Addiction is complicated. It takes the brain hostage and changes the way a brain functions. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol. When a person is addicted, he or she must use more of the substances, more frequently to reach the same pleasurable effect as the first time. Addiction puts a person at risk of serious health problems, including heart attack, liver failure, overdose, and death.
Addiction makes it difficult for a person to stop using drugs or alcohol due to physical and psychological dependence. A person might continue to use drugs or alcohol to relieve withdrawal symptoms. Trying to get sober can be overwhelming, and taking sobriety “one day at a time” can be less stressful than saying “never use again.”
Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) preaches “one day at a time” and states, “We try to follow what we in A.A. call the “24-hour plan.” We concentrate on keeping sober just the current twenty-four hours. We simply try to get through one day at a time without a drink.”
In treatment, a person learns how to transition to independent living while staying sober. Journaling helps a person in recovery to prioritize goals and responsibilities and track his or her setbacks and improvements. When a person in recovery is journaling, he or she can identify and cope with triggers and avoid high-risk situations. He or she can concentrate on how they feel about past events, in the present.
Group meetings allow a person to share experiences with others and form new, sustainable relationships. In recovery, it is important to have a network of people to call on when facing challenges. Sober friends can encourage sobriety and enjoy fun, healthy, substance-free activities.
Recovery from drug or alcohol addiction is one day at a time and is a life-long process. During an individual’s journey, there are challenges and obstacles to overcome. He or she can use journaling to record their recovery struggles and accomplishments. When he or she is journaling their recovery, they see their success in sobriety, which encourages positive reinforcement.
Acknowledging you need help is the first step to recovery. If you or a loved one is battling addiction, get help today. Recovery from addiction is possible.
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” ~ C.S. Lewis
If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151