{"id":25090,"date":"2024-12-30T11:19:26","date_gmt":"2024-12-30T11:19:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lotuswellness.in\/lotus\/?p=25090"},"modified":"2024-12-30T11:19:26","modified_gmt":"2024-12-30T11:19:26","slug":"lessons-of-addiction-recovery-that-have-roots-in-psychology-lotus-wellness-rehab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lotuswellness.in\/lotus\/lessons-of-addiction-recovery-that-have-roots-in-psychology-lotus-wellness-rehab\/","title":{"rendered":"Lessons of Addiction Recovery That Have Roots In Psychology | Lotus Wellness Rehab"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lessons of Addiction Recovery That Have Roots In Psychology | Lotus Wellness Rehab<\/strong><\/p>\n

By Dr G Om Prakasham,<\/a>
\nChairman, Lotus Wellness
\nMental Health Advocate
\nConsultant Heart Surgeon<\/p>\n

Recovery from an addiction is much more than mere abstinence from a substance or a behavior. \u00a0Abstinence can be, and usually is, a fundamental component of the addiction recovery process, but abstinence does not necessarily equate to recovery. \u00a0According to Lotus Wellness and Rehabilitation Center, \u00a0recovery is \u201ca process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the addiction recovery process people can drastically change and improve their physical health, mental health, spiritual health, financial health, relationships, parenting skills, career capabilities, and the trajectory of their overall general life. \u00a0The possibilities are endless. \u00a0But in addition to drastic life changes in all areas of life, recovery from addiction also teaches many valuable lessons. \u00a0Below are just a handful of important lessons that can be learned through the addiction recovery process that have psychological undertones.<\/p>\n

LIFE HAS A MEANING AND PURPOSE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Every individual constructs their own sense of meaning and purpose in their life. \u00a0The feeling that life has meaning and purpose can come from a variety of areas, such as career, family, nature, or spirituality and religiosity, among others. \u00a0Sobriety can often be a catalyst of one\u2019s sense of meaning and purpose in the world in a variety of ways, be it by being a better parent, a better colleague, a better friend, a better worker, a better member of the community, having a better sense of their spiritual experience on Earth, and so on.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, many individuals in recovery from addiction have found that their suffering during active addiction has led them to a personal transformation, and in some instances their experiences are used to help others with similar struggles. \u00a0Giving back is very important to many in recovery from addiction, and in many instances is central to their sobriety. \u00a0The Twelve-Step philosophy establishes one alcoholic helping another alcoholic as one\u2019s \u201cprimary purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Having a sense of meaning and purpose in life is extremely important to one\u2019s general wellbeing and quality of life, impacting us physically, mentally, spiritually, financially, relationally, and every which way in-between. \u00a0Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist, psychologist and Holocaust survivor, believed that meaning and purpose are fundamental to the human experience, and credits his own meaning and purpose in life as his survival mechanism during the Holocaust. \u00a0Recovery from any illness such as an addiction can be a great catalyst for finding one\u2019s meaning and purpose in life and is a valuable lesson in addiction recovery.<\/p>\n

SELF ESTEEM COMES FROM WITHIN<\/strong><\/p>\n

Self-esteem can be defined as one\u2019s attitude towards themselves. \u00a0More specifically, do they have a positive or negative view of themselves. \u00a0Self-esteem is an extremely important component of mental wellbeing. \u00a0Abraham Maslow included esteem in his Hierarchy of Needs as being fundamental to an individual\u2019s psychological needs.<\/p>\n

Oftentimes individuals who are addicted are plagued by immense feelings of shame and guilt due to the rippling impact of their addiction on themselves and on their loved ones, leading to a negative sense of self. \u00a0Furthermore, being unable to reduce the frequency of their addiction or stop altogether implies \u201cweak will\u201d. Due to a combination of such factors, addicted individuals often have low self-worth.<\/p>\n

In turn, low self-worth often exacerbates one\u2019s substance use or addictive behavior. \u00a0The individual finds solace in their addiction, as it tends to either distract or numb them from their feelings of inferiority and insecurity, and also serves to give a false sense of confidence. \u00a0While all substances can serve these purposes, certain substances (often depressants) such as opioids (heroin, Oxycodone, or Fentanyl), alcohol, and benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin, or Ativan) do a particular good job of numbing emotional pain, while other substances (often stimulants) such as cocaine and amphetamine (Adderall, Dexedrine, Modafinil, Methamphetamine) do a particular good job of providing a false sense of confidence.<\/p>\n

Addiction recovery often naturally results in an increased sense of worth and self-esteem merely by being able to stop engaging in an addictive behavior and putting aside the compromising behaviors that often coincide with addiction. \u00a0Furthermore, addiction recovery teaches individuals to build their sense of worth and esteem by \u201cdoing the right thing.\u201d \u00a0Additionally, individuals in recovery from an addiction are often able to rebuild their relationships, their careers, their health, and other such important life areas that improve their sense of self-respect, confidence, and dignity. \u00a0Such issues are often worked on with addiction professionals during the addiction treatment process.<\/p>\n

GRATITUDE HOLDS GREAT POWER\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cA grateful alcoholic (or addict) does not use\u201d is a common phrase tossed around the addiction recovery community. \u00a0Gratitude is frequently a key component of the addiction recovery process, frequently encouraged by addiction professionals with their patients. \u00a0Addiction recovery teaches individuals that even when life does not appear to be going your way there is always something to be grateful for.<\/p>\n

This is important because gratitude plays a fundamental role in our mood, our behavior, and our outlook on life. \u00a0Studies reflect that gratitude improves one\u2019s mental health, decision making, relationships, resilience, sleep, empathy, and much more. \u00a0As such, not only are individuals who are in a state of gratitude less likely to relapse on their addictive behavior, but they are also likely to have an overall higher quality of life.<\/p>\n

BEING PRESENT FOR LIFE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Addictions are often used as a means to escape reality, serving as a conduit to not be present for one\u2019s life. \u00a0Therefore, recovery from addiction naturally means that one should be facing reality more often, however, other forms of escapism may persist (binge watching Netflix, social media, etc.). \u00a0Nonetheless, mindfulness practices that are often taught by addiction specialists in addiction treatment programs and in addiction therapy enforce the importance of being present for one\u2019s life. \u00a0Mindfulness has become a critical therapeutic technique, often incorporated into Cognitive Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Positive Psychology, among others.<\/p>\n

Mindfulness affords an individual with the ability to be in the present moment, thereby being less focused on the past which breeds depression and less focused on the future which breeds anxiety, both of which are common triggers of relapse. \u00a0Being mindful also affords one with the ability to tune into their physical and mental states, observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement. \u00a0Mindfulness is used in addiction therapy in a variety of ways such as a stress reduction technique, self-care tool, coping mechanism, relaxation technique, self-regulation, resiliency, and overall mechanism for improving wellness for the body and mind.<\/p>\n

LIFE IS ACTUALLY PLEASURABLE<\/strong><\/p>\n

One reason that individuals find themselves addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling or other addictions is that it is the only thing in life that gives them pleasure. \u00a0Due to the impact that addictions have on hijacking the brain\u2019s reward system, individuals who are addicted often report having a low mood, losing interest in other things they used to find pleasurable, and are only able to find solace in their addiction. \u00a0As such, they often do not find natural pleasure in life. \u00a0Furthermore, withdrawal from alcohol or drugs such as opioids or benzodiazepines is probably the opposite of a pleasurable experience.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, recovery from an addiction allows the brain to heal. \u00a0Over time, the brain no longer becomes dependent on an addictive substance or an addictive behavior to bring pleasure. \u00a0The brain is able to produce natural \u201cfeel good\u201d chemicals. \u00a0Simple things such as a beautiful sunrise or sunset, being surrounded by nature, eating a flavorful meal, intimacy with a partner, social outings, physical activity, and other such natural life pleasures bring real joy to the person\u2019s life. \u00a0Although the natural pleasures of life may not be as instantaneous or as stimulating as drugs such as cocaine or behaviors such as gambling, they are more sustainable, less harmful, and usually without consequence.<\/p>\n

Researchers in the field of psychology have also found that one thing that brings people pleasure is finding meaning in their life. \u00a0Studies reflect that those with greater meaning in their life find life more pleasurable, and also have greater psychological wellbeing. \u00a0As such, individuals in recovery from addiction who have newfound meaning and purpose in life in turn may find life is pleasurable.<\/p>\n

RESILIENCE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alcohol and drug addiction can often cause feelings of helplessness, subsequently leading one to feel weak. \u00a0Furthermore, people often contribute to the stigmatic nature of addiction by saying that individuals who are addicted to drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, or other addictive behaviors are \u201cweak willed.\u201d \u00a0However, as the majority of addiction professionals will attest to, addiction is not a matter of willpower, but rather is a matter of neurological changes in the brain making it extremely challenging for individuals to reduce, stop, and stay stopped from their addiction. \u00a0Anyone who has struggled with an addiction or has a loved one who has struggled with an addiction can attest to the enslaving nature of drugs, alcohol, and other forms of addiction.<\/p>\n

A key element that highlights the brutality of addiction is relapse. \u00a0Unfortunately, relapse rates from addiction are extremely high, with approximately 85% of individuals relapsing within their first year of recovery from drugs or alcohol, even after completing a drug and alcohol rehab program. \u00a0As such, individuals in recovery take great pride in their recovery, as it is often one of the most challenging things they have done in their lives. \u00a0In this way, recovery can teach the lesson that anything is possible if one sets their mind to it. \u00a0Individuals in recovery know that they are not weak-willed individuals, but rather have just as strong of a willpower and mindset as anyone else, if not more. \u00a0They are resilient and capable of whatever they set their mind to.<\/p>\n

According to the World Psychological Association, psychologists define resilience as, \u201cthe process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress\u2014such as family and relationship problems, serious health problems, or workplace and financial stressors.\u201d \u00a0The ability to recover from an alcohol addiction or drug addiction certainly meets the criteria for resilience. \u00a0The ability to overcome challenges is often referred to as \u201cself-efficacy\u201d in psychology. \u00a0In turn, learning one\u2019s own resilience in the addiction recovery process can serve to foster the type of mindset and discipline that is necessary to be resilient in other ways when obstacles arise. \u00a0As such, individuals in recovery are able to improve their life and maximize their potential.<\/p>\n

HOPE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hope is the belief that something will happen. \u00a0It is also a cornerstone of addiction recovery, frequently highlighted in Twelve-Step meetings such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. \u00a0Individuals in recovery from addiction are often encouraged to have hope that their life will improve and that things will get better, even in the worst of times. \u00a0In fact, an acronym for the word hope that is often tossed around the recovery community is \u201cHold On Pain Ends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Although hope may seem to be frivolous to some when it comes to battling a severe addiction, it is actually quite an important mechanism of change studied by many psychologists. \u00a0For example, \u201cHope Theory,\u201d coined by psychologist Charles Snyder, emphasizes the importance of hope as a primary agent of change. \u00a0Without hope, Snyder believes that the determination to achieve a goal will not be present. \u00a0Addiction recovery teaches individuals the importance of having hope in achieving their desired goals, be it sobriety or any other objectives they set out to achieve.<\/p>\n

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS EXIST\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

A key component of the addiction recovery process is learning how to have healthy relationships and set healthy boundaries with others. \u00a0During active addiction, many meaningful relationships may have deteriorated, and the ones that still existed may have been dysfunctional, toxic, or codependent. \u00a0Boundaries may have been porous, permeable and unclear. \u00a0And addicted individuals are often known to be \u201cpeople pleasers\u201d putting others at the fore in order to garner friendship, love, and likeability.<\/p>\n

Through the addiction recovery process individuals learn how to set appropriate boundaries, how to have healthy and meaningful relationships, and how to be more assertive and honest in their communications. \u00a0The people that are let in are often one\u2019s built upon mutual respect and trust; letting go of \u201cusing friends\u201d or \u201cdrinking buddies\u201d that were merely negative influences. \u00a0Learning the importance of healthy relationships and how to set appropriate boundaries is regularly taught by addiction professionals at lotus .<\/p>\n

Healthy relationships are a fundamental component of psychological wellbeing. \u00a0Researchers have found healthy relationships to have a strong positive influence on one\u2019s mental health. \u00a0A positive support system has been found to be a catalyst for excelling in life and for overcoming adversity. \u00a0Accepting support when it is needed and also reciprocating support in return helps to foster such necessary healthy relationships throughout life.<\/p>\n

VULNERABILITY AND HONESTY FEELS GOOD<\/strong><\/p>\n

A common phrase that gets tossed around the recovery community, especially in mutual help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, is, \u201cyou\u2019re only as sick as your secrets.\u201d \u00a0This phrase implies that holding onto secrets brings despair; whereas releasing secrets brings healing. \u00a0Opening the blinds lets light in and eliminates darkness all at once. \u00a0Being vulnerable with others allows for one to release and begin to recover.<\/p>\n

Shame, guilt, trauma and fear commonly promote the development of secrecy. \u00a0Secrecy is also a common manifestation of alcoholism and growing up in an alcoholic household. \u00a0In recovery, individuals often find that releasing secrets allows for an opening to begin healing. \u00a0Mutual help meetings and group therapy allow for universality to occur, the ability to see that your personal qualities, beliefs or behaviors are not terminally unique, and allow for others to share that burden with you. \u00a0It allows for individuals to understand that there is nothing wrong with you, but that perhaps something wrong happened to you (for example, sexual abuse).<\/p>\n

BEING SELFLESS WILL GET YOU FARTHER THAN BEING SELFISH\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Self-centeredness is often said to be a characteristic of addiction. \u00a0This is because addicted individuals are perceived to only care about themselves. \u00a0Alcoholics Anonymous states in their literature, \u201cSelfishness, self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles!\u201d \u00a0It is true that oftentimes individuals with addictions will put their addiction before their loved ones, and even before themselves. \u00a0Unfortunately, strong cravings and neurological changes make impulse control very challenging, resulting in the addiction becoming as important as food and water. \u00a0Oftentimes selfishness in addiction comes at the expense of friendships, family relationships, careers, and ultimately leading to a very lonely and isolated state.<\/p>\n

Addiction recovery affords individuals with the ability to change destructive behavioral patterns such as selfishness. \u00a0Addiction therapy can help individuals identify such negative behaviors and work to change them through the therapy process. \u00a0Many addiction professionals and individuals in recovery find value in being selfless in recovery. \u00a0Therapy and addiction recovery can help individuals restore empathy, compassion, and altruism that may have been lost in addiction.<\/p>\n

Psychologists have found that selflessness makes us feel good. \u00a0When we are kind to others or when we give back in a meaningful way, the pleasure centers of our brain are stimulated. \u00a0This is important in addiction recovery because of the damage done to the brain\u2019s reward system during active addiction. \u00a0Studies have found selflessness to have a positive correlation with happiness and improved mental health, among other benefits.<\/p>\n

ABOUT LOTUS<\/p>\n

Lotus is India\u2019s Favourite luxury rehab offering the best treatment programs for Detox, Addiction Rehabilitation, Mental health and overall wellness.<\/p>\n

CONTACT LOTUS<\/p>\n

We at LOTUS WELLNESS AND REHABILITATION CENTER in Coimbatore are happy to help you or your loved one overcome his or her alcohol or drug addiction and stand up for RECOVERY .<\/p>\n

LOTUS WELLNESS AND REHABILITATION CENTER
\nPollachi, \u00a0Coimbatore , Tamilnadu , India
\nCall confidentially 24\/7 (+91 7339062555)
\nReach us at info@lotuswellness.life
\nTo know more about us visit our website
\nwww.lotuswellness.life<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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