Things You Should Know About People in Recovery

For many people, drug or alcohol addiction took over every area of their lives. Their health, relationships, and even finances suffered as a result of their substance use disorder. Those who have successfully recovered from addiction and are in a better place in their lives worked hard to understand this disease, its contributing factors, and how they can keep it from taking over again. Unfortunately, there are many stigmas and misconceptions surrounding addiction that make it difficult for people in recovery to express their challenges and ask for help. Our Stuart, Florida treatment center is sharing eight things you should know about people in recovery so you can help and avoid being part of the problem.

8 Things You Should Know About People in Recovery From Addiction

Addiction recovery refers to the period in which addicts are actively receiving drug or alcohol addiction treatment or they’re out of rehab and sober. “Recovery” is also often used synonymously with “remission”, which is a reduction or disappearance in the symptoms of a disease. Because addiction can only be treated, recovery can be considered a state of remission. A person with an addiction, even if they’re sober, will always be in recovery. If you know someone in alcohol or drug addiction recovery, it’s important to be mindful of your words and actions regarding their past struggles with substance abuse. Below are eight things you should know about people in recovery.

They did not choose to be an addict

Addiction is not a choice. Although addiction is often the result of initial curiosity and experimentation with drugs or alcohol, people rarely begin doing this with the intention of becoming addicted. Addiction is a debilitating disease that can have a variety of repercussions that no one would want to willingly go through. Telling someone in drug or alcohol addiction recovery that they chose addiction implies that they would willingly subject themselves and their loved ones to the hurt that this disease can cause. This belief also disregards the fact that addiction is a chronic and progressive disease, and a person with this condition is unable to control their substance use.

Banyan Detox Stuart offers different addiction levels of care that include several rehab programs. Our diverse set of substance abuse programs allows us to help as many people as possible. We can help you or a loved one take that first step today.

Addiction can happen to anyone

Many TV shows and movies have depicted addicts in a certain light. These individuals either come from extremely wealthy families or live in the poorest of neighborhoods. Even so, drug addiction and alcoholism do not discriminate. Anyone of any background can develop an addiction. From your mailman to the elderly gentleman who lives across the street, substance use disorders can be caused by a variety of factors. However, it has been shown that people who began drinking or using drugs at a young age are more likely to develop an addiction later in life.

Addiction is not a sign of weakness

Many people believe that addicts are weak-minded, but this is far from the truth. Not only is it hurtful, but again, this belief is ignorant of the fact that addiction is a disease and instead paints it as a conscious decision. If you wouldn’t call someone with cancer weak for having cancer, then you should apply the same consideration to someone with an addiction. Offer support to those with substance use disorders instead of bringing them down for having a condition they have no control over.

There are several reasons why people begin abusing drugs or alcohol

There’s rarely ever one definitive reason why a person becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol. People usually begin drinking or using if they’re going through a difficult period in life or struggling with any negative thoughts or feelings. These feelings can stem from a variety of factors like family problems, relationship problems, trauma, and mental illness. People who exhibit symptoms of a dual diagnosis may receive co-occurring disorder treatment in addition to their rehab programs.

Don’t bring up the past if they’re trying to move forward

Going to rehab is one of the toughest decisions a person can make. They’re going against their body’s and mind’s desires and instead of working towards what they know and need. It takes a tremendous amount of willpower and effort for a person with an addiction to do this. Bringing up their past struggles and mistakes they made when they weren’t sober is counterproductive and discouraging. Building a support network in recovery is important and your words mean more than you may think. They’re probably already in a vulnerable state and receiving negativity from a loved one may only make this journey more difficult for them.

They never intended to hurt anyone

When a person is addicted to drugs or alcohol, those substances take precedence over everything else in their lives. While this can be hurtful, it isn’t a conscious decision. When a person has hit the point of addiction, they aren’t aware of the impact their actions can have on others. They don’t realize they’re hurting you or anyone else and they do not do it on purpose. Sadly, many families and friends of addicts endure a lot of pain as a result of substance abuse. Many rehabs offer family programs and support groups for the loved ones of addicts so they can heal as well.

They’re still the same person

Addiction is a horrible disease that targets a person’s physical and mental health. Chronic drug and alcohol abuse can change a person’s brain and affect their thoughts and behavior. While the person may have acted differently towards you or others when they were under the influence of these substances, it doesn’t mean they completely changed. Your loved one is still the same person, only with a disease. Addiction treatment not only helps them regain their health, but it also allows them to rediscover themselves.

They need support

There are millions of people every year who do not receive the care and assistance they need to recover from addiction. This is a common disease that often goes ignored or misunderstood. Do not be one of the people that fails to recognize an addict’s need for support, care, and love. You can make a huge difference in a person’s life with your encouragement and support.

At Banyan Stuart, not only do we offer a variety of substance abuse treatments, but we also offer an alumni program. This program provides patients with continuous support even after they’ve completed treatment at our facility. We know that recovery is a lifelong journey, and we’ll stick with you every step of the way.

If you or a loved one is battling addiction and needs help, call us now at 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help.