plans and options to fit almost any budget, accept most PPO insurance and private forms of payment, and even communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf.
Just call us at 855-458-0050 and experience the connection.
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How to Get Help
Imagine walking into an affirming space and connecting with people who support you.
They understand your experiences, and are excited to encourage your new, sober way of life.
That experience is the Resurgence Behavioral Health commitment.
Here, you will feel at home from the moment you walk through the door.
With locations in Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Fullerton Hills and Huntington Beach, sobriety is so much closer than you think.
We offer a variety of evidence-based, flexible strategies to help you build confidence, resilience and health, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, one-to-one counseling, 12-Step Programs, holistic treatments, and much more – all to help you build connections and achieve your recovery dreams.
At Resurgence Behavioral Health you can build a life free from addiction, and together, we can light the path to a healthier future.
