How to overcome obstacles and deal with setbacks and challenges in addiction recovery.

Welcome to Day 10 of our lent coverage on addiction and recovery. Today, we will be discussing how to overcome obstacles and deal with setbacks and challenges in addiction recovery.

I’m sure we can all recall times when things have gone wrong, we’ve had setbacks or things haven’t gone as we’ve planned, and the result feels like a setback too.  Sometimes these things are the result of other people’s behaviour or our own.  

In early recovery, just after leaving rehab I went to live with a family, as a sort of halfway house on my way to independence.  I had a job and a car and through them I now had a home.  However, after about 10-weeks the relationship between me and the family was very strained, and the placement broke down.  I hadn’t used or drank but they just struggled having an additional person in their home.  I was able to get other accommodation, but I just felt completely let down and alone. 

The breakdown was a result of lots of little things rather than any one ‘big’ thing – things that they didn’t like about me was how I received it.  It was good that I still had a relationship with the rehab I’d just left as they helped me process those feelings and I got through it without using or spiralling into depression.  

Because I was able to do some of the things mentioned in this article, listed below, that supported my autonomy and continued to build my resilience I felt stronger sometime after the break down in my living arrangements, than I did before.

Addiction recovery is a journey that can be full of ups and downs. It's important to remember that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of the recovery process, and that it's possible to overcome them with the right mindset and strategies and with help from others. 

Here are some tips for dealing with setbacks and challenges in addiction recovery:

1. Recognize the challenge: 

The first step in overcoming a challenge is to recognize it. Acknowledge the difficulty you are facing and take the time to understand why it is happening.

2. Seek support: 

Reach out to your support network, such as family, friends, or a professional counsellor. Sharing your struggles with others can help you gain perspective, get advice, and feel less alone.

3. Practice self-care: 

Taking care of yourself is important during difficult times. Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.

4. Learn from the experience: 

Every setback or challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Reflect on what you can do differently in the future and how you can use the experience to become stronger and more resilient.

5. Stay focused on your goals: 

It's important to stay focused on your recovery goals, even during difficult times. Remind yourself of the reasons why you decided to seek recovery in the first place and the benefits of staying sober.

Setbacks and challenges are a normal part of the addiction recovery process (they’re a normal part of life too). By doing some of the things listed above you can overcome obstacles and continue on your recovery journey.

In conclusion, as you go through the ups and downs of life and your recovery journey you’ll gain skills, knowledge and experience and realise that you can cope, you can do more than cope, you can thrive, and even help other people when the opportunity arises.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's article on "The role of family and friends in Addiction Recovery."