Deciding to take back the reins of your life and start your journey to sobriety is a huge step. As you settle into this new chapter of life, though, you may find yourself face to face with some unprecedented obstacles. As more come your way, you may feel intimidated, and the urge to return to drugs and alcohol may be strong.
However, it is crucial to learn how to properly cope with obstacles in early recovery in order to continue on the path towards healing and lifelong sobriety. While it is not easy at first, it is worth it. Over time, coping methods will become second nature to you so you can live your best sober life. Here are some ways to overcome obstacles in early recovery.
The Danger of Obstacles in Early Recovery
Early recovery is an exciting time full of new opportunities and a chance to reclaim your life. However, it is also a time of intense emotions, insecurity, and worries. Even after detox, psychological withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, may persist for months to come.
Experiencing these can be intimidating as you gain your footing in recovery, as adverse symptoms can make it seem like relapse is one step away. However, there are ways to overcome the various obstacles you may face that will make you stronger and help you maintain your sobriety for the long term.
Identify Common Obstacles
The best way to overcome obstacles in early recovery is to prepare for them. You cannot prepare for them if you are not sure what to expect. Therefore, educating yourself on common obstacles in early recovery can help you identify them when they come your way. Then, you can recognize what is happening and apply the proper coping methods to help you through it.
Some of the most common challenges in early recovery include:
- Triggers
- Cravings
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Intense emotions
- Relationships
- Filling free time
While there are unique obstacles that you may face in your own recovery journey, knowing the common ones will help you prepare for others that may appear. There are also various ways you can overcome obstacles in early recovery. It is all about finding what works for you and your unique healing journey.
Start a Journal
One of the best ways to cope with unforeseen obstacles in early recovery is to journal about your experiences. Journaling provides a safe outlet to express your feelings without hurting yourself, others, or threatening your recovery. What you write does not have to be perfect; it just has to help you release your emotions to help you cope with adverse instances in early recovery.
Identify Triggers
Working with your therapist, you should identify your specific triggers in recovery. Doing so will help you avoid them, prepare for them, and overcome them. Talking with your therapist about your triggers can help you be less intimidated by recovery because you will know what they are and what to do when you face them. It is imperative to understand that triggers will change over time, and identifying them is only the beginning of understanding and overcoming them.
Talk It Out
In early recovery, you may be hesitant to reach out to other individuals in your treatment program, whether they be your fellow peers or your treatment team. However, other people are your most excellent resource in recovery. This is because they can not only listen to you, but also relate to you and give advice.
You should not be ashamed to discuss your problems because, most likely, someone else has gone through the exact same thing. It is better to get support from others rather than to suffer alone. Therefore, you should reach out and connect with others in recovery to help you overcome any potential obstacles.
Practice Mindfulness
Many individuals that have struggled with addiction find it complicated to listen to their body in recovery. This is because their body previously may have craved the substances that were wreaking havoc on their lives, so how can they trust it in recovery?
Mindfulness is an excellent way to slow down and listen to what your body needs. It may be challenging at first, but mindfulness activities help connect your mind and body as one so you can be more in tune with yourself. As you practice, listen to what your body tells you and what it needs. Is it more rest? Is it exercise? As you face obstacles in early recovery, try this method to help you tackle them in a way that works for your specific needs.
Overcoming obstacles in early recovery is challenging at first, but learning various coping techniques can make doing so easier. Early recovery is a time of extreme caution as you adjust to life outside of addiction. It is a new world that will take some adjusting, but it is crucial to remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place. At the Detox Center of Colorado, we strive to give our clients the necessary tools to begin their recovery on the right foot. We understand the obstacles that clients may face in early recovery, so we work with each of them on an individual level to address their unique recovery needs. No two clients are the same, and recovery should not be treated as such. With expert staff and comprehensive care, you can be sure that you are in good hands. To learn more about our facility, call the Detox Center of Colorado today at (303) 952-5035.
