The hardest thing about quitting addiction
The hardest thing about quitting an addiction can vary from person to person. And because recovery is a life-long journey, the struggles can change over time. What one person may struggle with at the beginning of recovery may differ from what someone struggles with when they have been in recovery for years.
Here are some everyday struggles people face when they are in recovery:
1. Withdrawal symptoms: This usually happens at the beginning of someone's recovery. Depending on the addiction, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. These physical, emotional, or psychological symptoms make quitting extremely difficult and uncomfortable. This is when detox or residential treatment can be helpful because they have medical and psychological support teams that can help work through the withdrawal and make things easier and more comfortable.
2. Cravings and triggers: Addiction creates intense cravings and triggers that can be difficult to resist. These cravings can be triggered by various environmental, social, or emotional factors, and it requires significant self-control and discipline to overcome them. This is due to habit and an individual's lack of emotional regulation. Addiction has been their maladaptive coping skill; they must learn new healthy coping mechanisms to resist acting out due to triggers and cravings.
3. Social pressure: People trying to quit an addiction often face social pressure from friends, family, or peers who may not understand their challenges. This pressure can make it harder to stay committed to quitting. This pressure can be intentional or non-intentional. This is why it is essential and helpful for family and friends to educate themselves when a loved one suffers from addiction.
4. Emotional struggles: Addiction is often linked to underlying emotional or mental health issues. When these issues are not adequately addressed during the recovery process, it becomes even harder to overcome the addiction. This includes depression, anxiety, other mental health diagnoses, unprocessed trauma, and adverse childhood events.
5. Relapse risk: Recovery from addiction is rarely linear, and relapses are common. Overcoming a relapse or avoiding one altogether can be a significant challenge and a source of frustration. This is why 12-step programs, individual therapy, and support groups are imperative throughout recovery. This may last a lifetime of needing to be self-aware and have continuous support.
6. Lifestyle changes: Quitting an addiction often requires significant lifestyle changes, such as avoiding certain social situations, navigating new hobbies, or changing routines. Adaptation to these changes can be difficult and uncomfortable.
There is a saying in recovery, “You have to change all persons, places, and things in your life.” there is a truth in that There is a saying in recovery “you have to change all person, places, and things in your life.” and there is a truth in that sentence. It's important to note that the journey to quitting an addiction is a highly individual process, and the difficulties individuals face may vary based on their specific circumstances and ability to gain support. Therapy can help overcome these common challenges that people suffer from when confronted with addiction.
