Why Addiction Treatment Can Be Intense and Scary

Addiction is a compulsion to use mind-altering substances in spite of negativeconsequences. The path to recovery starts with awareness that
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Why is Rehab Scary?Addiction is a compulsion to use mind-altering substances in spite of negative
consequences. The path to recovery starts with awareness that there is a problem
and that something has to be done. Recovery gives you the opportunity to have a
better life and make healthier choices, but at times it may feel like one of the
hardest things you have ever done. The journey of recovery is different for each
individual. The decision to begin the recovery process takes courage and
commitment, and it isn’t always smooth sailing. Some aspects of recovery are
painful and some are downright scary. For More Information About Our
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs
Call Us At:
(310) 455-5258

The Discomfort of Withdrawal

Recovery begins with getting all mind-altering substances such as drugs or
alcohol out of your system through detoxification. The intensity of your
withdrawal symptoms
will depend on what substance or substances you have been using and how deep
your physical or psychological dependence has grown. Going through withdrawal
can be very unpleasant, and
withdrawing from certain substances such as alcohol</a >
can be very dangerous unless you are under medical supervision. Some of the
symptoms you may experience during withdrawal include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Sweating
  • Agitation
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Coma

In an
inpatient detoxification facility</a >, you will be under the care of medical professionals to keep you safe and as
comfortable as possible during detoxification.

The Intensity of Feelings

During recovery, particularly early recovery, you may experience extremely
intense feelings. Since you have been numbing your feelings and escaping from
reality using substances, you may have forgotten how intense feelings can get.
Many people describe early recovery as riding a rollercoaster emotionally. One
day you may feel excited and happy at the possibilities ahead of you and the
next you may be sobbing uncontrollably or feeling afraid to face day-to-day
life. Strong feelings won’t kill you, but they may make you feel like turning
back to substances in order to numb your feelings. In recovery, you will learn
new
coping skills and tools
that can help you deal with uncomfortable feelings. Having a support network
gives you a way to talk about your feelings rather than running from them.

Unexpected Cravings

Not all of the scariest parts of addiction recovery happen at the very beginning
of recovery. While you will probably experience cravings early in your recovery
journey, you may be surprised to find that cravings can come back when you least
expect them, months or even years into your recovery. When you experience
cravings, it can be very hard to think about anything except the urge to use,
and this can lead to a relapse if you’re not prepared. In recovery, you will
learn from others what to do when this happens. Learning to recognize what
people, places or things trigger the urge to use can help you to be prepared
when you experience cravings. Getting in the habit of reaching out to others by
calling people or attending
support groups
can help you get to the other side of cravings.

Why Addiction Recovery Can Be Difficult and Scary

Addiction doesn’t happen instantly. It usually develops over the course of
weeks, months and sometimes years. Likewise, recovery doesn’t happen instantly.
You have developed a habit of trying to escape from difficult feelings rather
than facing them. Relearning how to face and deal with life’s challenges takes
time and practice. The good news is that the journey of recovery isn’t something
that you have to face alone. You will find that there are many people who have
walked a similar self-destructive path and have found a way to recover and
accept life on life’s terms. When you make a decision to give up mind-altering
substances, you can learn to face the part of recovery that is scary and
difficult with the help of others. Once you do that, it’s possible to become
free of the compulsion to rely on substances and learn to truly enjoy life. If
you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please call us at
(310) 455-5258 or submit the form
below to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Los Angeles.

If you’re ready to start your recovery, we’re here to help.

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