You have probably heard people talk about Recovery in relation to drug or alcohol addiction. But what is Recovery?
“Recovery” can mean different things to different people. In general, it is used to talk about the period after you begin treatment for addiction. It signifies an attempt to move past addiction and into the next phase.
Recovery is a powerful period because beyond everything else, it signifies that you know you have a problem and you are trying to fix it. Recovery does not mean you fix your issues right away. It means you recognize something is wrong, which is a critical part of getting help.
What Being in Recovery Means
When someone says they are “in Recovery,” they usually mean they are receiving treatment for their drug or alcohol addiction. Recovery covers a lot of territory. Many people use “Recovery” as synonymous with “in remission.”
As long as you are in Recovery, you are not actively suffering from the disease, though it may still impact you in many ways. People can stay in Recovery for their entire lives because there is no “cure” for addiction. There is only treatment. While you can sustain treatment for a long time, you can’t take a pill that magically ends your addiction.
Recovery is an active phase. When you are in Recovery, you do everything you can to push through it.
The Impact of Being in Recovery
Being in Recovery is a challenge every day. You have to make choices that uphold your sobriety, which takes concentration and determination. Holding onto that each day can feel like a daunting challenge.
But Recovery also means taking one day at a time. Early in Recovery, it may even mean taking an hour or a minute at a time. Recovery is a process, and you have to experience it deeply to appreciate its meaning.
When you are in Recovery, you:
- Feel a kinship to those who are also in Recovery
- Make decisions based on how it could impact your Recovery
- Adjust friendships and relationships based on how they could affect Recovery
- Never let down your guard
There is no part of your life that Recovery will not touch. Your Recovery is a daily reminder to appreciate what you have. You may find that sharing time with others in Recovery and talking to them about their experiences can soothe you and ignite empathy that you can also give to yourself. It’s important to treat yourself kindly and generously while you are in Recovery, for as long as it may last.
How 7 Summit Pathways Can Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, take the first step toward getting help. The sooner you get on the path to Recovery, the better.
At 7 Summit Pathways, we offer highly individualized, personalized treatment plans and holistic therapies for long-term Recovery. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.