Understanding Addiction and the Recovery Process
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By Kathy B. Murphy, M Ed., CAC, NCC
Addiction can be overwhelmingly painful and difficult to deal with. Whether the cause is alcohol or other drugs, overcoming an addiction is a complicated process. Whether you may be facing an addiction yourself, or interested in the recovery process for someone close to you, it is worth understanding the many steps on the road to recovery.
Addiction can be overwhelmingly painful and difficult to deal with. Whether the cause is alcohol or other drugs, overcoming an addiction is a complicated process. Whether you may be facing an addiction yourself, or interested in the recovery process for someone close to you, it is worth understanding the many steps on the road to recovery.
For most people, an addiction is not something that is sudden; instead, it sneaks up very gradually. Logically speaking, no one ever plans to become addicted: a person slowly enters that dark abyss, in most cases, without even realizing that it is happening.
Consequently, it stands to reason that recovery is also a slow and gradual process. It simply isn't possible to seek recovery one day, then accomplish it by the next - or even by the next week. But recovery can be achieved, if one is willing to follow the progressive, methodical steps necessary to beat an addiction.
The first, and most important, issue is for a person to admit he or she has an addiction. Without that honest admission, efforts to "get better" will probably be futile. It isn't always necessary to admit it to others, but it is essential a person admit the addiction to himself. Honesty with oneself is of paramount importance in recovery.
It's also helpful for the addict to recognize that acknowledging he is addicted does not mean he's a "bad" person. It merely reflects the fact that he has used a substance to the point where he is now dependent, unable to control the use of that substance.
Whether he is good, bad, ethical, unethical, kind or unkind is irrelevant. He is simply addicted, which has no bearing on his character. Of course, sometimes the behavior that results from the addiction will affect how the person is judged by those around him, but simply being addicted doesn't make him a bad person.
An important step toward the pursuit of recovery is for the person to realize and accept that change must occur. The pattern that led to the addictive behavior must be broken in some way. If a person doesn't initiate change, then it's highly unlikely recovery will occur. The addict must also recognize that his behavior and thoughts cannot remain the same as in the past because that may be what has reinforced the addiction. Change is imperative.
The next step for recovery is critical. A person must realize that an addiction usually consumes his whole being. It is typically what he thinks of upon waking, what's on his mind most of his waking hours, and usually his last thought as he falls to sleep at night. It didn't begin that way, but over time the addiction becomes the focal point of a person's life.
Consequently, removing that major a part of one's life will most certainly leave a gigantic emptiness. The emptiness must be filled with something. One of the keys to recovery is to find a positive and healthy substitution. Different things work for different people. Some individuals enjoy physical exercise while others prefer meditation. It may be helpful for some to become involved in support group meetings while others find that religious activities are beneficial.
It is also helpful to look deeper than surface level when facing addiction. What is driving the user to drink or use drugs? Are there underlying issues that need addressing? Many times an addict feels socially inadequate unless he is under the influence of some substance. There may be situations in which an alcoholic drinks because he is lonely and alcohol becomes his companion. Some people use or drink to avoid feeling at all - the substance numbs them so they do not have to deal with unpleasant emotions. If such conditions exist, it is important to deal with the root cause and try to resolve those core problems. That often requires professional help.
Finally, it's only logical that recovery must be nurtured. If a person plants two trees but only feeds and waters one, that nurtured tree will be the only one to grow. The same principle applies with recovery. It is necessary to "feed and water" recovery efforts in order for them to flourish. By not strictly following a structured recovery plan, a person sets himself up for relapse. If the plan is followed, though, the chances for a happier and healthier life are greatly increased.
Kathy Murphy works as an Addictions Counselor and EAP Counselor in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
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