Fear is a powerful emotion. A little bit of fear can be a good thing and keep people safe. Other times it controls people’s lives and keeps them from making changes. Fear is a broad barrier that keeps some people from getting the addiction treatment that they need, or is a reason that they keep putting it off. However, treatment is necessary to help them turn their lives around and have a healthier, happier future. Looking at their fears from a different perspective can help people to see that there really isn’t anything to be scared of that the benefits outweigh their fears. That doesn’t always stop them from feeling these fears, but can help them to overcome and seek the treatment they need.
- Fear of Sobriety
Although maintaining sobriety is the goal of recovery, it can still be a fear. Clients often become so used to the lifestyle they have lived while under the influence that they are not sure what to do with themselves if drugs or alcohol are no longer part of their life. There is a common misperception that sobriety is boring and they won’t have fun anymore. But there are many ways that one can enjoy themselves without any substance use. In time they’ll become accustomed to this new way of life and find that there is so much that they are interested and involved in. Seeking out new opportunities and exploring different interests can help those in recovery to stay busy and have a good time.
Spending time with others who refrain from substance use and support their recovery efforts can also help them to see the bright side of sobriety. Together they can make plans and enjoy time spent together with fewer temptations. Those in recovery can broaden their horizons to new ways of life and see how much more enjoyment they get out of every day when they are feeling well, their mind is sharp, and they’re in good spirits.
- Fear of Success
Along those same lines falls the fear of success. Some people automatically assume that they’ll fail and that they don’t have what it takes to achieve recovery. They fear what will happen if they actually do succeed and turn their life around. This means that they will have implemented new strategies and routines into their life and addressed their challenges head on. They’ll have to keep working things through and overcoming temptation and cravings to stay on the path to recovery. They worry about actually keeping up with these changes and improving their life. Sometimes those with active addiction – and even those without – don’t feel as though they are deserving of a better life, so the thought of being successful can be scary.
- Fear of Failure
On the other hand, what if they don’t succeed? What if they put forth all of their effort and fail? Or what if they experience a relapse and have to start again? Sometimes clients are already worrying about failure before they have even started the path to recovery. While some people do suffer from slips or relapse, there are many who don’t. Clients are taught a wide range of strategies and build their support networks to help them remain successful. If they use what they have learned and turn to others for help when they need it, it can support their progress and help prevent relapse. They never know what they are able to achieve unless they give it a try. And even if one program didn’t work as well, there is nothing that says they won’t have different results with their next attempt.
- Fear of Withdrawal
Those who have struggled with addiction know what it’s like to go through withdrawal. These feelings are often what lead them to continue using. But with assistance from a drug and alcohol rehab center, the detox process can be made more safe and comfortable. Medical personnel monitor them around the clock and do what they can to help alleviate symptoms. Once the client has made it through detox, they can focus on the rest of their recovery. This is just one part of it and shouldn’t be reason to avoid seeking treatment all together. Going through detox at a treatment facility can be much safer than trying to go it alone at home.
- Fear of Judgment
Worrying about what others might think can be a fear that holds people back from getting treatment. They don’t want others to judge them or think badly of them. They may worry about losing their job, friends, or family. There are some safeguards in place, however, and many employers support addiction treatment. Clients can share as much or as little with their family and friends as they are comfortable with. It is a personal decision. And generally those who are closest to them have already recognized that something is wrong and the person has changed. The client may find that these people are actually very supportive of them getting treatment. Others want to see them succeed and get better. Addiction is a disease but one that can be managed.
- Fear of Change
Another fear can be the change that comes with addiction treatment. Developing new routines, building new friendships, exploring new activities, and discovering who they are and what they value in their life. All of this can seem overwhelming. It can seem much easier to just stay where they are and keep doing what they’ve been doing. Except that substance misuse can be taking a significant toll on their quality of life. No one said that recovery would be easy, but embracing these changes is worth it. Once clients begin to see the improvement in their lives, it can be motivation to keep pushing forward. Change is not necessarily a bad thing – it can be very positive and open new doors.
Don’t let fear hold you back from receiving addiction treatment. Give recovery a chance and see what a positive difference it can make in all aspects of your life. Chapters Capistrano, a luxury rehab center in Orange County, supports clients along each step of the way through customized approaches to treatment. Find what works for you and start a new chapter in your life today by calling 949-276-2886. It’s not too late to get the life-changing help you need.
