January 2, 2019Tyler Collins
You know that you need to make a change. You have promised yourself that the New Year ahead is going to be the time when you’ll finally quit drinking or stop using drugs.
But you’re scared that you’re going to fail because while you’ve tried to change so many times before, you can’t seem to do it by yourself.
You are not alone because the reality is, any type of change is never easy.
Whether you want to lose weight, start eating healthy, switch careers or organize your life better – the task of keeping up the motivation to finally turn your life around can feel like massive burden you just don’t want to carry around with you.
“I don’t need rehab” means you probably do
Many people with substance abuse problems go through the denial stage, refusing to admit that they need help. It’s not unusual to hear claims such as “I can do this by myself” or worse, “I am not addicted”. Telling people that you can still control the situation is a common defense mechanism. While this may convince some of your loved ones, the reality that you’re struggling will never change.
There’s often a stigma attached to rehab and this is the reason why many people shut down the idea of submitting themselves to one. You might be scared that people will look at you differently or that you might jeopardize your career. Or maybe you are still hanging on to the belief that you can do it on your own.
However, going to rehab does not undermine your strength or your self-control. On the contrary, it means that you are brave enough to admit that you need help. What a rehab does is offer you a comfortable refuge where you can focus on your recovery. You can choose to stay in a center that has a home-style environment so you won’t feel like you’re confined in a clinical setting. You’ll be surrounding yourself with people who will understand you and not judge you for what you are going through.
Rehab eliminates distractions and triggers
You’re on your third day of being sober, but then you get invited to a late holiday party by your college buddies. Of course, there’s alcohol. You don’t want to be a party-pooper so you just decide to break your non-alcoholic streak. After all, it’s much easier to down a drink than explaining to everyone why you’re holding on to club soda.
These distractions happen a lot and they are one of the primary reasons why many people can’t get through a week without veering off their sober goals. Even if you have iron-clad willpower, temptations disguised as “good excuses” can be difficult to resist.
These external factors are beyond your control. Plus, not knowing how to deal with these pressures can cause you deeper into your substance abuse problems. When you are inside a rehab facility, these distractions are taken away. You can give your 100% without being taken off-track. Coaches and peers will also help you learn how to deal with these triggers once you are back outside. The treatment programs will prepare you to make sure you know what to do when faced with the same difficult scenarios.
Entering rehab confirms your commitment to change
It can be frustrating when your loved ones give up believing that you can change. The feeling of being alone and abandoned is understandably heart-breaking. However, you must also realize that your many failed attempts at recovery in the past are also difficult for the people around you.
Entering a rehab facility during the New Year is a way to show your loved ones and most importantly, yourself that you are committed to change. It shows that you are ready to welcome people who can potentially help you into your recovery journey.
While rehab is not an instant solution that will magically eradicate your addiction, it is the first step towards your progress. It will provide you the support and coaching that you need to finally change. But at the same time, you’ll be expected to give your dedication into your treatment program in order to be successful.
Staying in rehab helps you build a healthier habit
Aside from helping you kick out your addiction, a stay in a rehab facility can help you change your lifestyle for the better in order to prepare you when you get back to your normal day-to-day life.
At the Lighthouse Treatment Center, we incorporate experiential activities in our treatment programs to give you an opportunity to find new passions and discover new experiences. We encourage healthy eating and participation in different sports and adventure activities like hiking, rock climbing, indoor skydiving, and yoga.
Being in recovery is not all about focusing on your negative issues or your emotional turmoil, it’s about recognizing your potential to change for the better and that you have so much more to give. We believe that life in recovery is all about discovering that you can substitute the highs that no longer serve you with amazing adventures, you can enjoy and learn from.
The New Year is all about new beginnings and here at the Lighthouse, we are excited to be in the journey with you and meet the NEW YOU. Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today and get ready to jumpstart your new life with us.
