Fear is one of the most defining human emotions, but just because it’s perfectly natural, that doesn’t mean you should let it take control of your life. Sadly, many people who need help to reclaim their lives from a drug or alcohol addiction avoid seeking treatment because they are afraid. Some people are scared of the stigma of addiction, while others worry about how to have fun in recovery. Here’s how to overcome the most common fears about treatment.
1. Fear of Withdrawal
Most people who have become physically dependent on a drug are well aware of what happens when they try to quit – nausea, vomiting, shaking and flu-like muscle aches are all common. While it’s true withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, it helps to know that you’re never alone in addiction recovery. At a qualified treatment center, you’ll always be able to reach out for support when you need it. During medical detox, you will be in a clinical environment with health professionals monitoring your symptoms and administering you medication, as necessary, to fight cravings.
2. Fear of Change
Addiction is all about routine. Ridding yourself of these old, comforting behaviors can make you feel lost and alone, with no safety net to catch you. Learning to face the world without the crutch of your substance of use can be intimidating, and is one of the most significant barriers to seeking help for many people. However, it’s crucial to realize what you will get in return is so much more rewarding than drinking or using.
3. Fear of Facing the People You Hurt
As part of your 12-step recovery process, you will face various emotional challenges, including making amends to anyone you hurt along the way. Addiction leads to impulsive decisions and questionable behavior. While you were actively using, you were also choosing to ignore the pileup of emotional baggage you were constantly adding to. Part of the recovery process includes letting go of this baggage and committing to a fresh new start. Imagine how much lighter you will feel when you can shape the life you’ve always wanted.
4. Fear of Feeling
Using drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism means numbing your feelings. Anytime anxiety, trauma or stress reared their ugly heads in your life, getting drunk or high provided an escape hatch. When you stop using, these feelings will rush back in, and it can often feel overwhelming. The good news is that when you are in treatment, you will have access to therapy and counseling that can teach you how to manage your feelings constructively, without compromising all the progress you’ve made in your recovery journey.
Don’t Let the Fear Win
You can overcome fear and learn strategies to help manage the disease of addiction, but you won’t go it alone. Along the way, you’ll need to rely on the support of other recovering addicts and Spearhead Lodge’s long-term residential substance abuse treatment program that addresses the full spectrum of drug and alcohol misuse issues. If you are ready to get the help you need to recover, contact us today to learn more about our accredited Austin addiction treatment center for young men.