The Pros & Cons Of Addiction Recovery
The choice to enter addiction treatment can be a challenging one. It means that the person recognizes that they have a problem and need help. This is a big step to take. As they are making this decision, they may be weighing the pros and cons of undergoing treatment. There are many things to consider, but in the end, seeking help can save their life and improve their future. Here are some of the pros and cons associated with seeking addiction recovery:
Pros:
- Improved health. As you rid your body of the toxins of drugs and alcohol, it can improve your overall health. Your body is better able to absorb nutrients, immunity is boosted, mood is elevated, physical strength and endurance returns, and much more.
- Stronger relationships. Through therapy you learn to make amends and overcome issues that may have arisen during your time of using. Though it takes time to rebuild trust, you can strengthen bonds with family members and become a more integral part of their lives now that you are sober.
- Try new things. Many drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers offer comprehensive treatment programs. They integrate nutrition counseling, fitness, meditation, and other recreational activities to provide a full scope of care. You learn how to improve multiple aspects of your life and how these changes can work together for better outcomes.
- Enhance your future. During recovery you learn more about yourself and set goals for the future. In therapy you learn various coping techniques and strategies that you can apply to different situations. By entering into addiction recovery, you give yourself options that may not have existed before and can work toward a brighter future free from substance use.
Cons
- Fear of the unknown. Change is a big part of recovery and that often means facing the unknown. You may have become accustomed to a life of addiction and now you have to change what you once knew to create a healthier life. While it may seem scary, think about all that you will gain from making these positive changes.
- Establishing new routines. You have to break out of the rut that you were in before. This means finding new places to hang out, changing the way you deal with stress and challenging situations, and reducing temptation. It may be hard to give up the familiar, but you can learn to enjoy new habits as you get stronger and healthier and see how much your life has changed for the better.
- Forming new friendships. It can be hard to leave old friendships behind, but if these are people that also use, or encourage you to use, it is necessary to break these bonds. You want to surround yourself with people who support your recovery and will not tempt you to go back to old habits. Through therapy and support groups, you can find others who have gone through similar situations. By engaging in other recreational activities, you can find people who share the same interests and this can lead to lasting friendships.
- Time away from family. During inpatient treatment, you will be away from your family, but there are often visitation times. Keep in mind that you are in recovery so that you can become a more productive member of your family and build stronger relationships. In sobriety you can better appreciate these bonds and the memories that are created.
Getting the help you need. Many perceived cons of recovery can be repositioned as pros. By changing your perspective, you can see how addiction recovery can help you to lead a healthier, happier life. It takes work and acceptance to making changes, but in the end you regain control of your life. Let Chapters Capistrano help you to rebuild your life and your future. Our experienced staff works along with you each step of the way and provides the education and support you need to overcome your addiction.
